Tasty Jerk in Croydon

Food is super nice and I'll be back. Service a little chaotic but they are very popular and dealing with a lot of customers.

I placed an order at 7.30pm this evening and received my order at 9.20pm. After waiting 2 hours for my order the food was completely burnt- charred. I am so disappointed after waiting so long. The food isn't edible. This will be the last time I'll order from them after being a loyal customer for so many years. Update: Since my last review I have given them another chance and they have been pretty good. The food has been on point I’m pleased to say so I’ve changed my scoring to be fair as the food has been good more often than bad.

Food is always great here I travel from Guildford just to get this jerk. It was a bit overspicy which I love but think this time it was extra spicy and took some of the flavour from the smoke, that's why am only giving 4 starts this time need to come again soon and maybe it was just a one off

Oh well after years of using and recommending this to untold people I'll never use again. Don't get me wrong , the jerk is very good it's the attitude and service you have to put up with that isn't. Made to feel mugged off and unwelcome and if your face doesn't fit you'll be sure to know about it . Shame .

OTJ, I can't tell you how upset we are about the mutton order that was delivered to us via Uber Eats. we had requested mutton with little/no bones or grizzle as the children cannot eat it, we know to expect some bones. However, not only did the meal contain 95% bone and grizzle, it was also burnt black. Most importantly, we do not eat pork and this does not look how the mutton normally looks. Are these pork ribs or is this a mix delivered to us accidentally? I have been trying to source a telephone number and email address for this company as my expectation is that we will and should get a refund. However, there is no way to reach you about feedback other than to post on here. We sent a question on here the same day as the order, but have not received a response as yet. Please respond, kindly letting me know how to forward images to you (as Google a error appears when I try to upload photos) and how we go about processing a full refund for this dish. Thank you.

Atmosphere was horrible went in they was having their own conversations barely acknowledge me. Poor customer service. Food was fatty a little bit was uncooked waste of money

Food is delicious, service including men who serve, extremely rude.

THE BEST GRILLED JERK CHICKEN AND PORK! Visited a few years ago and travel to Croydon for this every now and again. Their menu is limited but for good reason and everything is prepared in front of you. The rum punch stand outside is also a great addition. Overall, a great place to satisfy your cravings!

There is no doubt that this joint serves up the best jerk pork in south London. However, I think the problem is the location. The shop is too small. If the food is great the customers will return and also tell their friends. This is the problem. They have become very popular and have outgrown the shop. This equates to customers having to wait for extended periods in a cramped space for their food. The existing and entrance door is the biggest problem when it becomes overcrowded.

Beautiful authentic food Highly recommended Gets really busy and sometimes long queue Took ages to get served But will return because the food was that good 👍

I cannot even begin to say how much myself and my family loves this team and place. From the smell as you get near, the charring, the gravy, or how the taste is morish as hell! From the first day of opening (Yes i was there eating the lovely jerk chicken and pork), you would often find me in the Palace end eating from a silver container, while making those around me hungry. My kids would also make us drive all they way to get a larger order as a treat. The food is amazing, and is the right blend of spice and heat. There is a great all round menu to pick from too. Gosh im hungry now... Time to get an order in!

No flavour ,but perfectly bbq no actual jerk flavour. £11 for large jerk chicken with nothing else . Feel taken the piss out off, as a Jamaican . Flavours are watered down for white ppl.

Service is a bit grumpy, and it's just a simple pick-up place. But the FOOD IS ON POINT!

The best jerk you’ll ever get in the uk especially with the hot sauce ❤️❤️

Good and tasty! Long wait and parking is a nightmare.

Purchasing from OTJ Jerk Center feels like playing the lottery—you never know what you're going to get until it arrives. Sometimes the food is great, but other times it’s burnt and dried out. This message is directed to the owner and staff. Please take more care when preparing and sending out orders through Deliveroo or Uber Eats. It is extremely disappointing and disrespectful to spend money on food, only to receive burnt, inedible jerk chicken. If the food is overcooked or burnt, do not serve it to customers. We deserve better than this. This has happened to me twice now, and on one occasion, I even had to return the food after discovering how badly it was prepared. As a loyal customer, I urge you to address this issue. Consistency and quality should be your priority.

