Ma Petite Jamaica, Camden - Restaurant Review

Ma Petite Jamaica is London's newest Caribbean diner - a Jerk Pit and Reggae Bar. Just a couple of minutes from Camden Town tube, Inverness Street is a thus little-known part of the infamous Camden now peppered with several new restaurants, catering for tourists and Londoners alike.

I was invited along for a review for Love Food Love Drink on a quiet yet blustery Tuesday evening. We were seated in the centre in what felt like a spotlight, other quieter cosier tables scattered around under bamboo canopies, with colourful art and furniture brightening up a dull November.
The staff were lovely, young and friendly, and we could see the chefs at work in the kitchen at the back of the restaurant.

Nothing like starting with a cocktail to warm the, err, cockles. Many rum-based favourites like Cuba Libre and the might Mojito, but we opted for a Spanish Town Rumgria - basically, yes, a sangria made with 7 year old Havana rum, but MUCH more potent! - and a Bird of Paradise, a fruity colourful number, also extremely potent. Totally tropical, mon.

Bird of Paradise, and Spanish Town Rumgria

To start, we greedily ordered three plates between two of us: Pumpkin and chickpea curry with stuffed roti - creamy and full of warmth; Jerk chicken skewers, served with a peanut sauce - this was a huge portion, lacking in spice I found, until about halfway through, when the chilli hit me (maybe I was numb from the rum!); Salt fish fritters with a mango chutney - crispy and a little dry, but full of flavour. You can choose from a range of small plates and larger platters to share, tapas stylee, to get a flavour for all the traditional Jamaican dishes - patties, ackee dumplings and barbecued ribs.

Jerk Chicken Skewers, Pumpkin and Chickpea curry, Saltfish Fritters

Not quite stuffed enough, and continuing on the warming theme, we then opted for curried goat - of course! Served with rice and peas (obviously) and crispy fried plantain, this dish was the highlight of the evening. Tender (it had been slow cooked over 24 hours), rich, and just the right amount of spice. The only downside was the bones, but that was indicative of the length of cooking. Also, the red snapper, a meaty white fish, served with a barbecue jerk sauce - sumptuous.

Red Snapper, Curried Goat

As the evening wore on, the reggae played and the wine magically disappeared, we felt chilled, and warmed at the same time. A great little find in Camden town, for great food, tropical tastes and a totally relaxed vibe. Them belly full.


Ma Petite Jamaica
4 Inverness Street, Camden
020 7482 2977

Meal for two with wine/cocktails ~£65
Lunchtime Belly Full meals £7.50



Read my review for Love Food Love Drink magazine here.