We only catch First Caribbean Choice at the Troy Farmers Market (we have never been to the…read morerestaurant), and it's become a must-stop at least a few times throughout the summer! There's one gentleman (from Jamaica--the man behind the food!) cooking and serving, and his dishes are as warm and genuine as his service. I really need to learn his name--he deserves the shout-out. We usually order the combo platter, and it's fantastic value: three styles of chicken (fall-off-the-bone tender), stewed chickpeas, cabbage, fried plantains, and rice. Portions are generous, everything is hot and fresh, and each component has its own distinct flavor while still blending perfectly on the plate. The seasoning is layered and satisfying--comforting, savory, and balanced--so every bite feels like a complete meal, not just a pile of sides. Consistently delicious food, hearty portions, and friendly, efficient service. If you're at the Troy Farmers Market and craving real Caribbean comfort, this stand is the one. We will be back (and next time, I'm asking his name!).

-Delicious beef stew and awesome service!! I would…read moredefinitely go back. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for carbine/ African cuisine .

I was a little skeptical about trying the food at M&K Island Hut because the photos of the food…read moredidn't particularly wow me...but let me tell you, don't let the pictures fool you! I ordered the stew chicken with rice and peas special with a side of macaroni pie. Where do I begin?! It was so good! The stewed chicken was exactly how I like it made -- with a rich thick gravy. The food was packed with flavor and spice, and left me wanting more! I also tried the curried chicken which was also on point. This dish is more spicy than the stewed chicken. I would recommend this as well, especially if you enjoy spicy food. I would say the macaroni was average. I've had better, but I've also had worse. The prices here are great. You can't beat a $5 special that comes with TWO sides! This thing filled me up. The next time I'm in town, I want to try some of their jerk. Overall, I enjoyed the food here. But I'm removing one star for customer service. The woman at the front counter can be hit or miss with her attitude. Something management should definitely work on.

Wow...the food here packs all the Caribbean flavor and delivers them straight into Troy! All for a…read moresong at less than $10 per dish. My curry goat was so tender and flavor packed I wiped my bowl clean. Just the right amount of spice that gives a little run to your nose and lingers lightly on tongue but doesn't overwhelm. The beef patty has a hint of spice and is tender. Worth a trip for those craving Island flavors or missing home/vacation.

Every person who comes to the U.S. brings their rich culture, beautiful art and music, and, oh…read moreyeah, delicious cuisine with them, and the Haitian community is no exception. Our communities are enriched by the gifts they bring. Yesterday, I got to experience it firsthand thanks to Amy and her crew over at A.J. W Caribbean Restaurant! They hooked me up with a FANTASTIC meal--a TON of fall-off-the-bone tender stew and delicious black rice and pigeon peas with some of the biggest plantain pieces I've ever seen! They've been open here in Albany for just over a year (a critical milestone in restaurant operations!), and if you haven't been here yet, you're missing out! I'll definitely be back (hopefully to try their snapper!)

Sometimes a single dish is reason enough to try a new restaurant, and this is the case with akra…read moreat AJW. It's not fried okra as I assumed but a fritter based on taro. Moist inside, crispy outside with just a bit of heat. A must. Also had a medium portion of the beef stew with vegetables which was easily enough to serve 2. Stew was pleasant with harmonious flavors but the available spicy slaw kicked it up a notch. Accompanied by black rice which now comes with green peas, not mushrooms, and a pleasant plantain patty. (I'm used to plantains sliced like bananas at Cuban places and guess this one is mashed then reconstituted into a patty.) Slices of onion and bell pepper, shown in previous photos, no longer included nor is what looked like a pretty ordinary side salad. Still a very good value for what I received. The interior is spacious and pleasant (apparently a former Starbucks) and a little hard to find with a difficult to read sign. It's to the left of the Men's Wearhouse store in a strip mall facing Colonie Center. Give it a go so this cuisine newcomer does not go away!

I love going to Mi Casa to pick up delicious Dominican lunch. They are very generous with their…read moreportions. Very tasty too! Sometimes I like to pick up some hispanic items or produce when I don't get a chance to run to the supermarket as it is close to my work.

Food is excellent! Stewed pork and ribs are well seasoned and cooked. Melt in your mouth delicious…read more The only reason I am giving 4 stars not 5 is because we love their plantains and they only include them when they have them. Which the past few times we have ordered they haven't sadly. Other than that great spot to try something new.

If you want delicious food that is made with love and passion then run don't walk to Pataconia in…read moreRiver Street Market. This visit we had the Dominican pulled pork, patacon sliders and fried plantains.

