The place was clean, easy relaxing music, & enjoyable atmosphere. The younger lady and the other mature lady are a site for sore eyes! They were very kind, efficient and professional. The food is Great, a bit mild spice. I'm making this spot one of my favorites!!! read more

Came here around 1pm on a Saturday for the first time. Placed the order and waited about 25 minutes. And it was definitely worth it. I don't eat Oxtails but was told they were a hit. I tried the sauce and it was so flavorful and savory. Would definitely get them if I ate beef. Now that curry mash! O my goodness, I never had it before but it was so good. It's not just mash potatoes and curry. The onions, peppers and other fresh seasonings set it off and I would get it again. The plantains were good, soft and sweet. The steamed veggies were so good and sautéed perfectly. I don't like them cooked too long and they had the perfect bite. The rice and peas were also good. They went perfectly with the meal and the seasoning was on point. The chicken curry patty I could've passed on. The outside was so flaky and good! I never had a patty like that but it was kind of cold and I had already gotten the curry chicken and thats exactly what it taste like, just in patty form, although the curry chicken meal was better. The chicken curry was sooo good and flavorful. I got a roti skin to sop up my curry but didn't care for it to much. It tastes like its made with wheat flour or germ flour and was a bit too thick‍ no shade to them. To be honest, I'm a 'bust up shut' roti kinda girl and everybody's is different and that's fine. Now, if they made the roti skin like they made the Jamaican patty, I would be in business. I ate quite a bit and STILL had a whole meal to take home with me and was full after finishing it. When I see people of the culture eating their own food its a good indication to me the food is good. There were a couple tables with a few Jamaican's enjoying it. We went the Saturday after Hurricane Beryl so the lights in the dining area were out probably due to heat, which I'm fine with. It wasn't too hot or cool even without the air on. It was a good time. Next time I'm getting the jerk chicken read more

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Curry Goat and chicken was amazing! Dont forget the jerk wings. Helen can cook!check this place out for some comfort food

Food has always been excellent I've never had a bad experience at Helen's kitchen. Staff is kind and service is 10/10. The inside definitely gives authentic Jamaican vibes. Better than cool runnings. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Brown stew chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Customer service amazing. Very clean nice music in the background, I love the fact that some of the food selection is made to order, this reduce waste on the owner end and the customer is getting fresh authentic taste not stuff that's sitting around. The beef patties were flaky and tasty, hot not lukewarm. The sailfish and callaloo was delicious . I would definitely recommend and return. Thank you guys read more

Here on a VERY hot Houston Saturday afternoon and was excited to get in some cold AC and a have a Jamaican champagne soda for starters at this very modest , but hipster vibes type dive at Helen's Kitchen. I ordered a large curry goat and my brother met me here and he ordered the large oxtails. When I'm visiting a Caribbean spot for the first time , these two staples are a must for me to try. That being said , I really enjoyed my rice and peas and the flavor and tenderness of my curry goat but I found it to be over cooked slightly as it was too many pieces already coming off the bone and was almost more of a gravy for the most part. My brother's oxtails were pretty tender as well , but were not as flavorful as my curry goat. Service was friendly and welcoming , however painfully slow.. So for these combined reasons I gave this and overall 3 stars. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Curried Goat, dumpling rolls, champagne soda - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Jerk chicken is one of those foods I had no idea I would like before I tried it. I've actually made it at home myself and it's a LOT of ingredients so I prefer to order takeout for it instead. That brought me to try out Helen's Kitchen. I ordered food via doordash so I can't give a review on the physical location or their customer service, just the food. I ordered the jerk chicken with white rice and plantains. The jerk is flavorful and is cooked perfectly. The only thing I don't like is how saucy it is. The jerk chicken that I've enjoyed in the past has a smoky, tender and sort of dry outside texture with a juicy inside. I do think this is just personal preference though. White rice was standard and plantains were very tasty. I like plantains not too sweet but definitely like a good balance to offset the spicy of the jerk chicken. It hits the mark. Bag came neatly packaged and included napkins and plastic utensils. Helpings are VERY generous and you probably won't finish a plate in one sitting. Prices are onpar for a jerk chicken spot. Food was delivered hot. I will say that I will try them again but I want to try some other spots that serve jerk first. Check them out! read more

