JamRock Cafe

Opened on Jan 25, 2010, JamRock Cafe is Tokyo’s newest Jamaican café-restaurant. The cosy yet bright Harajuku space occupies the fourth floor of some prime real estate overlooking the Yamanote Line– making it easy access for a spicy bite or for meeting up with friends for cocktails. Chef-owner Yvonne and chef Twitch team up to dish out substantial portions of home-style favourites like Jamaican patties (¥500), stamp and go (¥500), pepperpot soup (¥450 regular/¥850 large), and fish tea (¥500 regular/¥950 large). Try the light, satisfying ackee and saltfish (a true genuine Jamaican specialty) or the perfectly cooked whole escoveitch fish (which comes in tai and tilapia versions) garnished with vegetables and a side of corn-meal festival. The lunch special (¥880-¥1080) includes juicy-crispy plates of jerk, ital stew or curry. The dishes are made fresh, so keep in mind that this is not fast food. All desserts are made in-house, including a delightfully dense and creamy grapenut ice cream, and sweet potato pone. In addition to the ubiquitous Red Stripe beer, JamRock keeps up the relaxed vibe with an extensive range of authentic drinks made with Appleton rum (the domestically preferred rum of Jamaica) as well as Guavaberry liqueurs. House recommendations include the rum punch and the rum and coconut water. Evenings see JamRock turn into a clubhouse of sorts, with roots and lover’s rock on the speakers and on the video screens.