28 September

Mouth-watering Authentic Caribbean Food in Vibrant and Diverse E17

What’s special about the Caribbean culture I was raised in, is you would never leave a Caribbean household without been fed. Growing up in Walthamstow and coming from Jamaican heritage, when asked to review Rhythm Kitchen it felt extra special- a real cultural food connection.

The Rhythm Kitchen Story

The founder of Rhythm Kitchen is Delroy Dixon known as ‘The Jerkfather’ his specialty is the charcoal BBQ, Jerk marinated meat and fish dishes, which is a Caribbean tradition. Delroy was born in London and from an early age developed a strong passion for food. His mother was instrumental in teaching him how to cook and passed down family recipes, this now forms part of the delicious cuisine served in Rhythm Kitchen today. Delroy worked as a chef for various hotels perfecting his craft and decided it was time to build a legacy.

Leap of faith

In 2011 Delroy took a leap of faith and opened a Rhythm Kitchen concession in Westfield Stratford, the home to 2012 London Olympics leading sporting event. Following the success of Westfield Stratford’s Rhythm Kitchen, the second restaurant was launched in the heart of vibrant and evolving Walthamstow.

Caribbean Cooking

Rhythm Kitchen signature style of cooking brings lively, tasty and healthy Caribbean Jerk cooking to the diverse, professional east London community. Rhythm Kitchen serves authentic Caribbean food but don’t be alarmed if you like fiery, hot or light there is something on the menu for every taste bud.

The Rhythm Kitchen experience

Driving down Hoe Street Walthamstow, took me down memory lane a type of nostalgia. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by our waiter and guided to our reserved seats. The decor was reminiscent of restaurants in the Caribbean; wooden tables and chairs and palm leaf accents on the walls and black and white pictures of Caribbean heritage and icons in music and film. The background music was relaxing and chilled, sweet reggae music, jazz, R&B and soul filled the air, which enhanced the overall experience. We didn’t eat much in the day, as we knew Caribbean food is very hearty.

The waiter was very attentive and friendly and talked through the options. Rhythm Kitchen has 60 plus Rums from the Caribbean and around the world. We decided to choose Rhythm Cocktails; Zombie- Three different kinds of rum, pineapple juice, apricot brandy and grenadine. Bahama Mama- I loved the name it sounded like a song! A blend of fruit liqueurs and rum it was tropical and delicious I started to daydream about my last visit to Jamaica… The couple next to us was intrigued by our choice in cocktails and preceded to order the same-result! We all sipped our cocktails and gave each other nods of approval. Rhythm Kitchen also offers non-alcoholic options such as homemade punch and freshly squeezed carrot juice.

The food menu was diverse and offered dishes from the charcoal grill or specials and a range of sumptuous sounding dishes such as BBQ Beef Ribs, Coconut Peppered Prawns and Grilled Salmon with Coconut Couscous, Vegetable options…. there was much more on the menu. For starters we decided on; Plantain Fritters served with Tamarind BBQ sauce and Honey Glazed Jerk Wings sweet and spicy honey glazed wings, served with Pineapple Jam. It was so good I was trying to figure out if I could replicate it at home! Both starters were delicious we left nothing on our plates! We took a long time trying to decide on our mains; Jerk Chicken, delicious chicken seasoned in Rhythm Kitchen homemade marinade, served with Jerk Gravy. Braised Oxtail, a favourite of mine- A Caribbean special- slow cooked oxtail in a rich sauce with butter beans, carrots and dumplings. Served with Rice & Peas, Mac & Cheese & Sorrel and traditional plant based drink made with ginger your tastes buds would jump for joy! The oxtail was authentic, tasty and tender. Top button loose! Traditional Apple crumble and Caribbean Sorbet, Mango Pineapple or Coconut-I found my Rhythm!

Conclusion

It was everything I could have hoped for, professional and attentive staff, delicious food. Great value for money you definitely get more than enough to tame your appetite. It’s truly authentic and a lovely cosy relaxed environment. I am already planning my next visit…