United Kingdom

London

Caribbean

Food

Dinner

Lunch

Riaz Philips

The debate on top Caribbean eateries across London is one that is heavily discussed, however if you had to single out one person to give you the insider sauce, it would be Riaz Phillips, author of 

. Riaz draws on the owners’ individual journeys, whilst also showing the importance of their eateries as community hangouts - somewhere to come for a patty or a slice of rum cake, with several sides of chat, debates and music. Riaz’s not only tries showcases these often overlooked spots, but in doing so he explores the complex history of the Caribbean and those who migrated over to the UK. As Riaz says “food’s so important in the heritage of any region”, so check out his top spots below for an insight into the soul of Caribbean culture in London.

OG Bakery. Hardo bread, patties, spiced bun, bulla cake and more FRESH out the oven.

Well refined and modern take. Head down on Wednesday nights for a Afro-sonic soundscape of live music and sing-a-longs.

West London’s finest with a wall mural of signed celeb customers that deserves to be Grade II listed.

Be prepared to queue out the door at lunchtimes and weekends (for a reason). A daily changing menu of every Jamaican fave.

South London’s roti answer bringing Trinidad to our town with wraps, doubles and indo-trini sweets to send you into a food coma.

North London’s premier roti takeout spot. Meat-eaters and vegans both easily pleased.

Keep it simple. Jerk pork, lamb or chicken or a mix of all. Best jerk in town easily.

Be ready to wait and don't even think about asking the ladies where your food is. Go large mix. Infamous peppered steak and fry fish with sides.

One of the most incredible grocery shops in town, with hand-built rasta coloured shelving. Takeout round the back using their fresh ingredients.

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The 10 Best Caribbean Food Spots in London with Riaz Philips

Garden of Afruika

 multicultural heart is by far the city's best quality—and with its many diaspora communities comes a host of different, delicious foodie worlds to explore. 


 is a food initiative that celebrates culture through cuisine. From community cooking clubs and restaurant pop-ups to event catering, their events honour diverse culinary traditions. 

They know the best culinary spots in the city, and respect and acknowledge the culture and communities behind them. Check their guide below.



Hinge

Run by amazing chef Zae Millen, she does some of the best pop-ups and supper clubs you'll find. Her food has been served in Jumbi, Bone Baddies, My Neighbours the Dumpling, plus loads more spots. She is the biggest bundle of energy and her focus is good authentic African & Caribbean flavours.There are always some really good plant-based options, for me and my fellow plant eaters. 

My go-to place in London for good plant-based Ethiopian. I actually went for my last birthday with my family. It's in the heart of Dalston and the food never disappoints. It's BYOB, the prices are reasonable and they only take cash — real old school settings. 

A tiny little Jamaican spot in Forest Gate. You can just about fit four people in there, but the food is up there. It doubles up as a Caribbean grocery store called Wenty's Tropical Foods, which has been a staple in Newham since the 80s. When you go, you must get the Ital stew with rice and peas and plantain — thank me later!

Black Rootz is a Black-women-led growing collective based in Wolves Lane, Wood Green. Anybody can go down there to volunteer on a Thursday, learn more about growing fresh fruit and veg and just help support such a wonderful and selfless community of people. It's a gem that more people should know about and I really implore you to give it a go. If you do go, ask for Paulette, Pam or James and tell them Garden of Afruika sent you.

This one is run by a real good brother, who deeply cares about his African cultural heritage and takes archiving, as well as sharing knowledge and resources very seriously. Seed in an incredible, free research library in the heart of Tottenham, which displays books, objects and sounds on African and Caribbean culture and design. Just give Seed a DM on Instagram to book an appointment.

From Hidden Jamaican Restaurants to Rare Cultural Archives: Garden of Afruika’s Top London Spots

D Double E

East London's finest, D Double E aka the Sea Food King, shares his personal guide to his favourite spots across London city. The grime legend has just dropped his new album, Double or Nothing, which features the likes of Giggs, Ms Banks and Ghetts. The album is sonically crazy, with our favourite track, Catch of the Day, of course being inspired by his one true love: 

. We recommend putting on your headphones and playing it as you hit up the first stop on the guide...

This is the spot for Caribbean food, gets me ready for the day.

This spot is my personal favourite. Especially for a great steak or lamb chop 10/10

When I’m not too busy i go and play basketball need to try and keep fit.

My Brudda Sonny sorts me with the exclusive, always got the bangers in there.

We all need to treat ourselves every now and then, all that hard work needs some therapy lol.

Tasty Vybz / Wenty's Caribbean

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