The food is amazing the succulent meat and the rice and peas is amazing on a football game day it can tack along time to be severed but I recommend if you are going to Selhurst park go here

Absolutely amazing Jerk Meat. One of the best I've tasted...👌

The best jerk meal you can get in Croydon

Few greater pleasures in SE London than eating Tasty Jerk in your car imo. Lovely staff too.

This place does takeaway only but it’s genuinely the most delicious jerk chicken and jerk pork I’ve ever had. Definitely worth trying if you’re within walking distance (the only reason it isn’t 5 starts is probably because they have no tables but the food is incredible).

Make sure you check your order before you leave this shop. Me and my pal order a large jerk chicken meal with rice and peas and plantain & a small jerk chicken meal and coleslaw. We get back to our domain and discover the small jerk chicken meal was just simply jerk chicken only no coleslaw and the large jerk chicken meal came with no plantain when we specifically asked for these things. Unacceptable. Now next time we come up in there, now we’re gonna have to talk to staff like they’re deaf and loudly order our food so they understand clearly.

When they've had time to prepare the food, it is very good. But sometimes they are a bit rushed off their feet and the quality can drop and the wait times increase. Love the pork meal and the chicken is just as good. Make sure if you're having a meal. Take plenty of gravy with your rice and peas. You'll thank me later!! Only downside is it can be a long wait for food.

You walked in and respectfully stand behind others that were there before you, and this happens with others that comes after you. You are then informed by one of your fellow customer that you order over there, which is the left hand side, then collect and pay on the right, there is no clear signs to tell you this. I ordered a jerk pork meal, it was not the best, the pork, although seasoned well was dry in parts and chewy in others, it tasted of petroleum like the coal was not ready before the meat was added, or fresh coal was added while the meat were being cooked. Not sure if it was the rice and peas that was salty or the gravy that was smothered over it, but it wasnt pleasant and unfortunately i wasnt able to eat it, the whole meal was a disappointment. Once you leave the establishment your clothes are permeated with smoke and the bar b q smell, and not in a good way. People stated that they travel miles to come to get their treats, unfortunately this is not for me, if there was a half star available thats what they would have gotten.

The jerk is actually nice, but their attitudes are the worst, especially the main guy on the jerk pan. His attitude is disgusting and he is so rude, it is unbelievable. I am coming to support your business and to put money in your pockets, don’t talk to me like you’re giving me the food for free. And it is for this reason that I will never go back.

You know a place is serious when the menu is limited cause that’s when you know they are specialists! To all people that are hesitant to try jerk… be brave because this has to be the best chicken I’ve had in my life. The smokiness, the richness, the flavours. Don’t be silly and get fish and chips for game day. I tried the jerk chicken with rice and peas, and a dumpling. 10/10. I’ll be trying the rest of the menu soon. Thank you Tasty Jerk for treating me and my friend well. Only critique would be a few people including myself weren’t 100% sure about where to queue to order, I know there’s a sign on the left but it’s not visible when it’s busy.

Great jerk chicken. It’s quite smokey inside so if you are sensitive to smoke, I suggest wearing a mask. The food is very flavourful and the potion sizes are lovely

As far as a Jerk Centre goes, this is about as authentic as you can get for London. While the food and service have certainly improved remarkably over the years, they will never be able to stop your clothes from stinking of smoke and jerk seasoning, nor will they probably ever be recognised as a fast food restaurant. However, I would say that their meals are worth the weight. My only real complaint is that while their prices are fair, they could be a little more reasonable with their pepper sauce. I wish I could give them a 5/5, but while their food is delicious, there is still some room for improvement.

I’ve been coming here from time to time for several years and there is currently a vast improvement from several years ago. The service is much better and more orderly, the place is clean with hygiene protocols observed (eg hairnets) and the food has only gotten better over time. The mutton is amazing

Jerk Chicken was nice but everything else a let down , the fried dumplings were inedible along with the festival and selling shop brought coleslaw for £1.50 for a tiny pot which wasn’t even quality tasted like Iceland was an example of how this places gone down hill so sad

Standards have changed. If you’re preparing jerk for public consumption why would you put so much pepper in it? Provide a jerk sauce separate that has pepper as not everyone can handle the pepper! Make it make sense. Never going back!