I am a huge fan of Jerk Chicken and oxtails. Anytime I'm able to try a new restaurant that serves Jerk Chicken and oxtails. I'm definitely gonna stop in. I am very glad that we stopped in and tried Helen's kitchen today. They're serving up some really good Jamaican cuisine and I'm a tell you what you will enjoy what they have to offer. Food: the oxtails were easily the best dish I had. Full of flavor, full of meat, just a top-notch dish for oxtails. That was a very flavorful tasty oxtail. Jerk Chicken was solid. it wasn't the best Jerk Chicken. It wasn't the worst Jerk Chicken. It was just a very solid Jerk Chicken. I would give the Jerk Chicken three or four stars out of five. Very tasty. Just the oxtails have were very special. I would definitely come back just for the oxtails. If you're a fan of oxtails stop by here ASAP. the customer service was great. We got three plates, and the food came out and a very timely matter. I will be back soon. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

I ordered at the restaurant to go, it took maybe about 10-15 minutes for them to prepare the food. Once I got in the car I noticed that the container was leaking as you can see from the picture! But on the good side the plate was VERY FULL. I didn't want to waste all the precious gravy though. The cabbage was 10/10. There was plenty of rice, I wish the oxtail and curry were spicier but both tasted slightly above average good. My plate was supposed to come with plantain but I think they forgot it. So I give them a 3.8/5 for the leaking plate, forgetting the plantain and giving me a beef patty instead of the chicken patty I asked for. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Half curry, goat, half oxtail. - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Very spacious restaurant with several tables to dine in or order to go. A family restaurant. Service was okay. They were pretty busy when we came in and there wasn't any guidance given for first time customers. Ordered the garlic shrimp, jerk chicken, and the jerk ribs. All came with rice and peas, plantains, cabbage. The jerk sauce for the chicken is good and kinda spicy. Rice and peas And cabbage are also good. I had the garlic shrimp - they were deveined but the tails were still on. The garlic sauce itself was ok. The ribs were also cool too. Oh, how could I forget the beef patty. This go for this! Well seasoned beef. Truly hand made. Something to note: eitherThe price listed on the menu is if you pay in cash or there is a price increase and the menu changed. I went back to look at my receipt and each dish had a small 1-3% increase in cost and I paid with a card. read more

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Appetizer: Coco bread & beef patty: both according to my husband were good They also have Jamaican sodas which was a plus. Entrees: 2 meat combo plate: I chose oxtail & jerk wings with steamed rice & cabbage Jerk wings with rice & peas & cabbage. Everything was good except for the jerk wings. We drive an hour & 15 min specifically because my husband really wanted wings. They completely missed the mark, biggest disappointment was how dry they were and they definitely didn't taste freshly made. Hubby who is half Jamaican said the sauce was not what he expected. I had 1 and couldn't bring myself to finish the rest. Oxtails however were yummy, ate them all. Tender, fall off the bone and sauce was delicious. We won't make the trip again but if we are ever in the area and wanting Jamaican cuisine, we'll come here but only for the oxtails. The lady who took our order was very nice. This is more of pick up your order and eat at home establishment, but they have tables and chairs if you want to enjoy your food there. read more

I just so happened to be on the south side with this cup of hot chocolate and her 3 kids. They mine too but we not here for those details. Anyways, we were starving like we just left black church and the reviews on this spot were talking that talk. Walking in I could tell it was early so there was no line just like I like it. The scene was giving you're in a low key sketch part of town so you know the food about to hit. The lady taking my order was nice which is always a plus when ordering food for a first time somewhere. Portions? You ever had a grandma? She ever fixed your plate? That's all I gotta say about that. Highly recommend! Highly Enjoyable! Will be back! read more

Helen's Kitchen - Jerked Wings with Plantains, Rice and Peas, and Steamed Cabbage - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

