I used to love going to Elma's for their excellent food. However, two weeks ago, I noticed some new construction there. Now, you can no longer see the food being prepared. Instead, you tell them what you want, and they return with your order in a plastic bag. Previously, you could watch your container being fixed right in front of you, and you could even ask for extra gravy if you wanted it. When I got home, I found that my food was dry. It was still good, but the lack of moisture affected the experience. For many people, seeing the food is an essential part of the enjoyment, and sometimes I base my choices on how appetizing the dishes look. I hope they revert to the old setup. Until then, I'll be going to OGA's instead. Their food is good, and you can actually see it being prepared. Plus, they make delicious callaloo! read more

1 Salad was slimy and sticky. 2 White sauce was very bitter taste. And we order ten people dinner and got for five people. And food was not packed, we have to bring to car one after another. Not happy at all because we got sick eating spoil food. And our celebration was spoil. Not happy at all. read more

Elma's Kitchen - Caribbean Near Me - Plainfield, New Jersey

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Definitely a typical Jamaican restaurant everybody is dressed in regular clothing. The food is good, but I feel like it's been sitting out there all day and you're not really getting anything fresh unless you go there when they first start in the morning there's a lot of random people hanging out in there so I really wouldn't recommend sitting down there to eat probably taking it to go. The food is OK I have had better but if you're looking for something quick and delicious it is a good stop. read more

The curry goat, let's talk about it. AMAZING okay??? Flavors were top notch with right amount of spice. I was licking the sauce off my fingers!!!! I will say I got some pieces that were likely skin and a lil chewy but the pieces that were tender and falling off the bone were a DREAM. I got rice and peas and greens with is. I did get some gravy on top of the rice, which I always do, but I'm not gonna lie, it would've been good without it too. The service was quick and welcoming. If you've never experienced Caribbean people, you may think they're a little forward, but coming from a Caribbean household I felt veery welcome and comfortable. The inside is very authentic, not crazy fancy but they work with what they have and I respect that. Regardless, it's a great spot to get food, and I will be coming back very soon! Also! The festival/fried dumplings/ johnny cake... whatever it's called in Jamaica was BOMB. Go ahead and dip that in your gravy if you get it as a side. read more

Elma's Kitchen - Curry Goat - Caribbean Near Me - Plainfield, New Jersey

Placed an order for stew beef, chicken roti , carrot cake, beef pattie and 2 drinks I received everything except for the stew beef and chicken roti lunch is now ruin read more

Elma's Kitchen - carrot cake, beef pattie and 2 drinks - Caribbean Near Me - Plainfield, New Jersey

Amazing family owned restaurant in South Plainfield. Food quality is superb and the restaurant environment is calm and welcoming. Amazing family working together to make you the best homemade food read more

I haven't actually walked into this establishment myself yet however we have ordered here several times and was picked up by my wife. She raves about how welcoming and accommodating the owner was. I ordered the stew beef which was amazing, I haven't been able to ordered it again as I understand they rarely make it. I also ordered the curry goat which was pretty good too and the oxtail were amazing and had big chunks. I would definitely recommend this place and plan on visiting myself soon. By the way, their beef patties are great too. read more

Elma's Kitchen - Oxtail - Caribbean Near Me - Plainfield, New Jersey

Delicious oxtail, they never disappoint! But underdogs here are the jerk chicken and bbq chicken! Always succulent, flavorful and fragrant!!! They know what they're doing for sure. Good eats for lunch or dinner. They have some breakfast items as well, I haven't tried them yet but next time I'm in town, I will! read more

Ordered jerk chicken. The chicken itself was decent but a smaller portion, second they missed two of my three items i ordered... everything aside from the chicken was bland. the rice and beans absolutely no seasoning. Hopefully i can find a good local spot bummed read more

Placed a pickup order on Uber just to arrive to the restaurant to be told that they cancelled it. However on Uber, the order was never cancelled. They also didn't give an explanation as to why it was cancelled. The gentleman had an attitude with my husband which is strange because this is a restaurant that's in the service business. If you don't have the food available, you should not be open. BTW, I'm a business owner as well. This was in poor taste. Please do better next time. I live in the neighborhood and this is yet another establishment crossed off the list. read more

