While it may seem “hard to believe”, Caribbean food has only been “readily available” in Britain's capital since the 1960s, said The Infatuation. However, Londoners have more than made up for lost time in the period since.
Spreading out from historically Black British areas like Brixton, Hackney and Notting Hill, Caribbean people and those with West Indian heritage have continued to share their cuisine to be enjoyed by millions.
And it is this “kaleidoscope of cultures” that can be enjoyed in the capital's best eateries, food writer Riaz Phillips told Condé Nast Traveller. With a rich “melting pot” encompassing influences from China to West Africa, “there are many places in the city to experience these flavours before cooking yourself”.
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The Good Front Room, Dalston
Rum and raisin pork belly, mac and cheese and ackee and saltfish cake are just some of the outstanding dishes on offer
When Chef Dom Taylor opened his The Good Front Room residency at The Langham’s Palm Court in 2023, it was a sell-out success, with an extended 10-month residency and rave reviews. Now, years later, the Caribbean concept is back, but this time with a location in Dalston Junction – steps away from the Windrush line station. One hopes it will be a forever home for the brand. From bright colours to striking paintings and a collection of West Indian trinkets on a cabinet (a decorative touch that invokes the restaurant’s name), it feels vibrant from the moment you step inside. But what makes this venture so interesting is that while it leans on tradition, it also elevates Caribbean flavours, giving them a modern twist.
My favourites are an incredibly fragrant jerk chicken with a stand-out plantain jam that perfects the balance between sweet and savoury, and a creamy mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumbed top. Following closely behind is the tender rum and raisin pork belly, and a gungo pea daal and roti dish that may make you wonder why you’re not vegetarian if you haven’t made the switch already. My guest remarked on the flakiness of the roasted sea bream which was given an additional lift in flavour by pimento and lemongrass, and the ackee and saltfish cakes are also a must-have: a real tribute to Taylor’s Jamaican and St Lucian heritage. The signature drink on offer is a knock-your-socks-off rum punch that’ll make you grateful the food is plentiful and filling. But there’s also a host of other non-alcoholic and alcoholic options, many featuring traditional Caribbean flavours like sorrel and ginger. If you can squeeze in dessert, perhaps the most eye-catching option is the Dragon Stout soft-serve, an ice cream given a twist with flavours of the Jamaican stout and nutmeg. An afternoon or evening spent at The Good Front Room is essential for those who love Caribbean food, but for those who are yet to try it, this restaurant is the perfect introduction to this cuisine.
London E8, thegoodfrontroom.co.uk
LIMIN, Southbank
Soft flatbreads, filled to the brim with curried chickpeas, at Limin
Breezy and bright, this terrace-style Trinidadian restaurant brings the exciting flavours of the Caribbean to London’s Gabriel’s Wharf in impressive style. One taste of the menu and you’ll feel the heritage and connection Trinidadian-born chef Sham Mahabir has to these amazing, authentic dishes. The food here is, quite simply, second to none. No limited menu options here, and instead you’ll more than likely be stuck on what to choose. Like any Caribbean restaurant, you’ll find the usual jerk chicken on the menu here. But Mahabir’s cuisine really shines in the Trinidadian options, where he puts a unique spin on home-style dishes. The Trini curries, for instance, are a testament to amazing cuisine – the curry goat is incredibly tender, and the curry chicken perfectly marinated. Roti here is served ‘buss up shut’, essentially meaning it is flaky, warm and almost falling apart, so get stuck in with your hands and use it to scoop up the warming flavours of your curry of choice.
Vegetarians and vegans need not worry about sad, uninspiring or limited dining options. In fact, the meat-free cuisine at Limin is just as outstanding, giving the traditional fare a run for its money. The popcorn saheena – spinach and sweetcorn fritters accompanied by a tamarind sauce – are by far and away the best vegan dish I have ever sampled. Bursting with flavour, they are crisp on the outside and pillowy soft in the middle. Of course, no sampling of Trinidadian cuisine is complete without trying doubles. These soft flatbreads filled to the brim with curried chickpeas, tangy tamarind sauce, mango chutney and hot sauce are a calypso on the palate – irresistible with a taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Rum punch is a drink that defines the Caribbean, and Limin knows how to do it in style. Thirst-quenching, yet not too strong, this is a perfectly fresh beverage for a summer’s day – yet the mojito is also a close competitor. A visit to Limin is a must for those interested in a unique culinary journey, rooted in tradition. While it treads a fine line between tourist-centric and laid-back island spirit, it is easy to see why the restaurant last year scooped the well-earned title of Best Caribbean restaurant in the UK at the Caribbean Food Awards.
London SE1, limin.co.uk
Fenchurch Restaurant, Sky Garden, City of London
More than just a meal: dining at Fenchurch Restaurant
Suspended between sky and city at the top of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building a stone’s throw away from Monument, Fenchurch Restaurant offers more than just a meal. Instead it provides an unforgettable moment that is sure to serve as a conversation starter for weeks to come. Decked out in tropical greens, accents of gold and pops of orange, the space is sleek yet warm and perfectly placed amid the lush greenery of the Sky Garden. And it helps that the views across London are stunning.
The menu is a masterclass in fine dining with Caribbean flair. Start off with wine recommendations from the incredible sommelier team, whose knowledge will help enhance the flavours you are about to sample. Service is refined, attentive and polished without being aloof. To start, the saffron risotto is incredibly fragrant and rich, while the jerk salmon ceviche is perfectly spiced and complemented with plantain chips. A unique twist on the traditional bread to share, sourdough is paired with a rich balsamic butter that is a must-try. Le Cordon Bleu-trained Anguillan chef Kerth Gumbs once again turns his hand to a distinctive dish with the five-cheese gnocchi – stuffed in what can only be described as a Caribbean patty and laid on a bean cassoulet. It certainly has strong flavours, but for cheese connoisseurs, there’s enjoyment to be had. Finish it all off with a warm coconut tart paired with a creamy vanilla ice cream.
London EC3, skygarden.london
Hoodwood, Kentish Town
A quirky twist on the Cockney classic of pie and mash at Hoodwood, Kentish Town
Signified by the titular ‘hood’, you might not be surprised this small Caribbean takeaway has the neighbourhood at its heart, offering a quick, casual spot to grab a bite to eat. But while its exterior may seem innocuous, this is food that packs a real – and traditional – punch. The jerk chicken that is a staple of most Caribbean restaurants is perfectly smoked and your plate is sure to be piled high with rice and peas, while the curry lamb is succulent and aromatic. There’s also an equally competitive vegetarian option comprising chickpeas, callaloo, jollof rice (traditionally African) and plantain. Bursting with flavour, the chickpeas are the star: nutty but not overwhelmingly spicy.
Before you go, make sure to try the oxtail butter bean stew, often difficult to perfect. Hoodwood tackles the Caribbean classic with finesse, as the tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat falls off the bone, while butter beans enhance a smoky, spiced broth. A quirky twist on the Cockney classic of pie and mash is also on offer, with Jamaican beef patties offered alongside flavoursome mashed potato and jerk gravy. And this isn’t the owners’ first foray into such delicious food. The nearby Guanabana – a London favourite for many years – and Cafe Mama and Sons (offering Filipino-Japanese sandwiches and sweet treats) are also well worth a try.
London NW1, hoodwood.co.uk
Rebekah Evans was a guest at The Good Front Room, Limin, Fenchurch Restaurant and Hoodwood