I'm a spice girl so it's no question, I love caribbean food!! I honestly can't tell you how many times Helen's kitchen popped up on my Yelp recommendations over the years but I finally tried it out! Jerk chicken is my absolute favorite Jamaican food but the jerk chicken was a straight disappointment at Helen's kitchen. When I picked up my order I saw one of the cooks unwrapping the chicken which was covered in Saran Wrap. I can tell you I took one bite and it was dry & did not taste fresh at all. Based on the Saran Wrap & taste I highly doubt the chicken was cooked fresh that day. Like another review said the jerk chicken tasted like rotisserie chicken with a side of jerk sauce. Meaning it was apparent the chicken was not marinated in jerk seasonings or spices before cooking and the jerk sauce was simply dabbed over the skin when served. It's a hard pass for me. Oxtails are my second favorite so I ordered them too, glad I did because they were tasty, tender! The plates are served with: - Rice & peas (dry & overcooked) - Steamed vegetables (more like cabbage only, it was over cooked but well seasoned) - Plantains (good but wish they put more than 2 slices) Beef patty: of all the items I tried at Helen's, I feel like the beef patty was the best item which sounds silly because it's only a starter but I truly think this was the most authentic tasting item. In fact, I would stop by again just for the beef patty. Make sure to add one to your order! read more

Talk about delicious Jamaican food, very flavorful. I had the brown chicken stew, peas n rice and plantains... I normally don't even eat plantain, but this was so good and it paired so well with this food. I also had a ting to drink which is Jamaica's version of a Sprite I think :-) read more

Helen's Kitchen - Plenty of seating! - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Everything about my meal was amazing! It was my first time and I'll definitely be back. The portion sizes are more than worth the price. 10/10 experience -- oxtail, rice & peas, and curry chicken were all perfect. read more

The food was absolutely amazing! I got the small jerk ribs on the weekend and it was such a great portion size. The service was quick and prompt, and the woman who took my order was very kind. Overall, great place! Really enjoyed the music while I waited. I will definitely be back in the near future! read more

This is literally the best Jamaican food I've found in Houston since I've been here. I got the fried snapper and it's the best I've found so far. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Fried snapper - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

I called to place an order for a Catering on 10/3/2025 @ 14:10 pm. The person who answered the phone said to me to call back after 5: pm. I asked her if she can take my details and give me a call back. Her response was "EPIC," she pause and gave a chuckle and said to me if you really want it you will call back after 17:00pm. I was floored by her response. I must say that as a customer, I have a choice, and I have decided to take my business elsewhere. They are truly unprofessional at Helen's Kitchen. Perhaps a crash course in etiquette will suffice. read more

I live in Atlanta and there are no good Jamaican food spots. I first placed an order through Uber eats and was pleasantly surprised. I made sure to go and get it again before we left to head back to Atlanta. The staff is very nice, it's very clean and the portions are big. I would reccomend this place to anyone. read more

The food was delicious! Fresh food, homemade sorrel, and the wait wasn't bad at all. Great Jamaican spot!!

This is usually my go to spot for Jamaican food, but I was quite disappointed today. I ordered two large oxtail plates....one with peas and rice and cabbage and the other with curry potatoes and cabbage. I also requested to add plantains (use to be included on the plate, but now have to buy it separately). The cabbage was undercooked, the potatoes had too much curry seasoning, peas and rice were a little dry, and I did not get the plantains I asked for. The oxtails had a good flavor as usual, but the portion size seems smaller. I'll give them another try though. Maybe the cook just had a bad day. read more

I met Helen in person unexpectedly. Had no idea what to order, having never tried Jamaican Food. I went for the Red Snapper, Brown Chicken Stew, a beef patty with sides. Steamed vegetables Curry Mashed potatoes , Rice and pees. I really enjoyed the vegetables, I should have just gone with that. The fish sauce was very good. The fish I preferred fried. The Curry Potatoes I would have to get used to. The Brown Chicken and Rice went very well together. read more

