likebyregina My love with jerk chicken starts to bloom in Toronto. Mr. told me that Toronto has the largest population of Jamaicans in Canada, and the Jamaican cuisine there is a must-try. As I have never tried authentic ones before, we went to two restaurants during the vacation – Rasta Pasta and Tasty’s Caribbean Cuisine. We tried the Jerk Chicken in both places, and I am about to tell you which one is my favourite.
They are just 5 minutes (walking distance) away, and the reason we discovered Tasty’s Caribbean Cuisine is because Rasta Pasta is closed until February. Anyway, let me first introduce you to Rasta Pasta.
Rasta Pasta separates its store into two sections. One is where you can enjoy quick lunch, such as Jerk Chicken. The other one right next door offers Jamaican-Italian pasta dishes. We decided to go for the Jerk Chicken, which comes with three sizes (small, regular, and large). It comes with your choice of cooked vegetables or coleslaw.
Our friends recommend getting the regular size with coleslaw. It comes with 3 big pieces of chicken and rice with beans. The chicken is tender and juicy, which you don’t need a knife to enjoy it. In addition, it is quite spicy, so the rice with beans is perfect to ease the spiciness. However, after few bites, I found it too salty and flavourful. Otherwise, it is an inexpensive and satisfying lunch.
As for the Tasty’s Caribbean Cuisine, they were doing a $6.99 lunch specials for Jerk Chicken. It also comes with coleslaw, but you get to choose regular rice or rice with beans. At first, I thought it would be smaller size, but I was wrong. It was the regular size, with more chicken pieces than Rasta Pasta. The chicken is tender and juicy, and it is seasoned well. The spice is not overpowering the dish, but has a nice heat to it. I was full after eating the meal, but I don’t mind eating more of the chicken!
Overall Impression
Comparing both Rasta Pasta and Tasty’s Caribbean Cuisine, I found Tasty’s Caribbean Cuisine tastes better, with a cheaper price too. Though I went during the lunch special, its regular price is also $10, which is the same as Rasta Pasta. It also has spacious seatings, with smaller line up. However, if you enjoy your food spicy and flavorful, Rasta Pasta is where you want to be. Both places’ Jerk Chicken is tender and juicy, which I wouldn’t be able to find the same flavor in Vancouver.
Rasta Pasta – Taste : 4/5 • Service: N/A • Ambiance: 3/5 • Quality-Price: 4.5/5
Tasty’s Caribbean Cuisine – Taste : 5/5 • Service: 4/5 • Ambiance: 3.5/5 • Quality-Price: 5/5
I lived, worked and biked in Toronto nearly 18 yrs. And lived also in Vancovuer for 8 yrs. I will vouch for certain Carribbean food choices in Toronto is far greater…just look at the demographics of Toronto.
Enjoy. Meanwhile I have to settle for a jamaican beef patty which is more of a turnover here in Calgary.
I totally agreed that Toronto has way better choice of Jamaican food, and far cheaper and more authentic options. Awww I hope we can all travel safely again, so we can both enjoyed some delicious jerk chicken in Toronto!