Craving Caribbean food?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Caribbean restaurants around Baltimore, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to go for Trinidadian, Dominican and Jamaican cuisines.
1. West Indian Flavor
Topping the list is West Indian Flavor in East Baltimore. It showcases the flavors of Trinidad and Tobago, as exemplified by its flatbreads (roti or paratha) filled with chicken, goat, shrimp, beef or vegetables. Sides include pumpkin, lentils, dhal, spinach and plantains.
The small seating area makes this primarily a to-go spot. Located at 2111 McElderry St. — with a second location on Park Heights Avenue — the eatery boasts 4.5 stars out of 55 reviews on Yelp, making it the highest rated Caribbean restaurant in the city.
2. Sajhoma Restaurant
Next up is Fells Point's Sajhoma Restaurant, situated at 1708 Fleet St. This sit-down Dominican spot gets 4.5 stars out of 46 reviews on Yelp. Expect mofongo, a popular dish made with fried and mashed plantains mixed with meat or cheese. The menu also includes a number of soups (such as cow feet soup) and stews plus seafood and meat entrees like charcoal-cooked chicken breast. Wine and cocktails like the mango mojito are also available.
3. El Merengue Restaurant
Another top choice for Dominican fare is Greektown's El Merengue Restaurant, located at 4713 Eastern Ave. Yelpers give it 4.5 stars out of 27 reviews. On the menu, look for mofongo and seafood, of course, but also dishes inspired by Italian and Latin American cuisines like fajitas and linguini with shrimp.
4. Sweet Home Jamaica
Sweet Home Jamaica in Brooklyn is another go-to, with four stars out of 33 Yelp reviews. Jamaican cuisine is know for its spicy jerk seasoning, and Sweet Home features everything from jerk chicken to tofu. The extensive seafood options include peppered shrimp, curried tilapia and seafood pasta. Finish off your meal with sweet potato cake or bread pudding. Head over to 3612 S. Hanover St. to see for yourself.
5. Hummingbird Carryout
Last but not least, there's Hummingbird Carryout, a Belair-Edison favorite with four stars out of 22 reviews. Jerk chicken, curry shrimp, stewed beef and snapper are among the main dishes, which come with plantains or rice on the side. Try the brown sugar lemonade to wash it down. A single table means most customers will have to take their food to go. Stop by 3217 Belair Road next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings.