I stopped in at Pataconia at River Street Market in Troy during their grand opening. They had a…read moreribbon cutting with politicians on hand from the City of Troy and NYS and News 10 was there too. This food counter serves up Caribbean fare with a twist including patacones, pastelitos, rice/beans bowls, and plantain chips. I ordered two patacones, Spicy Chicken ($10.75 plus tax), Teriyaki Cauliflower ($12.75 plus tax) and Korean BBQ Beef Pastelito ($5-$2.50 plus tax on special with the purchase of two patacones). My food was all set in about 12 minutes. The patacones (fried plantain sandwiches) were very good. The Spicy Chicken Patacon had shredded Gochujang chicken, escabeche, avocado between two fried crisp plantain patties. The Teriyaki Cauliflower had daikon slaw, sauteed cauliflower and teriyaki sauce between two fried crisp plantain patties. The Pastelito was a hot baked round flaky pastry filled with BBQ ground beef with fry sauce for dipping. Overall, a great tasty filling lunch at moderate prices. I was thoroughly satisfied with the patacones and Pastelito.

Walking in to Good Religion, made me feel at home. The hospitality was above and beyond,…read moreaccommodating our request to move a table outside! But the staff was warm and inviting. For Tuesday dinner, the place was not packed at all and had great Caribbean music playing to help set the mood. We ordered the jerk chicken wings appetizer, and entrees of curried goat and Ox Tail. The wings were fall off the bone marinated chicken with a heavenly host of flavors that were spiced nice with not too much heat (would've posted pictures but they were devoured). The curried goat had a beautiful aroma and bouquet of curry flavors but was also not over powered with spicy heat. And the Ox Tail...... drool worthy, savory, tender, and stewed with love and effection. We both shared sides of coconut rice and steamed cabbage which were perfectly complements to our dishes. Dessert was a maple cornbread that made me believe my aunt Barbra was back there cheffing.. Will definitely return!! And will spread the gospel of Good Religion far and wide.

The food was absolutely great! I made it a point to try this spot, before heading back home (New…read moreOrleans). I add that point because if you know New Orleans food, you'll know how discerning native New Orleanians are about food - period. Upon arrival to Good Religion, I was a little shocked by the look and it being in NY; however, I am accustomed to good food from unassuming places. I will admit I am not a fan of buffets, but Good Religion is more than a buffet, it's your auntie's kitchen. There is a difference!

It's nice to try new flavors. And boy are you in for a treat. It's location was also somewhat of…read morea surprise. This gem is located inside the Celtic Hall. I knew there was a kitchen, but if you didn't know, Bespoke is there waiting for your order. Bonus, today was there was a craft fair going on. Two fun things. Ordered Garlic shrimp which had garlic, onions, peppers and small hot peppers. Chef even inquired how spicy I'd like it. Nice! SO had the oxtail stew. Both were accompanied by 2 sides. I ordered the cabbage (nicely sautéed with onions) and the Mac and Cheese (delightful). SO got plaintains and the cabbage. A lot of food in an 8x8 recyclable container filled to the brim. Parking off street. Friendly people. Great food. This will need to be revisited since there is more on the menu to eat.

Everyone there was good vibes and down to earth. Great food! I've been to JA and this reminds me of…read morethat true JA cooking! Out of all the other spots around this one is the place to go. I posted the updated menu because I ordered off the old one over the phone and thought it was cheaper - but NO COMPLAINTS AT ALL! Still a great deal and so worth it! I forgot to take pictures of the Red Snapper plate and Jerk Chicken but highly recommend

My son and I ordered 1 large oxtail meal and 1 large curry goat meal with some baked mac & cheese…read more The food was absolutely delicious. The goat was tender and the oxtails were also. The oxtails were very favorable and the rice and beans with cabbage was outstanding. Some very lovely ladies served us and they were very nice and welcoming. The restaurant itself had a nice feel to it and you could smell all of the good seasonings in the air. I'll definitely be returning to Roy's

The food was Overpriced and UnderSeasoned. The oxtail did not have gravy and was not flavorful. Not…read moreto mention $30 for a Small is Diabolical! I will NOT be returning!!

Yelpers and hard-to-please Redditors praised Umana Yana but I was initially unclear on the "must…read morehave" items given the fusion aspects. Umana Yana is named after a Guyana location but much of the fare is African. In addition to scouring photos I even looked on DoorDash for popular items. The jerk lamb lollipops and red curry fish tacos were excellent. Umana Yana is an expert in spice and sauce, and also has a knack for combining fire and sweetness. The lamb has plenty of built-in flavor but was also adorned with a topping vaguely in the pico de gallo paradigm along with pineapple, and there's a green sauce on the side.

This place has AMAZING food and drinks! Best Ethiopian food I've ever had, and I've had food made…read moreby Ethiopians several times. They make food from many places, and do it well. Awesome Tamarind Margarita. My husband also lived his food and drink, whatever that was. Chris was a great server. Can't wait to go back.

This place went out of business it's no longer in the empire plaza on google it still appears as if…read morethey're there and it's not too bad i was really craving Jamaican food

The food here has really taken a dive. Im not sure whats going on here but it always looks like the…read morefood has been sitting out for awhile. The food just looks dried out. I had the oxtails and for $10 from a west indian establishment youd think you might get a big portion. I got a fancy sized portion without the fancy. About 3.5 oxtails that were heavy on the pimento and too light on the brown sugar that gives oxtails that sweet savory sauce everyone loves so much. Ive been coming to the dutch pot for a few years now and its clear to me something has changed. If they want to make it in the increasingly competitive food court they are going to need to step it up.