A good place to get a taste that’s close to Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Friendly staff and very helpful.

Line can be long sometimes but worth the wait

I was a regular customer until recently. I've noticed for some time now that this establishment does no longer understand what jerk is since the first owner passed away. The food has no seasoning and is only seasoned with some red stuff which I assume is pepper. The food has no taste and the only taste you get is your mouth on fire. If you do not know what jerk seasoning is then at least purchase some walkers wood, portland jerk seasoning or dunns river to add to your chicken/pork and season it well. I ended up in the toilet and was diagnosed with gastritis!

Real Caribbean taste and atmosphere.

Great food best jeek pork ever tasted

Staff can do better with customers, not to be frowning or just staring when customers ask questions. The chicken and pork taste nice. Staff to talk less when cutting customers food. No one wants saliva in their food

Traditional Jamaican Jerk Let’s get it straight this is rough, hot from the yard. The chicken is brilliant and the pork and fish as well. Please note this is gruff and rough around the edges island food

My family's top choice for jerk pork and chicken in the area. The rice and peas with the gravy is delicious too. Fast service once you've ordered.

Staff is very rude didn't want to serve me although I am paying person said he is not serving me. I was the first customer and order 2 portion of jerk pork and the person said I am going to give you only 1 portion. While I waited one hour while he was serving other people

Absolutely outstanding. Probably best chicken I’ve ever eaten. It was so good there’s no need for the sauce. A solid 9/10. PS. The juice guy outside is there Friday-Sunday. Recommend both the fruit punch and the pineapple.

Their jerk chicken and pork are definitely good and worth the price (which is very affordable). The jek sauce is delicious and spicy. The festival/dumplings tend to be on the tough side but still not terrible. My single problem was with their card machin. The tap system didn't work the two times I visited, had to swipe, and even that isn't a big enough issue to not visit again

Disgustingly rude staff. I have never experience such rudeness at an establishment. I’ve been going to this place on-and-off for over 15 years and I travel for an hour to get this food but no more. There was a clear miscommunication between the staff and customer, and that is fine sometimes, but you do not treat the customer with the most abhorrent rudeness for a mistake that was at the fault of the staff. I will not come back again, there are far superior establishments that value their customers, especially when I spend up to £60 for such disgusting rudeness. I want to make clear the rudeness was breathtaking for a quiet Tuesday afternoon, barely any customers at that time, and not something to warrant or anything ANYONE should tolerate. It was made my the older female at the checkout. I hope she and your business learn to treat your customers with respect and I will NOT recommend. Terrible service. Not worth it.

It’s a wonderful place, I can’t help but praise the food and service they are providing this area with food I can’t get enough of. Thank you guys keep up the good work.

Food fantastic, just avoid the lady with piercings to serve you. Attitude stinks, like your bothering her ordering. Not a good look

Best jerk around for miles! The only thing that let's this place down is the attitude of some of the young male staff, the guy today had such a bad attitude it almost made us walk out and go elsewhere.

Actually wanted to eat from here….Think you people need to watch tiktok before eating here, enjoy the cockroaches and mice 🤣

Quick service in store and online. Pleasant atmosphere.

For the attitude of the staff the food should have been great.

Nice food first time second time no flavour

The real deal. The pork was amazing.

Hands down the best jerk around town best cooks and best food 😋 definitely returning thanks again guys

Great food and staff are lovely working very hard. Very great prices too.

The best. No question. No doubt. It's something about the smokey essence which no one else has.

This place used to be amazing! I drove all the way from Beckenham to get the mixed box for many years. I don’t know what has happened but the portion sizes have gone super small! Waiting in line for 45mins+ for your food and then finding out the size has shrunk by half was disappointing to say the least. I hope they get it together and this was a one off….

