Even with the current trend for pop ups and Streetfood in Birmingham, Caribbean food has been hugely under represented in Birmingham's City Centre. There is normally a good selection at the Food Fair and Jamaican Independence festival (obviously), but not a lot else.
Baileys has really stepped up to the mark. With a static location, gigantic steel BBQ and a gorgeous rich smell which fills The Square; they're on to a winner. Big props to Dave P. who alerted me to this gem of a stall a few weeks ago. I had been meaning to try it for a while, but after seeing Dave at our CMYE on Tuesday - it was agreed that Lunch WOULD happen. And it did. And it was sooooo good.
With a reasonable selection of Caribbean favorites (Ackee and Saltfish, Rice and Pea etc) it was always clear what I was going to order. Jerk chicken. The godfather of all the chicken dishes. On a rainy Wednesday in Birmingham, it couldn't have been a better choice.
It was clear on this particular day that Baileys were having some cooking issues, but we rocked up and were politely told that we COULD have Jerk, but not for 10 minutes. Not a problem for us (as they'd clearly just fired up the BBQ). It gave us a chance to go and mooch at the newest deliveries into Ignite Records in the Oasis (and for me to go and drool at the Hello Kitty merch on sale nearby).
Within 10 minutes, we were back and ordering. I had Rice and pea, Jerk Chicken and a little bit of veg. For £6, it was a -very- reasonably sized portion. As an added bonus, Baileys also provides a small covered seating area (with a nifty Pacman decorated bench), so you can still enjoy some sunshine food in the pouring rain.
I was mightily impressed with the level of spice, the sauce and the rich flavor of the Rice and Pea. I was so blown away, it was devoured in under 5 minutes. It was -THAT- good. Baileys could now become my "go-to" place for lunch on the run. Saying that, it strikes me that as the food is fresh you sometimes might have a bit of a wait. So... Go, give it a try. But make sure you have plenty of time! read more