I've been enjoing Elma's Kitcen for the last 10 years. The patties are delicous and are often my breakfast on the go. Their jerk chicken is awesome. I'd love a bit more spice, but liek most places, they only go as far as the local palate will take; the flavor, and tenderness, is still amazing. Add gravy to your rice, and DO NOT skip the collard greens - they're the best. read more

All I have to say is wow... great food and service will be back with my family and friends keep doing what you do read more

I am always nervous about trying people's curry chicken because everyone can't make it. I took a chance with this place since I was already in the area and google gave them 4.2 stars. Unfortunately I cannot give them the same. Their curry chicken is very bland, no flavor, and dry. I'm not of Jamaican descent, but I'm sure I could've made it better. They were out of white rice not even half way through the day and the side of veggies I got was not the same as in their pictures. I don't mind spending money on good food, but $15 for a SMALL and it doesn't even taste good? I will not return. read more

Elma's Kitchen - Curry chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Plainfield, New Jersey

Delicious Jamaican food. The service is wonderful and the environment is great. Recommended.

My husband and I ordered here last night (Sunday) I reallly wanted Jamaican Food, and this was the only place open. My husband called in the order, by the time he got off the phone he said "sheesh she was rude" I took up for the lady taking the order, and told him he was talking super slow lol. Ambiance was not a red flag for me, some of the best food sometimes comes from the lesser aesthetically pleasing establishments iykyk. I was so excited to eat, I got curry chicken, rice and peas, cabbage, plantains, and coco bread. Mannn it was the least popping Jamaican plate I've ever had. EVER. read more

Ordered Oxtail w rice and peas. Via Uber eats. Absolutely perfect!!! Carrot cake was the best ever!! Will for sure order from this place again. read more

Considering the place, the type of food and the customers I thought the meal I order, fish, would be at the most $15. Well the fish was $25. Absolutely and totally a big rip off. Two small pieces full of bones with rice and some vegetables. The people at the counter are very indifferent, the place needs some cleaning and a big menu with the prices. Avoid it !!!!! read more

Good food at a good price. Came in after realizing that I was near a spot that sold jerk everything. When I got there the young lady greeted me warmly and worked really hard to get me my order. Yep unfortunately there was no jerk chicken or goat being prepared so I just had bbq chicken with rice and pea and cabbage. All of it was good and it led hear well as I had to drive back to my hotel to eat it. Reasonable prices too as I got the meal and two bottles of sorrel. If I come back to this area I'm definitely coming back. Hopefully I will get some jerk chicken next time. read more

Meh. Customer Service was poor. i called ahead for my order and came about 45 minutes later and it wasn't ready. The food was kind of bland. But well cooked, chicken was moist. The peas in the rice were dry. Wanted more read more

I understand food prices gone up, but $25 for 4 pieces of oxtail? It was a large at that. The food was not bad, but I had hoped I could have made two meals out of it for $25. read more

Food was good, rice a little bland but everything else was good. I had the goat curry with rice and beans plantain and cabbage. Only 3 stars because of the price. Not sure how they come up with the prices but this is a regular sized tray and they charged me $25. Seems unrealistic. Other places charge around $15 for a similar sized dish. read more

Elma's Kitchen - a plate of food on a table - Caribbean Near Me - Plainfield, New Jersey

I've been going to Elmas kitchen for years. Sometimes the food is inconsistent but for the most part I haven't had a bad experience. I think it's one of the best Jamaican restaurants in the Plainfield area. Although, their prices have went up way to much for my liking. $18 for a medium jerk chicken platter is way too much. Unfortunately, I might have to try another local Jamaican restaurant or drive out a little further. read more

THIS FOOD GAVE ME LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing. And the people there made it feel like an ole school neighborhood meeting place.....We really need more places like this in our community. They even let me go next door and bring in a bottle of wine. I went in to eat a meal and stayed for 4 hours with other patrons. We had a ball!!! read more

