Authentic Flavor Born From Tradition

For Chef Rohan Kentish, food has always been about more than what is served on the plate. It is about culture, family, hospitality and bringing people together. 

Born and raised in Jamaica, Chef Rohan’s culinary identity was shaped by the flavors, aromas and traditions of the island. Jamaican cooking taught him that exceptional food does not begin with complicated techniques—it begins with quality ingredients, patience, proper seasoning and respect for tradition. Those principles continue to guide his cooking today.

Chef Rohan began his professional culinary journey in 2001, developing his craft through years of hands-on experience in restaurants, hotels, catering and entrepreneurship. His career has included experience with Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios and Marriott Waterside in Tampa, Florida, exposing him to both the warmth of Caribbean hospitality and the standards expected in professional hotel and event environments.

But entrepreneurship has always been an important part of his journey.

While in Jamaica, Chef Rohan operated Island Caterers and Come Cook Wid Mi, experiences that helped shape his approach to catering and interactive culinary experiences. Those early ventures reinforced something he continues to believe today: great food has an extraordinary ability to turn strangers into friends and ordinary gatherings into memories. 

After bringing his culinary journey to Central Florida, Chef Rohan continued sharing the food and hospitality of Jamaica through Jahmin Jerk.

What began with a strong focus on authentic jerk cuisine grew into something much larger. Customers weren't only asking for jerk chicken—they wanted oxtails, curry dishes, seafood, traditional sides, catering, private events and the broader range of flavors Chef Rohan had spent years preparing.

That evolution helped inspire Spicy Groves Jamaican Kitchen.

Spicy Groves represents a broader expression of Chef Rohan's culinary vision: a catering and culinary experience company capable of honoring traditional Jamaican food while creating menus appropriate for today's corporate events, weddings, private celebrations and executive gatherings. 

At the heart of Chef Rohan's cooking is authenticity.

His approach isn't about simply making food spicy. Jamaican cuisine is layered and complex—built with herbs, aromatics, spices, marinades and cooking techniques that develop flavor over time.

From smoky jerk chicken and slow-braised oxtails to curry dishes, rice and peas, seafood and traditional sides, Chef Rohan strives to create food that feels familiar to those who grew up eating Jamaican cuisine while giving those experiencing it for the first time a genuine introduction to the island.

That philosophy is captured in the Spicy Groves promise:

For Chef Rohan, Spicy Groves Jamaican Kitchen represents the next chapter of a culinary journey that began in Jamaica more than two decades ago.

It brings together his Jamaican heritage, professional culinary experience, years of entrepreneurship and passion for hospitality under one brand built to introduce more people to the depth and diversity of Jamaican cuisine.

From corporate offices and employee appreciation events to weddings, private celebrations and interactive cooking experiences, Chef Rohan and Spicy Groves are bringing a taste of Jamaica to tables throughout Central Florida.

And regardless of the size of the event, the philosophy remains simple:

Chef Rohan Kentish
Founder & Executive Chef
Spicy Groves Jamaican Kitchen

Authentic Flavor Born From Tradition.