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 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 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, and jerk-infused crackling are best gobbled on the pavement outside. As well as fragrant curried goat, satisfying crumbly patties, and swiggable Guinness punch.

If you’re getting the jerk chicken, we’d recommend asking for sauce on the side. Sometimes it’s perfect with bite, other times it’s far too sweet. 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.

Food Rundown

Jerk Chicken

Getting jerk sauce all over can be a risk. Some restaurants don't make their own and you can end up with some carefully marinated and spiced meat covered in a sugary puddle straight from the bottle. JB’s never does that, but the jerk sauce does vary so get it on the side. On some days it’s fruity with a background tingle of spice, made to match their smoky, moist chicken. Other times it’s sugary to the point of BBQ sauce. Chicken is consistent in its smoky tenderness, even though not fresh off the grill.

Jerk Pork

Limited availability creates hype but it's only irresistible 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 with this too, so you can enjoy the scotch bonnet-flecked marinade and char of the pork itself.