Jerk Junction ​Chorlton — Restaurant in Manchester

This is the first time I have ordered from jerk junction since their revamp. And I’m just disappointed. I loved jerk junction before and used to order all the time but the food just didn’t have that authentic Caribbean flavour that it used to. I ordered the curry goat meal with dumplings, plantain and coleslaw through deliveroo. First of all I found it extremely annoying that you cannot order plantain on its own in the app, especially because I’m picky and don’t like my plantain touching sauce but I wanted plantain so I ordered it as an extra in the drop down menu, just as I’d expected it came on top of the curry which I wasn’t happy about. Secondly the curry is just bland. It’s not inedible but the flavour just isn’t there which is unfortunate because the meat is actually very tender as you’d want it to be but there’s just no flavour. It’s like someone put hot curry powder in a pot with coconut milk n a whole lot of water left it to simmer n then added the tender meat afterwards because the curry flavour didn’t carry all the way through the meat. The portion size is generous depending on what you’re used to. For me this could just about be two meals but I know in the past I’ve gotten a good 2-3 meals from one of their portions. On a plus side the small amount of rice and peas that wasn’t drenched in curry sauce was actually very nice, I’d definitely order the rice to eat by its self. The plantain was sweet and soft I just wish there was more of it (especially for £2 are u mad I could have fried up 6 whole plantains for that price but cool) Dumplings were okay nice texture, slightly crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside.

Overall the quality of food was good, but the flavour was bland. Portion size was good but the meal was not worth the price especially £13 for mediocre (at best) curry goat? No sah, and the plantain?? like seriously 5 diagonally cut pieces of plantain for £2 you are having a laughhh. If the flavour was there I would’ve taken the L n sat back with my full belly but right now I’m just left feeling scammed. I feel like my good good Jamaican takeaway has now been gentrified.

Also pree the people who are giving this place 5 starts now. I can tell you they are not people who are used to authentic...

Avoid giving your money to Jerk Junction, not only because it’s over priced, but owner Jake Shaffi and operations manager Joe are not good people. Jerk Junction is a shambles and I saw many customers complaining about how Jerk Junction has commercialised and no longer care for their customers. There are plenty of better Caribbean food shops like Kool Runnings, Sasa’s, and Buckles and Jerdine that are run by good, honest, hard working people.

I enquired about any part-time vacancies to run alongside my master’s degree and made a verbal agreement with Joe to undertake a 2.5 hour paid trial shift. I attended the trial shift, and was supervised by Rachel who was friendly. The owner, Jake Shaffi, visited the shop during my trial shift with the attitude of an arrogant 16yo boy, he refused to acknowledge me (a potential employee) despite Rachel and myself making genuine attempts. It was very strange behaviour, he appeared to be intimidated by my presence because he’s a slim man, and I have an athletic build.

I performed well and Rachel said she would report back to Joe who would be in touch. I didn’t get paid on the night because Joe wasn’t working, although he previously informed me he would be there. Since the trial shift Joe has misled me with phone calls and messages about the outcome , stating the feedback was “amazing”, requesting my university timetable, and informing me he would call, but not taking any action. Now 2 weeks later I still haven’t been paid or received a response. Moral of the story, owner Jake Shaffi and ops manager Joe are unpleasant people. I recommend you spend your money in the other Carribean food shops where the people are much nicer, and the food is cheaper...

Jerk Junction: The Curry Goat That Demands a Pilgrimage ​Five Stars \star\star\star\star\star ​If you want to know how good Jerk Junction's food is, let me tell you this: I live in Newcastle, and I genuinely make the over 150-mile trip to Manchester specifically for their Curry Goat. ​I usually tell my friends and family I'm coming down to see them, but honestly, they are just my convenient alibi! My true, deeply spiced love waits at Jerk Junction, and everything else is just a bonus. ​The Curry Goat and Rice and Peas from Jerk Junction is, without exaggeration, one of my favourite foods in the entire world. The goat is always incredibly tender, the gravy is deep, rich, and perfectly spiced, and the rice and peas are the perfect, authentic foundation. It’s soul food done right. ​A little note on my last fix: while it wasn't as spicy as it usually is (and I love the heat!), the flavour still completely hit the mark. It's consistently delicious regardless. ​The last time I was desperate for a portion, my parents were dropping my grandmother off at Manchester Airport. My exact instructions were not about the luggage, but to "Please, for the love of God, bring me back a portion of Jerk Junction Curry Goat." They delivered, and it was a masterpiece, even reheated. ​I’ve told everyone who will listen: I'll know I've truly made it to Jannah when I find a plate of Jerk Junction's Curry Goat with Rice and Peas waiting for me. Until then, you can find me making the long, but always worthwhile, journey down the A1. ​Don't walk, run to this place. Don't judge, if you see me on the A1/M62 every other week n mind yo own...