I tried jerk chicken from East London’s best Caribbean restaurant and by the end I was licking the plate’ – My London

After being disappointed with the bland and low quality food at chain restaurants, I wanted to find some authentic Caribbean food in Walthamstow . I stumbled across the independently owned Rhythm Kitchen on Hoe Street, home to the biggest rum bar in East London and owned by the Jerk Father.

I went in with high hopes and I was not disappointed. When you walk in there is a homely vibe to the restaurant that made me feel like I was going to be served up one of my grandmas Sunday dinners. I sat down with my friend and we were given a huge menu with lots of options that included vegan and a cocktail list that, of course, I was very excited by.

We sadly just missed happy hour but I wasnt going to let that stop me from enjoying a cocktail. I went for a classic, Rum Punch, which is made using the Jerk Fathers own recipe, so I had to give it a go. It was delicious, super refreshing and not too sugary with the perfect rum to punch ratio. A proper taste of the Caribbean as one Tripadvisor user put it.

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As the restaurant is owned by the Jerk Father I knew I had to try something jerk flavoured, so I went for the obvious: Jerk Chicken which comes with two sides of your choice. I went for the Rice and Peas and Steamed Vegetables and as I love Mac & Cheese, added that to my list too. My friend ordered the braised oxtail which also came with two sides so she added rice and peas and fried plantain.

The Jerk Chicken was served with another pot of delicious jerk gravy and the sides came in separate bowls. The chicken was moist and full of flavour. It was sweet and spicy but not to a point where my mouth was on fire. I hadnt eaten all day so I was very pleased to see the hefty size of the chicken and thankfully I was wearing comfy clothes so was able to stuff my face without having to walk home with an undone belt.

The sides were amazing. The mac & cheese had the perfect amount of cheese and when dipped in the Jerk Gravy created the best combination of sweetness and cheesiness. The steamed vegetables had the right amount of crunch and juiciness that you would hope for, the best way to eat vegetables I think. The rice and peas were of course delicious. Buttery and full of kidney beans - just how I like it.

It was my friends first time trying oxtail and she was more than impressed. I was getting food envy so I had to try some for myself and I have eaten a lot of oxtail in my life, but this was one of the best I have ever tried. The perfect amount of spice and flavour and lots of meat with some bone to suck some extra juices out of.

The portions were so big and I was getting extremely full but the food was so good I couldnt stop eating. I really got my moneys worth as its all reasonably priced. If you do go, you will not be wasting your money. All in all, it was a worthy competitor of my grandmas cooking.

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Excerpt from:

I tried jerk chicken from East London's best Caribbean restaurant and by the end I was licking the plate' - My London