SOOO good great service plenty room to eat inside not too noisy. Oxtails were juicy cabbage was good rice was tatseee. Carrot cake was soooo good and I don't like carrot cake read more

Helen's Kitchen - Small oxtail plate with rice and cabbage $17 - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Another great visit to Helen's kitchen. Had the jerk chicken and shrimp this time and the portions were very generous and steaming hot! Helen always matches your energy as offered great service. It also looks like they opened additional space in the restaurant so she can seat a larger party now. read more

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My first time trying this restaurant via door dash. The flavor of the food was good. Goat was tender. they gave a lot of food and put a lot of gravy on the rice just how i like it! I was disappointed that they didn't have any rum cake and they sent me the banana muffin instead. It was a good muffin but a tad bit on the dry side. I had the beef Patty for breakfast next morning heated up in the air fryers. They were flaky and yummy! The food isn't too spicy so if you want an extra kick, ask for some pepper sauce on the side. read more

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Tried to Jamaican food for the first here and it was a good choice because the food here was amazing! Dedicated staff making your food, very small place and crew, but they do such a good job. When you walk inside it has a nice cozy ambiance, would have been a nice place to sit inside and eat. I got the jerk wings with the rice and peas and cabbage. Also got to try the beef patties that they had. Delicious! Would love to go back again! read more

Affordable Jamaican food I appreciate them not trying to take advantage like these other places and food here is actually good

Ordered ox tails, curry shrimp, coco bread and beef patties. Everything was so delicious, I will definitely be back to try the jerk chicken. The beef patties were the best I have had since I went to Jamaica. Don't waste your money anywhere else. THIS IS THE PLACE! Thank you read more

I ordered DoorDash. This place has been bookmarked for awhile and tonight I was craving oxtails the order arrived hot and fresh. i ordered the oxtail plate with an extra side of rice and beans. the food was really good. it was enough for me to share with my sister and we were both full. the oxtails were very tender. a little were over cooked but k definitely enjoyed. the rice and peas with cabbage were outstanding. my doodasher delivered in a good time and the service was amazing. i didn't go in person so i can't speak too much on the ambiance. my sister enjoyed her potions and commented on how the dice was very authentic to jamaican dishes. overall i would def order from Helen's kitchen again!! read more

A nice little hole in the wall spot in Houston. By far the best Caribbean food I've had in Houston this far (and I've tried bourbon sizzler and kool runnings . The oxtail plate was seasoned to PERFECTION. They were also very generous with loading the plate I had a small and was very well satisfied. 10/10 Each item on the plate is packed with flavor as well. read more

I give it a try because is close to home, I usually go to a another restaurant to get food, Oxtail taste was different than my regular restaurant, looks little greasy, taste was ok, rice had some flavor that I can't describe, chicken was too dry and no flavor at all, other than that no more issues. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

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So me and my sister was feenin' for some Jamaican food so we decided to try a new place. I've been to some Jamaican spots but this place has to be the most authentic spot that I've been to. I got oxtails, cabbage, rice and pees and plantains and my sister got curry goat with the same sides. They have a couple of tables, not really for a group visit maybe 2-4 at the most. First and foremost I will say the food was A1 Top Tier. !! The food came out in a timely manner, and they definitely are not stingy with the food portions. It either comes in a small or Large plate. I do believe the small size will feel most up, but go for the large size if you about it lol !! I would definitely come to this place again, am was very impressed !! read more

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I just tried it. I was hoping for mac and cheese based on social media. I guess it wasn't available. I ordered the half oxtail half jerk, half oxtail half goat, and the brown stew. The oxtail were good. The jerk too dry and lacking heat. The goat was standard. Nothing really stood out. The beef pattie was good. Not sure if they make them on-site. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Top oxtail and curried goat. Mid level jerk and oxtail. Bottom brown stew chicken. - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

I Ordered lrg 1combination plate w oxtails and jerk chicken. The Jerk chicken was dry taste like it was cooked 2days ago and oxtails was so small they could have gave more. Other orders was a large curry chicken plate 2days old chicken too. Stem vegetables over cooked. I should have went to Cool Runnings always fresh food. $60 was a waste read more