Very poor service. Extremely rude staff, qued for 40 minutes in a hostile atmosphere and was spoken too exceptionally rudely. Real shame because the food looked nice

Food is really nice which is always a good thing always tasty and doesnt disappoint. The things that could be better is the customer service as I feel it lacks in this department, and also to have enough rice for the meals after queuing for 30mins plus to then be told no rice is very disappointing.

I really wanted to love this place but unfortunately the staff let them down. The jerk chicken lacked seasoning in the centre and the flesh was very white. The sauce that was poured over the chicken and rice was so salty it made eating the whole thing uncomfortable. We bought festivals that were so rock hard and tasted as though they had been made hours ago. When we asked for fresh ones or a refund , customer assistance said there’s nothing he can do and was quite dismissive. This kind of attitude does not create returning customers. As an establishment you should ensure the food that’s out is fresh and rotated. The mutton was the only thing I really enjoyed which is such a shame.

Got a takeaway from here today and all I can say is oh wow this is my new goto gaff. I’ve driven past loads of times and it’s always busy so I’ve never had time to stop. But luckily today I managed to find a space and got in when it wasn’t too busy and I’m so glad I did because what a treat that was. The jerk chicken was delicious and not dry at all like some can be, very flavoursome and crispy which makes a nice change. The rice and peas was spot on, cooked to perfection nice and fluffy with that coconutty aroma and fragrance. And the coleslaw was decent too. All wrapped up with a great bit of customer service which was welcoming and friendly and the price was very reasonable too. I will 100% be returning here and would encourage other people to as well! The only criticism that I would have would be I wished there was more of it as it was so tasty haha. 10/10 from me!

WOW what an experience! I went for the OTJ Mix which included Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork and Jerk Mutton. All were full of flavour, smoked really well and very well seasoned. There is a reason why there is a queue to get into this place and it is 100% worth it. Located next door to Sainsbury's Petrol Station and plenty of parking in the car park. Will be busy on Crystal Palace match days, arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Poor customer service a lot of attitude from the staff to all customers, food great but would prefer to go somewhere else

Authentic Flavours at Tasty Jerk Tasty Jerk is my go-to spot for authentic jerk cuisine, especially the jerk pork. Unlike many places that offer a jerky-style pork, Tasty Jerk serves real, traditional jerk pork that’s perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavour. The meat is tender, smoky, and deliciously spiced, making every visit a savoury delight. However, while the food consistently impresses, the customer service could use some improvement. The service sometimes lacks attentiveness and speed, which can detract from the overall dining experience. Despite this, the quality of the meals keeps me coming back. For anyone in search of genuine jerk flavours, Tasty Jerk is definitely worth a visit. With a bit of enhancement in customer service, this place could easily become unbeatable.

Was here for the second time and after waiting in the q for almost 10 mins when I went to place my order for 4 jerk pork and rice the guy servicing behind says this is a big order in one go so you have to wait 20 mins.

Lets be honest no one goes to this place for the service and atmosphere because truthfully is kinda suck. HOWEVER we all go for the most delicious and delectable food. The Jerk meats here are like a carnival in your mouth. The portions are generous, it's flavourful, the meat is succulent and cooked to perfection, the blend of spices are a symphony with a nice kick of heat without it being a kick in the teeth of fire from P.Diddy. I will come back to Tasty Jerk over and over again and have been for many years. It's the best Jerk in the UK The Jerk Mutton is the best followed by the Pork than chicken

I don’t think is okay for someone who is preparing food to go out to smoke weed !! In front of some customers while they wait for the food outside. Also .

The foods fantastic but sadly organisation and the allowing people they know or act a certain type of way in hostility to the front of the queue while many others have waited patiently. Shambles!

Rude staff, small portions for the so called large portion, need to pay for jerk sauce, plantain dry and hard, coleslaw taste sour. Say no more

The guy with the tattoos and the other one with the du rag lack customers service skills and is very rude.

