If you are looking for a taste of the Caribbean in Philadelphia, several Jamaican restaurants can satisfy your taste buds. Whether it's a small, family-run cafe or part of an interstate chain, these eateries serve up traditional island fare like jerk chicken, ackee, roti curry, and meat and vegetable patties.
Jamaican Jerk Hut serves classic, home-style Jamaican and Caribbean dishes. The jerk chicken is prepared with a homemade marinade, spiced and cooked over a charcoal pit for an authentic taste. The version served with coconut rice and beans is the restaurant's specialty; other plates include oxtail soup, roti curry, and meat- and vegetable-stuffed pastries. Seafood curries, stews and ceviches round out the menu. The restaurant has a laid-back feel with reggae music playing in the background, and a 60-seat outdoor dining area adorned with bamboo and hibiscus flowers. Patrons may bring their own alcohol. Take out and delivery are available.
Jamaican Jerk Hut
1436 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215-545-8644
jamaicanjerkhutinc.com
Mango Bush, a small cafe owned by a native Jamaican couple, serves up Caribbean staples and their own special recipes. The cafe is small and cozy with island photos and paintings adorning the walls; reggae, gospel, and hip-hop music plays in the background. Dishes are served on paper plates with fried plantains, dumplings, stewed cabbage, sweet potatoes and/or rice and beans. Entrees include goat curry, jerk chicken, and pepper steak, plus the owners' original mango shrimp recipe. Notable drinks include imported Jamaican sodas and fresh tropical juices. Mango Bush is open every day except Sundays for lunch and dinner.
Mango Bush
524 South 4 St. (South Street)
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-789-9675
(no official website available)
Golden Krust, a Jamaican food chain with 100-plus restaurants in nine states, is owned by a Jamaican family and features a variety of dishes prepared with traditional recipes. The shop specializes in patties, which come in chicken, meat, fish, and vegetable varieties, also sold frozen in select supermarkets. The menu also includes a wide selection of pastries, sides, and traditional dishes like jerk fish, stewed chicken and braised oxtail served with rice, plantains, and dumplings. Vegetarian options include soya patties as well as tofu and steamed vegetables. Traditional breakfasts are also available with dishes like ackee, codfish, and porridge.
Golden Krust
5600 N Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19141
215-224-8225
goldenkrustbakery.com