I got the two meat plate and asked them to give me double side salad instead of the rice, peas, and cabbage. The meat was the curried goat and the oxtails. The problem: Instead of packaging the salad in separate container, they put it in the same container with the hot meat. So I picked out the salad and through that out. Also, no salad dressing. The goat, oxtails and the beef patty were all very good. read more

The way to judge a Jamaican spot is always one dish and one dish only, and that is the almighty Oxtails! And these oxtails are really, really good. This spot is super close to my new office so when I want a full lunch I slide through it always so so good. Again, make it easy and get the Oxtails. The Beef Patties are really good too. Overall, some of the best Jamaican food in the city. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Oxtails - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

I gave 4 stars because the customer service was excellent and made up for the lack luster of the food experience. This was my first time trying the establishment. I ordered ahead and the young lady who took my phone order was very polite, professional and answered all of my questions. I ordered a small oxtail plate that came with "peas and rice", 2 slices of plantains and cabbage mixed with carrots. The oxtails were covered in gravy that also had small chunks of what looked like sweet potatoes and Lima beans. My rating breakdown is as follows: 1) Oxtails: were somewhat flavorful & tender for the most part. There are approximately 4 oxtails smothered in thick gravy. However, they were a bit fatty and hard to enjoy because, I had to search for meat surrounded by fat = (3 stars) 2) Peas and rice: I didn't enjoy this part of the entree at all. It didn't taste authentic or anywhere close to my past "peas and rice" experiences at other Jamaican restaurants. It honestly tasted like Zatarain's boxed red beans and rice, which I absolutely dislike. = (1 star) 3) Cabbage: average but tasty = (3 stars) 4) Plantains: tasty but, could have benefited from another minute to fully cook and soften. = 3 stars 5) Customer service= (5 stars) 6) Cleanliness: restaurant looks like a "small hole in the wall" on the exterior. However, the interior was an impressive and clean ambiance. Extra 1/2 point for Cook wearing a mask (5 stars) 7) Customer service and food combined: 4 stars I hope they will consider fixing the peas and rice recipe, trim a bit more fat off the oxtails and cook the plantains a minute longer. I may give them another try in a few months....however I'll have to first confirm if the peas and rice was made from scratch or boxed. read more

Helen's Kitchen - Caribbean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Visiting Houston and wanted some Caribbean food. Seen Helen's on yelp and the reviews and pictures looked good. Got a mixture of plates: 2 large jerk chicken with rice and peas, plantain and steamed vegetables (cabbage), jerk shrimp with plantain, rice and peas and steamed veggies (cabbage), curry goat and oxtail plate and 2 beef patties. Even got some tea tonic. Everything was delicious! Jerk chicken was tender with large pieces, oxtail was delicious, rice and peas was tender and cooked just right. Really enjoyed my food. Couldn't finish in one sitting, going to save the rest for later. Next time when I'm in town and craving...I'll be back read more

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What a hidden gem! I ordered the small oxtail plate with rice & peas and plantains (about $17 and some change after tax) and a beef patty. I really enjoyed the oxtail plate! Although I was disappointed that I only received 2 pieces of plantain, I was really satisfied with the portion of oxtail. It was cooked to perfection and tasty! I'm so glad I found this spot. I was not a fan of their beef patty (maybe because I didnt eat it fresh?) but hey the oxtail plate stole the show. I'm surprised I'm just now learning of this spot, they are definitely a better bang for your buck. I had a good experience from calling in to place an order to go all the way to picking it up. The lady I spoke with was friendly and kindly answered all my questions. My food was ready when I got there (it took ~10 minutes) which I really appreciated. I would definitely recommend a visit! read more

Although a bit far for me , I have to say the oxtail was worth the price and drive. As a person who's never had Jamaican food , I was taken by a storm as soon as I had that oxtail, it had the perfect amount of spices and it had a great kick of spice to it, mix that oxtail sauce with the rice and beans and it's hitting no doubt . Definitely recommend & going back soon for more ! read more