I’ve been to Jamaica too many times over the years not to recognize good Jamaican Food when I come across it. Needless to say, finding a Caribbean place serving up Island dishes (especially Jamaican dishes) seems like a Sisyphean chore in Korea. Well, thanks to Gemma over at A Fat Girl’s Food Guide I got the word on a new Jamaican Jerk joint that opened in Itaewon: Trench Town.
If you don’t know Trench Town is a pocket neighborhood in St. Andrews Jamaica. It was once a crowning Jewel of the island boasting film, music, and artistic folks from all over the island. Even Bob Marley called the place home. Today some of the sheen has faded and the luster not as bright, but even I haven’t been in about ten years so that might have changed.
The Trench Town in Itaewon stands straight down the street from the Hamilton Hotel. It’s off a little drive way, up a spiral staircase and you’ll find an open and airy establishment with a little outside patio for those bright sunny days and warm nights. The first thing you notice stepping inside is the wall of rum behind the bar. The brand names they have on hand is extensive. I chose the seat outside and quickly perused the menu to mentally check off the necessary items for a Jamican Jerk Joint: Jerk Chicken? Check. Curry Goat? Check. Rice & Peas? Check. Banana Fritters? No. Ackee & Saltfish? No. Jamaican Patties? No. Cassava Cake? No. Those four missing items were like four daggers driven into my heart. but I pressed on.
The menu also listed a Hot Pepper Tiger Shrimp Dish (Not Jerk Shrimp Curry), Lamb Chops (not curried but I can work with that) and Jerk Ribs (awesome! we’re getting back on track). I immediately went to order one of the three sharing platters thinking I could take the leftovers home after trying each dish. Sadly, due to their recent opening they haven’t had time to get takeout containers so I couldn’t very well leave so much food behind and since I’m not a glutton willing to risk exploding at the table I opted for a single dish. There was no debate in the matter: I went for the jerk chicken.
When my dish arrived the first thing I noticed was the chicken. A sliced breast? No, no, no. Maybe it’s nostalgia but I like my Jerk chicken cooked whole and chopped into chunks. It should be eaten with your hands not by knife and fork. But even if you opt to not chop the bird up please still cook the whole bird bones and all and not the breasts. Still, I dug in. The rice and peas (kidney beans all good) hit the spot. The slaw tangy and tart balanced that nicely. And the spice of the chicken did start to hit the right notes: ginger, thyme, nutmeg, and allspice (yes!)! But the heat was missing I’m used to. The smoky full flavor I got. Kudos, but just bring the heat a bit more. Still, for being so far from the island it’s a great effort. I just wish the chicken would be left on the bone.
The cocktail menu boats a fun and delicious list all of it’s own. I ordered a Dark and Stormy. Rum Punch was my life when I was in Jamaica and this drink hit me well. I especially like the ginger ale which brought back memories of sipping Jamaican Ginger Beer on the seaside Cliffs of Negril. I decided then and there that I would come back. I would be back to try each and every Cocktail even if I din’t plan on returning to devour that Curry Goat. I do plan to devour that Curry Goat.
The Good:
A taste of Jamaica in Seoul? What’s not to love.
The Bad:
Keep the bone in the chicken. Add some heat to the dry rub. Also No Red Stripe. If you’re serving Jamaican Food you need Red Stripe. It’s essential. No “ifs”, “ands”, or buts allowed.
The Weird:
A cocktail named Grog? Weird, but I’m in!
Prices:
5,000 to 35,000
Delivery:
You can order Delivery from Trench Town via Shuttle (셔틀). The prep time is 15 to 35 minutes.
Hours:
Tue-Sunday from 5:30pm-10:30pm
Phone:
027949992
Address:
105 Bogwang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Website:
Directions:
With your back to Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon walk straight. You’ll come to a few furniture shops, and it will be on the right hand side of the street down a driveway and on the second floor.
I’ve heard good things about this place but sadly don’t think we’ll get chance to try it before we leave Korea. Your pictures have made me hungry! I’d definitely go for the jerk ribs – yum! And you’re right – red stripe on the menu is a MUST!!
I never had a goat curry before. But I do know that we have dishes in the Philippines with goat. I just don’t know how they’re called. The location of the resto must be in Itaewon’s antique street? I’ll keep this in mind in case hubby asks for Jamaican next time.
A goat curry? where do they even get a goat in Seoul? I guess that’s the beauty of living in a capital city, because you can probably find just about anything, if you know where to look. I’ve never had Jamaican cuisine and what you devoured looks amazing. I’d go down on that!
Goat curry is so good. i still haven’t made it back to try, but I’m counting the days till I do.
Jerk Chicken without bone.. haha what? I keep hearing about this place though. They either have really good food… or really good marketing. Might have to go check it out myself to see. ^^
I was really disappointed they didn’t have it on the bone. They are missing out big time.
Yummm! I’ll have to check out this spot next time I’m in Seoul. It’s definitely weird not to leave the bone in the chicken given that Korea loves to serve its chicken with bone haha. Would you return?
I’ll definitely be back. The cocktail list alone has me wanting to return.
There’s so much amazing and authentic island food in Toronto (where I came from) that I’m a little scared to try this one out. It sounds like it’s passable, but that I stand a chance of being disappointed. Totally agree with you about needing the heat and the chicken being on the bone…isn’t that what makes it jerk chicken???
There’s a Jamaican chain of food in Toronto! What’s it called? It’s on the tip of my tongue! I really liked that place.
Nice write-up. The jerk chicken sounds delish. I enjoy smokey flavours. The jerk ribs and goat curry also sound really good. I’ve not had any of these meals in ages! I’ll definitely look out for Trench Town next time I’m in Itaewon! On a side note, I like to attend Latin festivals here, as often, Caribbean food is often featured too!
I need to get back there to try that goat!