There’s no shortage of Caribbean takeaways in London, but there is a lack of Vegan Caribbean Restaurants, so I was interested and excited to try Jam Delish.
I’ve grown up on Caribbean food and lived in the Caribbean, but meat is a main component of numerous dishes, and I haven’t eaten it for many years. Ital is Vital! However, making the transition wasn’t easy in a Caribbean family, especially when not eating meat or dairy wasn’t “trendy” and alternative dietary requirements were not as accommodating as they are today.
I’m not into meat substitutes, but I was very keen to try this place, as from what I had seen on the socials, it looked mouthwatering and, being of African-Caribbean heritage, the menu was dear to my heart. That said, social media can be a lot of hype, so I wondered whether it would live up to it (the hype, that is). I’ve dined at Jam Delish twice now, and I’m open to many more visits, so I think that says it all.
Background
Jam Delish is an independent family-owned restaurant that opened in early 2023. However, like many other businesses, the story started in 2020 during lockdown.
The Caribbean plant-based initiative was founded by siblings Jordan and Chyna and started as a pop-up at The Sun and 13 Cantons in Soho. After receiving five-star reviews from customers and food critics, the siblings opened their flagship restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of Angel, Islington.
Décor/atmosphere
Jam Delish has a relaxed atmosphere with warm décor, bright Caribbean colours and a massive palm tree taking centre stage at the entrance.
Food & Drink
Dining from the set menu, I started with the Bajan “fish” tacos, which were recommended by my waiter. As soon as I tasted them, I wanted to marry the chef. I later discovered that the executive chef is former Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen alumnus Nathan Collymore.
For the main, I went for the curry “goat”. As stated above, I’ve not eaten meat for years, and I don’t miss it, but the smell of curry goat still takes me back to childhood, just as this dish did. The textures are so on point it’s mind-boggling. However, this “goat” is made with seitan (not as sinister as it sounds), a wheat gluten, but does not compromise on flavour. The dish came with rice and peas, plantain and fried cabbage.
So let’s go back to the textures, which are so superb that when I tasted my friend’s jerk “pork” belly tacos, I didn’t like it, as it reminded me too much of the real thing. That’s when you know they are good at what they do.
Just as delicious as the “goat” is the “oxtail”, which is rich and flavoursome. The “oxtail” is made from four different types of mushrooms, butter beans, and dumplings (of course). The dish comes with noodles, but I asked if I could have it with rice and peas, and they accommodated my request.
Jam Delish deliver hearty dishes that not only taste good but also feel good when eating. It is not fine dining, but neither is it casual. Portions are ample but plated carefully with components arranged to create visual balance, and the contrasting flavours prevent the palate from getting bored.
For dessert, I opted for the chocolate pimento festival – mini-festivals with a chocolate pimento sauce, coconut and Guinness punch reduction. These were very tasty, with the coconut and Guinness punch reduction making the dish.
I would have also loved to see Guinness Punch on the drinks menu. The chocolate pimento sauce came separately, but I didn’t think much of it. However, I put that down to the fact that I’m generally not a fan of chocolate desserts.
I washed the meal down with a vegan rose. There was also a substantial creative cocktail menu which, in line with the Caribbean theme, serves up Sorrel Margaritas, Ah we rum tings slushies and Antiguan Zombies.
Service
The Jam Delish team are accommodating with requests and helpful in providing information for those new to vegan cuisine and meat substitutes and who naturally have many questions.
Price
The set menu price is £25 for two dishes and £30 for three. However, to receive this offer, reservations must be made online in advance.
Overall
Jam Delish’s mission is to show that there’s no need to compromise on quality and taste when choosing to eat vegan, and by fusing plant-based food with their Caribbean roots, take Caribbean food to the next level by delivering delicious, authentic, Modern Caribbean Vegan Cuisine.
I welcomed eating a full selection of Caribbean dishes without feeling excluded. Curry goat was one of my favourite Caribbean dishes, and I’ve been unable to eat it for years. It was emotional. I was not one for fake meat products, but this restaurant is a game-changer.
Whether you’re a meat eater, vegan or otherwise, Jam Delish comes highly recommended. Though based in a back street in Islington, Jam Delish delivers standout food and plant-based brilliance in the form of Modern Caribbean Vegan Cuisine.
Address: 1 Tolpuddle St, London N1 0X
Station: Angel