I walked inside and patiently waited to place my order. Everyone in establishment were social distancing and wearing masks. Once the customer in front of me was finished, young lady at the counter took my order. She was a little welcoming. Guy in the back spoke as well. Very nice no bad vibes. I ordered the oxtails , cabbage and rice. I was so sad because I tore the cabbage up and it was only a little bit, of course most carribeans put maddddd rice and a little meat. Prices were decent however try not to be so stingy with the meat next time. The oxtails were good and the ones I had , had a lot of fat on them which I personally love. I will definitely come back. To the lady in the front , try not to get an attitude when someone asks for a little more of something. , and when I asked to use my card. read more

Food is amazing had there jerk chicken I loved it, I really not a cabbage eater, but there made me want some. I love the vibe they have in there definitely coming back read more

These people lie about their prices and raise them around $5 whole dollars over the real price and I've witnessed this personally and have family members that they've changed the price on to prove it, STAY AWAY from this place if u want a good honest restaurant!!! read more

Elma's kitchen...... I am really surprised how this place only has 2 1/2 stars. I have been going here for many years and the food I have had here has always been on point. You head into the small family restaurant and see some workers at the hot table and others in the background(kitchen) working away to produce some tasty Caribbean food. My personal favorite is the oxtails and gravy that I get in separate containers so that the outrageous gravy doesn't disappear into the rice. Boiled dumplings or fried are good to get with the dish so that you can smother them in the oxtail gravy. The rice and cabbage that comes with the plate are also on point. This place is just still really mom and pop and the food that comes out of Elma's is so good. I have had the goat soup, curry chicken, patties, roasted chicken and it has never disappointed. I walked in the other day and even after not having been for quite awhile, the gentleman in the back looked at me and said wow it's been along time. It's just an all around good place to go, head over and give it a try read more

Food was ok but the portions was not worth the price. The owner dished out my large plate of oxtails and only gave me 4 oxtails, I had to tell her to give me some more oxtails. If you are charging $25 for a large plate of oxtails than you should give out at least 6-8 pieces, they are already cut small with a whole lot of fat on them. Anyway she took the plate back and gave me 3 more small pieces. I won't be going back. read more

I see they take down the negative reviews and only leave up the good one (which were probably written by family members). Any jerk chicken was hard as a rock with no taste. Could've bought a box rice and make my own peas n rice cause her's had no flavor. Lets see how long it takes them to remove this review. read more

Having grown up in a restaurant family and also going to high school in an ethnically black Caribbean neighborhood (Ft. Greene). I will tell you that this food while not fake, is not irie. My high school was across the street from Spike Lee's house, his house as well as John Singleton's store let me just say this place be perpetratin'. It's just a poor excuse and execution of dishes from their homeland and if you on the real, you wouldn't be eating here. Greasy, dry, tasteless, sat too long are just some descriptors. The only folks who eat here are people who have zero cooking ability. By and large the food is precooked and stuck in a fridge and just gets reheated vs having it properly on a steam table and then thrown out after its time is done. It's testament to the fact that this place is not good. read more

I'm not going to put in writing the reason for the one star. But if the owner is reading this. I'm sure you are aware of the serious problem you have. Hire a professional and get rid of it. One thing to see the problem on the floor but when it becomes inside your food it's a catastrophe. read more

If you're reading this, I'm going to need you to drop everything and go get yourself some oxtails from Elma's. I've had a lot of imitation Jamaican food but this is the real deal. Makes me feel like I am in the heart of Jamaica when I eat here. I'm definitely going to have to try the jerk chicken next time, but I'm sure I won't be disappointed with whatever I go with. Don't forget to grab a beef patty for the road. read more

Elma's got herself one dependable and delicious kitchen, here : the rice and peas, oxtails, meat pies, chicken and virtually all of the typical dishes I''ve had here are island spicy, generously portioned and deeeeelicious!! Elma's is an oasis of sorts since there aren't alot of great places to eat in Plainfield. Granted, it ain't a white linen napkin joint (hence the four stars, but I ain't a white linen napkin guy and the only stars around me are the ones I see when the Mrs. dings me with the frying pan) but Elma's Kitchen is a joint I return to and leave every time with a great big SMILE! And not de$titute! read more

