LDNReview
photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch
JB's Soul Food
London isn’t lacking in jerk options. Though it is when it comes to the two Cs: consistency and char. Very few of the city’s Caribbean restaurants and shops are able to offer both of these things, but JB’s Soul Food has no problem delivering either.
There’s no doubt that this little spot off of Peckham High Street is more suited to takeaway than taking your time—it’s a cramped corridor where you should always expect a verbal clip around the ear and a wink from behind the counter—but you don’t come to JB’s for a Michelin-approved environment. No, you come to JB’s for the food. Jerk chicken full of spice, sweetness and a welcome hit of smoke fresh from the drum. Pork belly chunks, glistening fat, jerk-infused crackling and all that are best gobbled on the pavement outside. Fragrant curried goat, satisfying crumbly patties, and swiggable Guinness punch. Thankfully a Michelin inspector would never give JB’s a second look, otherwise the rest of us wouldn’t be able to get in.
A small portion of jerk chicken with rice and peas will set you back just £3 here, while that extra special jerk pork is only advertised as available on weekends. Though, between us, you can also swing by and get it on Wednesdays as well. Just keep that hush-hush. Regardless of when you’re coming or what you’re getting, you’re going to love JB’s. Consistency and char are key but so too is choice, and every choice you make at JB's will likely be a great one.
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Food Rundown
Jerk Chicken
Getting jerk sauce all over can be a risk. Some restaurants don't make their own and you can have some carefully marinaded and spiced meat covered in a sugary puddle straight from the bottle. No such risk at JB's with their sauce and chicken. It's the most delicious and welcome-looking oil slick you could ever see. Fruit and with a background tingle of spice, made to match their smokey, moist chicken.
Jerk Pork
Limited availability creates hype but it's only irresistable if said thing is worth it. This jerk pork is. It's simultaneously chewy and tender, crispy and saucy. We'd recommend getting the jerk sauce on the side, so you can enjoy the scotch bonnet flecked marinade and char of the pork itself.
