KINGSTON JERK CHICKEN 弘明寺店 — Local services in Yokohama

Finally got around to giving this place another try. Didn't want to make the trip back out so went with delivery which of course had a negative effect on both freshness and cost, but that's just the reality of delivery.

Ordered the standard jerk chicken plate and found it quite satisfying and delicious. I imagine it would taste even better if I was eating it freshly made near the store. If I get another chance I definitely want to actually go to the location and try the hotdogs. My only gripe is that for the price, the portion size felt a bit small, but delivery does have a higher cost so perhaps I would not feel this way if I was paying the regular cost at the store.

---- Original Review ----

I chose one star, but only because there is no better option for being unable to experience the restaurant.

Been meaning to try this place but it's about a 45 minute trip, so I've been putting it off. Finally came by about 12 but it wasn't open.

I didn't see any post about today's hours on their instagram, so I was a bit disappointed. A sign out front said they'd be open 午後, but that's not really a time and isn't very helpful. I went to the park and came back around 1:30, but it still wasn't open, so I wound up just going back home. I saw other people do similarly.

Majorly disappointed but I'll be back again sometime to give it a proper try and will adjust my review when I do. In the meantime I'd recommend giving a bit more information than 午後 if possible and maybe posting...

Real Jamaican Jerk Chicken to Londoners and Americans is what Peri Peri Chicken is to Aussies (sans Cheeky Nandos)—it’s easily accessible and culturally digestible ethnic cuisine that has been, for generations now, assimilated into these western diasporas. So what about first wave of chargrilled chooks in the East? Asia has a vast variety of meat seared over open flames, however the economy of the chicken in such a state is less popular so. Luckily for the residents of Yokohama, they can get some pretty legit Ja-Jerk now!

The Japanese-run shop has only been open since March (2025) but has all the makings of evolving into something really special for the neighbourhood. Analogues for the more authentic Caribbean elements such as red bean rice and slaw are happily replaced by traditional Japanese short grain and barley, and creamy potato salad. The chicken is cooked how it should be though – in a big, lid-down canister, open flame, medium to slow and basted regularly. The result is an on-point aromatic, umami and sour flavour that’s embedded in the chicken, thigh cuts being a smart choice for moisture retention. The sauce reminds me more of a banana ketchup but works just as well. The Japanese aren’t known for handling super spicy, so if that’s what you’re missing, I don’t see why you can’t BYO. It’s a Jerk Chicken Donburi essentially… and I ain’t...

Take out only!

After struggling to find parking, then walking in rain to get there I was disappointed that there was nowhere to sit and enjoy the food. I asked the lady inside if they have seats at all and she said no only the standing counter area.

I give 3 stars because the jerk dog was actually very delicious! I’m sure if there was an area for me to sit and eat I would’ve ordered another one, or even tried something else...