The food here was horrible. I'm starting to think the reviews that have been left are from friends and family. We ordered the curry chicken with rice as one order and the second was for stewed beef. There was so much fat, gristle, and large pieces of bone (from parts that I have yet to identify and cut in the most awkward places) left behind. I felt as if I spent way too much time searching for the small pieces of meat that was actually there; and the remainder of the time, I watched the pile of inedible parts pile up on the side of my plate. The gentleman that took my order was rude, to say the least. I asked him if he took debit or credit while he was heating up our food in the microwave (yes, the microwave). He answered yes over his shoulder, but when it was time to ring us up, he argued that he said that they were a cash-only restaurant. I find it hard to believe that both of us heard him wrong although it is clearly possible. The more important point is that, instead of responding so rudely, he could have said he may have misheard or there must have been some miscommunication and POLITELY advise us where the nearest ATM machine is. He did tell us where we could find a machine, but I assure it was far from in a respectful tone. I used to come here years ago and enjoyed the experience and their food. It's unfortunate that they have taken such a downturn in quality, if not in sales. If I didn't make it clear yet, I would never return to this establishment nor would I ever recommend them. read more

Great Authentic Food definitely going back for jerk chicken asap. Rice was Good. Seasoning is on point also interested in trying curry goat

Food is generally OK. Good choice for the neighborhood, but the restaurant itself could use a bit of cleaning.

Ill give elma's 3 stars to be nice . The food isnt HORRIBLE, but its not the best either. If youre hungry for some Jamaican food, this wil satisfy you but the issue i have with elma's and why i do not go there often at all no matter how bad i want the food, is because they give such small portions with just a ton of rice and gravy. So essentially, youre paying for very little meat and all rice and gravy. And one thing i notice the big guy tends to do is not give back correct change or give you back your silver if you have change, without asking and i dont like that. The owner is a very sweet lady, the oxtail is good, the rive and peas are good, im not crazy at all about the curry chicken it lacks flavor and the brown stew is pretty good. They sell red peas soup occasionally on the wekeend which is pretty good as well . So every once in a while ill go here but its not a place where you'll become a regular. read more

guy seems to be cool.. $ not worth it. $20.00 for Small Curry goat and Rice.. Food is ok.. ; not really worth the money. would not return or recommend. read more

I eat at Elma's at least twice a week and the food is really good. Well until yesterday that is...Which saddens me that I must write this review about my most recent experience at Elma's. The heavy set young male that works there made it a point to tell another patron that I needed to "get the hell out of there," and went further to say, "with my tight ass pants." Not only was it rude and unwarranted it was very unprofessional especially because I spend so much money there. Neither gentlemen were helping me so I shouldn't have even been a topic of their discussion. I will never step foot in the restaurant again. Feel how you feel however your business has no place for your personal feelings about me or any other group of people you chose to discriminate against. Elma's must be making a boat load of money when you can pick and choose who you want to serve. I would not recommend ANYONE going there and putting up with the craziness and bigotry that goes on in there. read more

DO NOT GO HERE!!! UNLESS YOU WANT TO GET RIPPED OFF!! I always went there as a kid. My parents would take me here to help remind us of home. I moved out of state and returned looking forward to this place but was sadly disappointed. I don't know what happened to Elma, but this place is NOT the same!!! I ordered a curry chicken roti about 20 minutes ago for take out. I come home to find the whole container full of rice and two pieces of curry chicken with the roti still rolled up. If you know west indian food, you would know that this is a no no. The rice is TASTELESS. I spent over 20 dollars for food that is inedible for me and my family. I cant even finish this... its disgusting. I would recommend another place to go, but honestly there is no other jamaican/ west indian restaurant that's worth going to. Please do not waste your time or empty your pockets going there. Elma's Kitchen has just lost a very loyal customer. You have been warned. read more