The Caribbean, and the exquisite flavours of this region, hold a special place in the heart of London. The vibrancy of the Caribbean has long driven the pulse of culture in London. Since the middle of the twentieth century, London has been developing a fantastic collection of Caribbean eateries and street-food vendors, producing food from all across the region. With an influx of migrants from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana during the 1960s and 1970s, the food landscape of London, and indeed the rest of Britain, changed for the better forever. In the early days, this exquisite food was eaten mostly in homes and in family-owned restaurants serving local communities. However, the appeal of the tastes of the Caribbean didn’t stay under wraps for long. Soon enough, events like the Notting Hill Carnival introduced this cuisine to the wider population in London. Nowadays, Caribbean food is central to Britain’s culinary identity, with foods like plantains, jerk seasonings, and patties sold in supermarkets across the British Isles.
Certain areas in London are known especially for their Caribbean food. Brixton, for instance, is home to many great spots to try the cuisine and boasts a unique market and street food culture that produces a great deal of exciting and delicious treats for those looking for a truly authentic introduction to Caribbean food. Recently, this outstanding food has really gained in popularity, with trendy and exciting restaurants popping up all across the city of London. Below we list some of the very best spots to dine for those seeking a taste of the Caribbean.
Danclair’s Kitchen, Brixton
Located in the beating heart of Caribbean food in London, Danclair’s is an innovative restaurant that offers a wide range of Caribbean dishes and flavours across a tapas style menu. Owned by Brian Danclair, this small but vibrant location is one of many in the Caribbean culinary superstar’s repertoire—he also owns Fish, Wings and Tings near Brixton Market. The restaurant is brilliantly decorated with a mural of Danclair’s grandmother, Tina, who was from Trinidad. The restaurant offers a scintillating menu of small plates with flavours from across the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas. They also offer an excellent array of wines and cocktails to accompany your meal.
Roti Stop, Stoke Newington
Although associated often with Indian cuisine, the roti is also a staple of the Trinidadian diet, brought to the nation by Indian labourers during the nineteenth century. These labourers brought with them the flavours and culinary customs of India, influencing local cooking for many years to come. The roti, as it is prepared at Roti Stop, is rolled up and filled to bursting with chickpeas, stewed chicken, ackee and saltfish, or a rich and spicy lamb stew. Roti Stop are known for their generous helpings and for the absolute flavour extravaganza in their food. No trip to London would be complete without trying a roti here—this is the perfect warming meal after a long day out exploring or working.
Jam Delish, New Islington
Jam Delish is a critically celebrated family-owned business in the heart of Angel, New Islington. Run by siblings Jordan and Chyna, the restaurant specialises in the cutting edge of vegan Caribbean food. Although many Caribbean dishes are known for their meat, plant-based diets are not uncommon in the region, often for religious reasons, and Jordan and Chyna opened the restaurant to share the dishes that shaped their upbringing in a vegan home. The pair experimented with meat alternatives, chicken bone made from sugar cane, and jackfruit instead of saltfish. The elegant restaurant has drawn many five-star reviews and is a must-visit for both plant-based and non-plant-based diners alike.
Ma Petite Jamaica, Camden
Situated in Camden—one of London’s most stylish neighbourhoods—Ma Petite Jamaica takes great pride in being London’s first Caribbean diner. Decked out in the vibrant colours of the Caribbean and bedecked with Jamaican flags, this cosy space feels like summer all year round. They offer an extensive selection of rums and cocktails to accompany their rich menu. You can choose from an array of plates to share or treat yourself to a very large and hearty meal!
Island Vibez, Theatre Royal Bar and Kitchen, Stratford
For theatre enthusiasts looking to find the very best of what London has to offer, Island Vibez marries the theatre going experience with the extraordinary food of the Caribbean. The restaurant, as well as serving delicious food, also hosts an array of music events, drawing on the rich cultural activity surrounding it. The restaurant has several menus, including a canape menu, for those attending the theatre who might be in need of a light, elegant bite.
Bluejay Café, South Norwood
Having been open for fifteen years now, Bluejay Café has earned its spot as one of the most celebrated day-time dining experiences in London. This Caribbean café is frequented by stars like the rapper Stormzy, but don’t be mistaken, this humble café has remained focused on producing outstanding food and not on decorating for celebrity guests. Bluejay Café is an eatery for the community, and for anyone who wants to know what the food of the Caribbean is really all about. Be organised, though, this café is only open during the day.
Rudie’s Jerk Shack, Fulham, Borough Market, and Shoreditch
With meat spiced and slow cooked over charcoal in a steel drum for twenty-four hours, Rudie’s Jerk Shack is no doubt one of the most flavoursome spots in London. This is proper street food, perfect for restoring your energy as you walk through Borough Market or the trendy suburb of Shoreditch. They also serve plenty of warming rums to keep you going on a cold winter’s day.
Caribbean cuisine has a long and varied history in the United Kingdom, and London is home to many incredible eateries showcasing the exquisite flavours of this region and their relationship to the British Isles. The above restaurants showcase the very best of what London has to offer, from family-owned restaurants to community staples.
