I absolutely love Caribbean food. Every time Notting Hill Carnival rolls around, I’m there as much for the food as the festivities. From plantain and curry goat to jerk chicken, rice and peas, and dumplings—it’s a cuisine I can never resist. Thankfully, with the UK’s vibrant Caribbean community, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy these bold and comforting flavours, and I’m always encouraging friends who haven’t tried it to get involved.

Two such converts are my girlfriend and my brother. Since introducing them to Caribbean food, they’ve become just as obsessed as I am. So when we found ourselves altogether in Camden and craving something hearty, Ma Petite Jamaica stood out on Google Maps. As London’s first Caribbean diner since 1985, it felt like the perfect spot. The moment I mentioned jerk chicken and rice and peas, they were sold—and just like that, we were on our way.

Ma Petite Jamaica – A Camden Classic for Jamaican Food

Tucked just off Camden High Street, opposite The Electric Ballroom, Ma Petite Jamaica sits among a row of enticing restaurants. But from the moment you step inside, it sets itself apart. The décor is exactly what you’d expect—think beachside bar vibes with rustic wooden interiors, chipped paint, graffiti-covered walls, and palm trees dotted around. Reggae and Afrobeats hum in the background, completing the laid-back atmosphere. Sure, it might be a bit of a cliché, but honestly, how can you not smile when you walk into a place like this?

One of the first things that hit me was the unmistakable aroma of spice and charred meat sizzling on the grill. The open kitchen, visible from across the restaurant, adds to the experience—there’s something reassuring about watching chefs in action, working away with the rich scent of jerk seasoning filling the air.

The staff are friendly, and the bartenders are constantly shaking up tropical rum cocktails, adding to the energy of the place. It’s the kind of spot where you come for dinner but could easily end up staying all night, especially with their late-night rum bar right next door, which always seems to have a crowd. With good food, strong drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere, Ma Petite Jamaica knows exactly how to keep the party going.wn late night rum cocktail bar right next door, which always seems to have a crowd in it.

What We Ordered: A Full-Flavoured Feast

By the time we arrived, we were absolutely starving. We told the waitress to bring everything out as soon as it was ready, and before we knew it, we’d unintentionally ordered an all-chicken feast.

Jerk Chicken & Wings – A Fiery Kick

Naturally, jerk was the top choice. We went for a half chicken to share, along with a portion of chicken wings. The moment they arrived, the rich, smoky aroma of jerk spice filled the air. The sauce was darker than I expected—almost like melted chocolate in certain lighting—but it packed a serious punch. I have a high spice tolerance, so I was in my element, but my girlfriend and brother—especially the latter, who isn’t used to much heat—definitely struggled. If you love a proper spicy kick, this is the dish for you.

The wings came in a portion of three, which was ideal for sharing. Each piece was coated in the same deep, aromatic jerk seasoning, locking in all that charred, spicy goodness. The half chicken came with rice and peas, which—just to clarify—aren’t your standard British green peas, but kidney beans cooked with coconut milk, bay leaves, thyme, and warming allspice. The result? A fragrant, slightly creamy side that balanced out the heat of the jerk perfectly.

Brown Stew Chicken – A Hidden Gem

Our second main was brown stew chicken, served with steamed basmati rice. At first glance, it looked quite simple, but don’t be fooled—this dish packed serious flavour. The chicken, slow-cooked on the bone, was incredibly tender, falling apart effortlessly. Compared to the fiery jerk, the stew had a thinner, slightly sweeter sauce, but it was just as rich and satisfying. Each chunk of chicken was generously sized, making it a proper, hearty dish.

The Extra Indulgences – Fried Chicken, Plantain & Coleslaw

Because we’re greedy, we also ordered a plate of buttermilk fried chicken tenders, drizzled with sweet chili sauce. Crispy, juicy, and slightly sticky from the glaze—an easy win.

And then there’s plantain—honestly, one of my all-time favourite foods. If I see it on the menu, I’m ordering it, no question. These came perfectly cooked: crispy on the outside from being sautéed, yet still beautifully soft and caramelised inside. Absolute heaven.

We also got a side of coleslaw, which I highly recommend if you’re someone who struggles with spice. Even I dipped into it now and then to reset my palate before diving back into the fiery jerk.

Final Thoughts: Why It's Worth Visiting Ma Petite Jamaica?

If you love bold, spicy flavours, Ma Petite Jamaica is well worth checking out. Nestled in the heart of Camden, it’s an easy spot to swing by whether you’re exploring the area or heading out for a night in town. Now, I’m not about to claim I’m an expert in Caribbean cuisine, but after working at Turtle Bay for three great years, I can tell the difference between mass-market, "Caribbean-inspired" food and the authentic, on-the-bone, spice-packed dishes served here. Everything we had was rich, bold, and full of flavour—a proper taste of the real thing.

My only regret? That we didn’t get to try a more diverse selection of dishes. It wasn’t intentional—we just happened to go all-in on chicken that night. Next time (which I hope is soon), I’ve got my eye on the beef or oxtail stew and the ackee and saltfish with fried dumplings—a proper taste of traditional Caribbean cooking.

Even if spicy food isn’t your thing, that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. The cocktail bar alone is worth the trip. The bartenders are constantly shaking up vibrant, tropical drinks—strong, colourful, and full of island flavour. The overall vibe of the restaurant is laid-back and lively, and it’s easy to settle in for the evening. I spotted a table of girls sipping cocktails, clearly gearing up for a big night ahead, and honestly, I don’t blame them.

And if the food or drinks don’t convince you? Well, there’s always their newly opened Rum & Reggae Bar right next door. Serving up Caribbean tapas and hosting live gigs and events, it’s another reason to add Ma Petite Jamaica to your Camden hit list.

Key Information

Address: 4 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ

Website: www.mapetitejamaica.com

Starters: £6.50-£9.50

Mains: £16.50-£32.50

Sides: £3-£5

Desserts: £6.50

Cocktails: £11

Mocktails: £6

Insider Tip: For a fun Friday or Saturday night, try and have dinner in Ma Petite Jamaica before visiting their next door bar Rum Bar Camden for a full serving of Afrobeats, Reggae and party tunes