Caribbean cuisine is a rare find in the Big Mango but the arrival of Jamaican Eatz is making it a little more available to us Bangkokians. Established by two New Yorkers who found themselves missing it, they took matters into their own hands and established Jamaican Eatz. For a year, they did wholesale, selling pies to different shops and restos, but it was only a month ago that they put up a stall at W District in Phra Khanong.
While the name is "Jamaican Eatz", the food isn't strictly Jamaican. The name was a compromise due to the market: the word "Caribbean", they found, was associated more to Johnny Depp, and since they didn't want people thinking they were serving pirate food, they settled for "Jamaican", which locals are a bit more familiar with. The menu consists of a fusion of Caribbean dishes with hints of Southern US soul food. One of the owners described it as "Caribbean fusion soul food with a twist", and I'd tend to agree because there's definitely a lotta soul.
Jamaican Eatz's pies is one of their signature delicacies and they come in two kinds: meats and sweets. You can opt for the savoury meats like the Australian beef, which is their best-seller or for those with a sweet tooth, their Apple pie is the best pick. The pies also come in either a mini (B40, three for B100) or a large size (B100). Aside from their stall at W District, these pies can also be bought at Roots at K Village, The Beer Cap at The Commons and other locations listed on their website.
They've also got what we can consider as a main course meal with different platters like their Roti plate (B200) or Island combo plate (B280). You can mix and match the platters with their selection of pies and they also come with delectable side dishes: fresh coleslaw, slightly spicy island beans and the utterly delectable coconut rice. You can get this with a roti that can be filled up with meat of your choice: jerk chicken (which is not referring to the chicken's attitude), beef or pork. The fillings are savoury but the roti gives it the tiniest hint of sweetness.
If you simply want something sweet, fret not. Their apple pie is just the right amount of sweet to fulfil your cravings. Plus, it's served with your choice of ice cream: French vanilla which they import from -- duh -- France, or salted caramel. You can get it as Large pie with ice cream (B140) or opt for the Mini pie with ice cream (B80).
It's great that Jamaican Eatz is jumping into the fray to make the cuisine a little more accessible to Bangkok. Whether you visit their stall or order through FoodPanda, you can be rest assured that you've got good Caribbean food coming your way. g
Jamaican Eatz is at W District Phra Khanong. Visit www.JamaicanEatz.com and www.fb.com/JamaicanEatzAsia.
