Places and friendly faces always have a story to tell. Indeed, every waking day brings forth endless possibilities of hope, joy and bliss that make every moment worth treasuring. And in that every opportunity, food plays a key for happiness to reign supreme.
Truly, there is love in the kitchen and the dining table.
As a Cotabateῆo, I take pride in the many gustatory dining places that flock our city. From home grown hawker-type stalls to international fast food brands, the city has since become a treasure chest of food finds for the locals and visitors alike. Hence, every time I get the chance, I make sure to savour and devour something new.
Jamaica Café is located at the Mall of Alnor Compound in Cotabato City. A halal-certified restaurant, it is one of the few remaining restaurants outside the mall. Since opening their doors to the public, it has become an instant favourite for diners who come in flocks. From a small crowd of two to tables after another of family members and friends, Jamaica Café has established itself as the city’s go-to in terms of family style dining. And our family is, of course, not an exemption.
A recent trip home reunited my palate with the café’s delish offerings. Funny though, their menu is packed with Asian dishes that has since form part of our city’s repertoire of flavours. Not one to complain, I have personally been a fan of their kitchen offerings since day one.
Jamaica Café is famous for their hefty plate of crab rice that includes a big piece of crab that verily complements the flavor and depth of taste of the dish. Seasoned well, this rice dish is something that you must try. Accompanied by a viand or on its own, this is one for the books!
Balanced and delicate – how I would come to describe their salted fish fried rice that reminded me of Seefah’s in Hong Kong. Jamaica Café’s version is subtle compared to the latter but does not fall short in giving you that ecstatic taste of salted fish on your palate.
Another must try on their menu (and something that I personally like!) is their mixed vegetables with seafood and their plate of crispy fried squid rings. The latter was cooked perfectly thus making the rings easy to bite into and chew. The vegetables, on the other hand, was pure bliss. No further comment!
My dad, uncle, cousin-in-law and nephew loved the crispy fried hito while the kids devoured their garlic fried chicken and soup. I, on the other hand, gave its version of beef rending some palate TLC. The meat was tender, yes, but I thought that the spice and seasoning lacked some oomph. But overall, the dish is something you would want to try.
Jamaica Le Café is located at the Alnor Commercial Compound, Sinsuat avenue, Cotabato City.
