I've been to Maureen's before, what must be getting on for five years ago. It was here that I got my first proper introduction to Caribbean food, thanks to my ex-girlfriend's Jamaican Mum. I've been partial to a bit of West Indian cooking ever since. I wouldn't put it up there with the greatest cuisines of the world, but it's usually generous, hearty, spicy, packed with flavour and very good value, all worthy attributes.
Having made my first return visit last night, I can safely say I won't leave it so long next time. This was quite possibly the best jerk chicken I've ever eaten.
The chicken was just marvellous. Crisp, smoky skin with a lingering fruity, tingly spiciness from the Scotch Bonnets. The flesh beneath was moist, even the breast portion. The rice and peas were cooked perfectly. Star of the show overall though was the jerk gravy. At many places this is quite a thick, sweet sauce, sometimes almost like a barbecue sauce with added spice. This was a much thinner, stock based gravy, with a really deep chickeny flavour yet still packing a jerk punch. I can't think of many better things to pour over rice. I gnawed the bones and licked the plate dry.
Service with a smile is provided by Maureen herself, and the small jerk chicken with rice and peas costs a fiver. Yes this was a small. Large costs an extra quid and will be very large indeed. In case coconutty rice and peas doesn't provide you with enough carbs and fat, macaroni cheese is available for an extra 50p. Splendid, and very much worth a trip from town despite the less than glamorous surroundings.
9/10
105 Roundhay Road
Leeds
LS8 5AJ
6 comments:
How did I never hear about this place? Gutted, will have to make a journey up to Leeds soon to try it!
I must give this place a go, then. My previous experience of Caribbean food in Leeds was The Dutch Pot and I was a little underwhelmed despite hearing good things about them (although I may have ordered unwisely in retrospect). Hopefully Maureen has a little more sparkle.
A little further up Roundhay Road is Darvish which I can highly recommend if you fancy an Iranian treat.
Hi,
I'm going here next Saturday with about 6 others for lunch. Will I need to book? Is it big enough for us and do they accomodate children (noisy ones)?
Thanks all for commenting.
Lester - have added Darvish to my 'to do' list.
Emalushka - Maureen's is basically a takeaway with about 5 or 6 tables in front of the counter. No idea whether they take bookings and I'm sure they'd have no problem with children. Give them a call, they'll probably make sure they've got space for you, they're nice people.
Their kebabs and meats are pretty standard fare. I'd suggest you have a look at the meat and veggie khoresht dishes which offer something different.
However, having said all that, their latest Scores On The Doors rating is a little worrying. Not sure I could send you there in all good conscience, but I've never had any issues and would be happy to go back.
I don't tend to pay much attention to scores on the doors to be honest Lester. I've eaten in plenty of dives but don't think I've ever been given food poisoning in this country.
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