Great tasty food but a tad on the pricey side considering the containers for a large jerk chicken have shrunk.....go figure I'll be back but only on a treat basis. 😊

Review for Tasteless Jerk: I feel embarrassed to even mention the word “jerk”. We went to this place a few years ago and I remember the food was very nice…the chicken was well seasoned and the rice and gravy was amazing. Today…my goodness..let me just say this..JUST BECAUSE YOUR CHICKEN GOES ON A GRILL IT DOES NOT MEAN ITS JERK! The chicken is SO bland all you can taste is the smoke from the grill and a few burnt bits. The rice tasted like it had a coating of sand. Absolutely appalling. I’d expect this from Jamie Oliver. As a matter of fact I actually would expect more. Also…there is one guy there and my goodness he is so RUDE! I read on another review that one of the co-owners passed away. What a shame that this place has gone downhill. It tastes like they make a small seasoning mix..then water it down and put it on the most amount of chicken. The gravy is SO bland…it’s like water! Absolutely ZERO flavour and the chicken even tasted old. I wish I could leave zero stars. The food is embarrassing. I will NOT be returning.

Brilliant food and lots of choice. Reasonable price per portion. Will definitely use again.

I drove for miles to find a decent jerk chicken shack and this place was the best. Tastiest jerk I have had for a while and left your lips numb from the chilli. Keep it up fellas...superb!

Must visit for meat lovers,best jerk , legendary

Heard so much of this place but was disappointed when I bought the jerk chicken and pork. The pork was partially burnt and very DRY, so was the chicken. I didn't enjoy it for the amount of money I spent. Please not so dry, it would be more succulent and tasty that way!

Food was not bad to be honest I enjoyed it. Used to be a lot better. I would’ve giving given 4 stars but the service. Kmt. The menu said it has a slice of hardo bread for £1 fair enough. When I asked the lovely lady for 3 breads please with my meal she said what! We don’t have bread! As if bread ain’t on the menu and As if I said something wrong? I dont get it. Customer service is very important these days ppl need to fix up and be polite it’s not every one come to food shop to be rude Kmt. If I never promise my kids dem some jerk chicken I would’ve just walk out the shop. Trust me. All now my wife is still vex wid how the woman did behave. Makes u not want to return. FIX UP MY PEOPLES FIX UP. But because it’s my culture I’m gonna change it to 5 star. Just to give dem a strength. Kmt. The tall ting guy was the only one wid a smile on his face. Bless up youngie. Is u save them from 3 stars

Has there been a change of management here? The festival used to be crisply divine and it would almost dissolve in your mouth … now it’s doughy and tough though the taste is ok. The pork used to be juicy, jerked and with minimum chews would melt in your mouth - now it’s dry and not that tasty plus there was no crispy cracklin …the hot sauce was nothing special .. just hot … AND on top of that the cashier charged our card twice … as she said it did not go through the first time… when we got down the road we realised the payment went through twice. So we had to turn around and go back to the shop. 15 minutes later no joy as they had no cash to refund us as they are now cashless,. We have to wait for the manager to contact us. This has left a very bad taste in our mouth. quite disappointed.

Edit: 3 days later and I'm on my way to the hospital due to food poisoning from this place. Saturday just gone, I've had food poisoning from this place, I'm not surprised other customers reviews have stated the same on the same day. If you can't ensure the jerk food is cooked properly, don't serve it! You're out here making us sick! I wouldn't recommend this place at all! I had the jerk chicken and pork mix.

This places bangs! Let me tell you how I travel for this jerk. The only other place I eat jerk is Jamaica. As for the vibes on the weekend. Always got me wanting to continue the vibe elsewhere but the truth is only getting them vibes in the shop.

Absolutely beautiful food the Jerk Pork is the best i've EVER had , portions massive I've ate soul food since the 80's , when I lived in Brixton , I cannot express how lovely the food is , I just wished I could order online as I moved out of the area and cannot , Tasty 'by name Tasty by nature' 😍👍

The food tasted mid the chicken was dry but the worst part was we were both sick when we got home and had stomach pains this was less than an hour after eating never again

Never disappoint, 12 years since iv been eating there when i am traveling around crystal palace. Still as good as years ago.

After waiting 20mins to be served told they ran out of food (mutton) at 3 in the afternoon. The staff take your order and you're still waiting for the food which was dry. the gravy seemed as if it was made with bisto. the jerk sauce is just chilli sauce. At lease the chicken was cooked. Grossly overpriced for what is in the container. this was my second visit 6 months apart and nothing has changed. there will not be a third.

