Want to get out of Tokyo? A few minutes walk from Ebisu station on the Yamanote Line, Aalawi Jamaican Jerk Chicken & Pork Restaurant is your escape. The chef spent some time in Jamaica and apart from bringing back a special jerk chicken recipe he brought back a little bit of the island’s flavor too.
Dancehall tunes were blaring and the mood was completely laid back. Fliers scattered on the counter promote local reggae parties. I saw Ari-T’s promotion for the Camelot party on Wednesday nights – produced by the “And Suns” crew.
The service was great, the people were very nice and the food came out fast. It was a bit pricey for a veggie-less chicken platter but I was pleased with the taste and it’s safe to say that I’ll be back. It’s hard to find spicy food in Japan so Aalawi will not soon be forgotten.
For a moment I forgot that I was in the middle of a concrete jungle. Not a bad pace to kick back and relax.
Both counter and table seating are available. Eat-in or take-out.
The flavor was excellent; not too salty as most Jerk dishes are. I wasn’t crazy about the way that the chicken was cut across the bone since chicken bones tend to splinter. It seems that it would make more sense to leave the bone whole… but maybe that’s an island thing. Any Jamaicans out there? Aalawi’s brown rice has a distinct flavor that I couldn’t quite put my finger on… but is absolutely delicious.
If you get a chance then stop by Aalawi’s for some good food in a laid back atmosphere.
Location:
1-26-13 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
(03) 5793-5027
Open:
11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (Sunday & holidays 11 a.m.-9 p.m.)
Nearest station:
Ebisu (JR and Hibiya lines)
nice, I blogged about it late last year. I hope to dine there when I am in Japan and give it a proper taste test and review :D
http://www.jamaipanese.com/aalawi-jamaican-jerk-restaurant-in-japan/
Nice post! When are you coming here?
I should be there tomorrow. How far from Ebisu Station?
Here’s a map to the spot. It’s a 5 minute walk or so.
still a long way off, aiming for 2011 -_-
Mouth is watering here. Need to find a Jerk Chicken place here in Spain, which isn’t very likely! We’re thinking of doing a stopover in Tokyo en route to Sydney later this year. I’ll let you know when.
Hey!
I was just up there a few hours ago at Aalawi and tried jerk chicken for the first time. It was not bad. I only ate about two or three spoon fulls of rice. I also ordered a stout. It was a bit pricey. I think I paid 1800 yen.
All – in – all , nice atmosphere, lively group of regulars and one hot looking cashier. The Aioi Insurance building would be a better landmark than the map. I would recommend this place for someone who wants to try something different. Thanks!
I agree that it’s a little pricey. I’m going to try the curry next time instead of the jerk chicken…it looked pretty good. I can’t see how you didn’t like the rice though. I loved it.
Thanks for your feedback.
I like plain white Japanese rice.
I don’t think you’ll have a hard time finding white Japanese rice in the area. But with Jamaican food?? Come on man. Give it a rest for a single meal.
There are few better places to eat than Roosters Piri Piri