Ackee and saltfish has been named one of the best national dishes in the world, according to National Geographic Magazine.

Despite its “unhappy origins as slave food”, the magazine said Jamaicans have reclaimed it as their national dish.

In attempting to explain the little-known ackee, the magazine decried it as a “nutritious fruit with a buttery-nutty flavor,” and resembles scrambled egg when cooked.

Ackee and saltfish is often served with bammy and fried plantains, the magazine said.

Other nations that had their dish featured in the Top 10 are Barbados and its coo-coo and flying fish, hamburgers from the US and England’s roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.