AVOID Rude staff asked for boneless meal wasn't told they cannot do boneless, then I was served a mixed random meat? no rice and dry plantian, will never go back had to argue to prove them wrong and got attitude in return, chef was rude and told me I ordered something different and I didn't ask 3 times before i ordered for a boneless meal, worst part is they wasn't even busy, got my refund and going to my normal takeaway in West Norwood

If I could give this place 0 stars, I wouldn’t hesitate. Ordered two portions of jerk chicken, one portion rice & peas, portion of plantain. Jerk chicken is defo not jerking. Tasted like bbqd chicken, 0 flavour just had a terrible kick to it. Needs flavour . Rice N peas tasted old. Plantain was very oily and soggy. Not to forget the service, I walked into staff and customers arguing. Handled unprofessionally. Wouldn’t come here again.

The food is so effin good. The horrendous attitude and bad service from the staff though is actually hilarious.

1 star is missing because the chicken needed to be jerked instead of the sauce being the main jerk. Otherwise, it's the same great taste, perfectly cooked and perfectly served.

Decent pork, but my god, the service is shocking. And the amount of sauce you get is insufficient for your meal size.

Very good food I am must say, been buying for years. Only issue is with when placing an order. You got loud music on and want customers to shout on top of their voice behind a glass ceiling to place their orders, this sometimes comes with mistakes and i can say i am not the only one as i have witnessed few customers go through that. Good food always on point but please lower your music to help you take the right orders.

4 items were missing from order upon delivery... Also, they've got no contact number, which means that I couldn't even get the order rectified!

Jerk pork and mutton slaps differently, Yum😋

Nice tasting food, but really expensive and awful terrible service; always takes absolutely ages to be served and the staff are SOoo rude..

Best food I had in London on a recent trip. We drove 40 mins to get it as we had heard of it on a food blog. Would drive 40 hours for the jerk pork of my days

I went there today I was going to spend over £60 in buying food for my family. I ordered three large portions of Jake pork and chicken which I asked I did not want to be cut up. These are his exact words we we cut the meat and we serve it that’s the way we do it and my reply was I am a customer I do not want it that way I prefer it this way and then I was told if you don’t like it then leave. So after he finish preparing the food I left without pay. Food may be nice but disrespect bad attitude and rudeness and the lack of customer service is the problem with our people.

Visited in June 2023. I enjoyed my jerk chicken and Pork. Nice, small restaurant. My only problem was they only take cards. As a visitor from 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 l only had cash....by the way, watching an award ceremony, namely the Gleaner/RJR UK HONOUR AWARDS, on Television Jamaica (TVJ)...CONGRATULATIONS 🥳🥳

Bought a large jerk chicken with pepper sauce, and watched the server cut up two chicken quarters. When I got home to eat the chicken there were 3 leg bones in box without the actual chicken to go with it. I wasn’t given any pepper sauce and the chicken itself was basic at best. Not jerk chicken but plain chicken cooked on a grill. I heard this place had gone down hill recently and that’s definitely true. Don’t waste your time. Go to any chicken shop and you’ll get a half grilled chicken (but an actual half) for cheaper and with sides and it’ll taste nicer

Food is a decent size, and extremely delicious! Very quick service. Staff could be a bit more interactive/sociable/friendly etc lol, but all in all, its good. Always busy, but they do serve you quite quickly.

Great jerked meat , but the people there are too rude. If they learn a bit of customer service, they will probably be the best 👌 but poor customer service and rudeness let's them down

The comments for them are a little bit harsh😅 Their food is always on spot, literally have it at least once a month when we walk past. The chefs are super down to earth as well! They’re just in a rush to ensure everyone gets their food as soon as possible. With delicious food, you kind of have to expect the little wait. It’s totally worth it!☺️

Jammin! This place is a must on an away day to fill up before a few beers. The food is unreal, the service is quick and the price is great! Up the cherries!

very good Jamaican jerk place, simple menu, classic taste. must go!