Oh, how I’ve missed the flavours of the Caribbean! Since Bluefields, Dubai’s first restaurant offering this regional cuisine, switched off the stove for good, I’ve been craving that distinct rub known as jerk. Thankfully, the recently opened Ting Irie comes straight from Jamaica to satisfy that craving. What’s even more refreshing is the homeliness and almost irreverence with which the eatery treats so-called prime products like lobster and Angus beef to place its unique stamp on it.
The ambience: There’s just something about a great vibe, and how amazing energy is transferred in the dining experience. The waiters have a spring in their step and in the open kitchen even the chefs are dancing to the music. On a busy Thursday night, people at all the tables were moving along to the mix of dancehall and Jamaican ska infused with pop and R&B favourites. And we all have reason to dance. Because this vibe complements the food perfectly, and the food alone is reason to get jiggy.
What we loved: Hello, jerk, my old friend! The naming of the dishes are testament to this joint’s sense of fun, but they take the food very seriously.
Spit fiyah jerk chicken is hot and spicy, with the rub permeating the succulent rotisserie meat, making boring old chicken a standout. Before that we get a Caribbean take on nachos, with a meaty, sweetish oxtail offset by light chips, cheese and guacamole for a great mix of flavours enhanced with the freshness of salsa and coriander and smooth cream.
The Chips O’Mon burger takes me back to my childhood — a handful of crushed crisps sprinkled on top of an Angus patty and sharp pimento cheese. A sweet Toronto bun adds another level of flavour.
I’m currently going through a Southern-fried chicken phase, and the O.G. fried chicken is the best I’ve had. The batter is just crispy enough, while the whipped honey butter adds a sweetness that doesn’t turn cloying after a few bites.
Desserts are a hoot! Carnival funnel cake combines fried dough with Madagascar vanilla soft serve ice cream, strawberry sorrel compote and caramel notes from white chocolate; Puff puff pass is a lighter combo of cream and lemon; and Chunky Monkey goes deliciously OTT with a hot-cold one-two of warm dark chocolate tart and dulce de leche soft serve ice cream, finished with grape-nut cereal and the regional standard, caramelised banana. It looks as crazy as it sounds, but it works.
What we didn’t: Nada ting, mon.
The verdict: Ting Irie, just like the film Cool Runnings, captures the warmth and the spirit of Jamaica. It’s a welcome addition to Dubai’s culinary scene.
In the film, Sanka Coffie says, “All I’m saying, mon, is if we walk Jamaican, talk Jamaican, and is Jamaican, then we sure as hell better bobsled Jamaican.” This restaurant embodies that concept.
The details: Souk Al Manzil, MBR Boulevard Downtown Dubai, 04 557 5601, Tingirie.com
