Ritchie’s Jamaican Dishes — Restaurant in Welland

Was in Welland for a swim race on September 10th so I, and my race friends found Ritchie’s for dinner and OMG were we happy we went in!

First of all, this is authentic Jamaican cuisine—and we spoke with a few of the folks who run the place (Ritchie himself, I’m guessing!) and they were saying how most of their soups aren’t available because Wellanders don’t eat soup in hot weather months, but he explained that islanders eat soup daily and it offers cooling properties, so I need the People of Welland to get with it because this man’s soups are a revelation!

We ordered the oxtail dinner, the curry goat, the ackee and salt fish and the jerk chicken with rice, peas and kale salad. Everything was fresh, tender, full of flavour and very generous portions. While we were enjoying our meals, Ritchie (I’m assuming) came out to tell us he was preparing soup for himself and he’d bring us a sample. We were so excited! He brought out three styrofoam cups full of the most delectable fish soup with okra and other vegetables. To die for.

This meal helped me face race day with a full belly and a smile on my face. I’m telling you, Wellandites: YOU WANT THIS MAN’S SOUPS! You need his soups in your life!

Can’t wait to return to Welland for more racing and more of this...

I usually don't leave comments but I had to for this oxtail meal I bought today. As a born and raised Jamaican, this food reminded me of real home cooked Jamaican food. I mean the one that your grandma from the countryside would "throw down" ( non Jamaicans : its means cooked to perfection) in the kitchen over some wood fire. From the taste to presentation and quantity of oxtail per serving and not to mention that finger licking kale salad. My 11 months old and I thoroughly enjoyed it while parked on the side of the road (couldn't wait until we were home) but saved a few bites for my husband to taste after work (hehehe not sharing today). All jokes aside, it was a beautiful meal....

Update* This is my second time having jerk chicken meal. This will be the only jerk chicken I have when I want jerk chicken going forward! Everything is just so good. The slaw is one of the best parts of the meal, eat your greens! Chicken falls off bone so nice. Gravy is sooo good, don't skip it on rice and peas.

Amazing patties! Though I will say the filling to dough ratio was adequate and even, I just wanted more and more of the delicious filling. Will be trying a full meal one day based on patties alone, but I'll still be saving room for...