London has this stigma of being a city with tasteless food. However, I’ve been here over a month and have yet to experience a meal lacking flavor. There are so many cultures here, much like NYC, which makes it a melting pot of delicious foods.
From European cafes with a myriad of pastries and freshly baked bread to dim sum in Chinatown, London has it all.
I knew there was a large Caribbean community here prior to arriving, but for some reason, I wasn’t convinced that the Caribbean food would be good.
After attending Notting Hill Carnival and seeing all the Caribbean food trucks and stalls, I began to get curious. The smells of smoky jerk chicken and spicy curry goat lured me in and I finally tried a bit of what their Caribbean food scene had to offer.
I can now say without a doubt that London’s Caribbean food is pretty damn good.
Here are 5 Caribbean restaurants you have to try when in London Town:
Rudie’s
The jerk chicken at Rudie’s is marinated in spices for 24 hours before being grilled to perfection. Although the menu is small, there are food choices for every foodie’s preference.
Rudie’s also has the largest selection of Jamaican sipping rums in the U.K.
If you have a sweet tooth, try their chocolate rum cake…so good!
Peppers And Spice
This spot is strictly a takeaway restaurant located in North London. There are two locations (Dalston and Tottenham) and both are equally delicious.
Like most Caribbean takeaway spots, the menu of main dishes changes daily.
You can always count on getting a hot, flaky patty here though — they even have veggie patties which give the meaty ones a run for their money.
Cottons
Cottons has four locations in London: Camden, Shoreditch, Vauxhall, and Notting Hill. It is the longest-running Caribbean restaurant in London and first opened its doors in 1985.
Head here for their Tropical Bottomless Brunch where you can choose between 2 hours of bottomless Rum punch or Prosecco while enjoying Reggae hits.
Their yardie breakfast is to die for and includes ackee & saltfish, fried dumplings, and plantains.
Mama’s Jerk
Jerk and roti are what you’ll get at Mama’s Jerk. There are three locations across London: Deptford Market Yard, Pop Brixton, and Stree Feast London – Model Market Lewisham.
They also have pop-ups at various festivals which you can keep up with via their social media accounts.
Along with the jerk chicken wrap, you have to try their jerk chips (fries) — they’re coated with the Mama’s Jerk special jerk sauce!
Rum Kitchen
This spot has locations in Brixton and Carnaby and a happy hour every day. The saltfish fritters with tamarind dip are pretty much addicting.
If you’re vegan or plant-based, there are lots of options. The jackfruit patties are pretty much a piece of heaven on earth and completely vegan.
Their choices of rum punches are also pretty solid. Oh, and did I mention their jerk chicken wings are marinated for 48-hours? They’re definitely a must when at the Rum Kitchen!