Carnival brings with it a cavalcade of music, dance and, importantly, food.
Levi Roots knows it well; he’s a regular attendee, having first gone as a teenager. Roots’ music credentials are legit — he’s performed with James Brown and Maxi Priest, and released his own album, Red Hot, in 2009 — but it is, of course, with food that his name was made. Not just with his famed Reggae Reggae Sauce, but at Carnival itself, having started cooking there in 1991, running a stall there for the best part of two decades.
Here, as the man who would know, Roots shares his top tips with Mike Daw for where to find curry goat, jerk chicken and plenty more besides.
In need of more inspiration? Have a read of the Standard’s guide to Carnival eating here.
Curtis Caribbean
Location: Middle Lane
This one is a must for seafood, bakes and cakes, and the selection is very good. You won’t just find the usual classics here, which is why I love checking it out. My top tip when making your choice of stalls at Carnival is to make sure the food on offer is cooked properly, and the service is clean. Curtis Caribbean ticks both of those boxes: definitely one to try.
Jay Dees Catering
Location: Lancaster Road
I really like this one. It’s a small shop, but the juicy jerk chicken and rice and peas is banging. I think the best thing is that you can see the food being cooked right in front of you while you wait — spot me there and I’ll be salivating in anticipation.
Grannies Caribbean Jerk Shack
Location: Powis Square
Specialising in spicy jerk chicken, Jamaican rum fruit cakes, curry goat, jerk wraps, veggie curry and macaroni cheese, Grannies is one of my absolute favourites. Found on Powis Square, it remains authentic and is still family run. Service always comes with a lovely smile, too.
Cottons Restaurant
Location: Notting Hill Gate
If you’re looking for a lazy Caribbean food experience, this one’s for you. In case you don’t fancy queuing in the street, and would rather avoid eating out of paper plates, Cottons is a proper restaurant, and a lovely one at that. You can even get yourself a nice exotic cocktail before you get back on the bike to follow your chosen Carnival float. Happy days.
The Jerk Hub
Location: Golborne Road
Good for boneless jerk chicken, coleslaw and rice and peas, this is one that many Carnival-goers swear by, and rightly so. Goldborne Road is the place to be as, besides the Jerk Hub, it is absolutely heaving with food outlets everywhere you look. Good to know in case the queue here is too long.
Universal Hot Pot
Location: Middle Row
Universal Hot Pot specialises in carnival food with an African twist so, if you fancy something a little different from the usual offerings, it’s a good choice. The special jollof rice is a must.
Mr Roy Jerk Chicken
Location: Goldborne Road
At Mr Roy’s, the best thing is their authentic spicy Jerk, the slow-cooked oxtail and their famous curry goat. This one is a must. I can’t fault a thing — you won’t be disappointed with the menu choice, the friendly service or the way everything runs so smoothly. The owner Mr Roy is always on hand for a chat, and you won’t find a lovelier gentleman at carnival. Happy eating.
