Jamaincana in Kobe

No I can’t read kanji. Yes, I AM hungry. This is the yin and yang I find myself in on a daily basis as a foreigner living in Japan. So, here I am, writing out of compassion for those sharing this particular pickle.

This brings me to Jamaicana in Kobe. I walked by this place so many times I ceased to notice it any more. Then one day, hungry and hung over, I walked in (Cue the orchestra, the spotlight and the chorus of angels). At the entrance stood a Jamaican man with a smile beaming from ear to ear and a menu full of pretty pictures and English. The Jamaican man turned out to be the owner, Noel, whose gracious welcome and warm good nature made me feel like I was back home with my family in Jamaica (even though I’m actually a pasty-white man from America).

Then came the Jerk Chicken (1200yen at lunch), served with a heaping salad, a creamy soup and two luscious fried bread rolls. The chicken itself was a large breast smothered in jerk sauce (ask for extra napkins). Though I consider myself somewhat refined at the dining table, I soon found myself sopping the last of the sauce with my fried bread—and I think I was giggling maniacly at some point too. I also tried the Ackee with Fish, Jamaica’s national dish. The flesh of the ackee fruit is sautéed with the saltfish and was also very delicious. Ackee has the look and texture of scrambled eggs, but is somewhat more pungent. Not quite as heavenly as the Jerk Chicken, but I’d definitely try it again.

And so should you—hungover or not.

JAMAICANA
Tel.078-251-6488
1-22-27, Nakayamate dori, Kitano-cho
Dom’s Bldg. 8F Kobe
Open 11:30am-2, 5:30-11pm (LO). Closed: Mondays
Getting There: Nearest station: Sannomiya JR
Walk north up Kitano-zaka, cross Yamate Kansen,
Northeast side of street.