SHANAS CARIBBEAN CAFE — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I’ve always ordered from this restaurant through GrubHub - I was never disappointed. Actually, more than anything, I was impressed. Their orders are always packaged neatly - neatly, where it’s clear to see they take pride in how their offerings are received upon delivery.

Great sized portions, great cooking techniques - listen … I come from New York where every Caribbean restaurant is great … and so I know good Caribbean food and Shana’s Caribbean Cafe is giving it up.

I decided to visit the cafe in person, which is the cause of this review:

You know, Caribbean women are known for being aggressive. But honestly, they are not - they are just about their business, they don’t have time, and they are cautious to strangers. Let’s stop stereotyping because these ladies were cool.

It was Shana there, and two other ladies. Shana was sweet and thanked me genuinely for being a repeat customer. I was honored.

The two other ladies, didn’t smile much, but STILL, I KNEW they were happy I stopped by. One even engaged me in conversation as she built my platter. Even without the smiles, I felt VALUED, which is all any customer can ask for.

I just want to thank Shana and her crew and let you (the reader) know that this is a great spot to order from. You won’t find a more authentic place for Jamaican food.

Oh … and they have flyers for upcoming parties. If you don’t know, let me tell you - you ain’t party for real until you go to...

UPDATE- based on my review the restaurant sent me a coupon for a future order and apologized for my order not being correct. I appreciate that, glad they are listening. TODAY USED COUPON - ordered jerk chicken platter with extra gravy, mac n cheese, rice and peas. Received order with NO GRAVY on the chicken, only on rice and 2 sides of gravy (or should i say bbq sauce, since when did jerk sauce turn into bbq sauce?). What is going on? WHY dont they put gravy on the chicken? Not happy again. Think im done trying. If you like sauce request it on chicken. ORIGINAL REVIEW- Ordered oxtails and curry chicken platters. They ask if you want no gravy, regular gravy or extra gravy. I requested extra gravy for both. Both received with NO GRAVY. Also asked for rice and peas with Mac n cheese. Received white rice and cabbage. How am I gonna eat dry chicken and white rice with NO GRAVY? Now platters come in these aluminum containers all wrapped up in saran wrap, why? nothing is gonna spill because it's NO GRAVY in the platter. They must use slotted spoons to make sure it's NO GRAVY on anything. I would not recommend for delivery, they don't follow instructions. You have to be there in person to make sure you get GRAVY. 2 stars is for chicken, it did have good flavor but I can't eat it with NO GRAVY. Do better, please. These platters ain't cheap especially...

My hunt for Caribbean Cuisine continues! I want to try most of the Caribbean restaurants around the Northeast Philly's area. Due to the last uncomfortable encounter at a nearby Caribbean restaurant, I'm a bit nervous trying out Shana's. When I walk in, the two younger staffs seems to be pretty normal. They didn't gave me a stare down or anything lol. The older staff was kinda surprised to see me there. But she was quick to take my order. I stutter a bit because I was nervous...... I forgot the side order's names but she was quick to help me, which I really appreciate. I had order a medium Jerk Chicken Platter with cabbage and rice & peas. Two Coco bread and a Tropical Rhythm Lychee Punch. I had gotten Oxtail gravy on my rice &peas and Jerk sauce on the side for my chicken. The Coco bread smells so darn delicious when it first warmed up. If you are in a hurry, let the staffs know you will like your Coco bread warmed before you place your order. Or else you will be waiting like me. But I didn't mind since I wasn't in a hurry:) That medium platter had last me thru two lunches. The Rice and Peas are definitely the highlight of the meal bc it was still soft even after 2 days of refrigeration. Shana's is definitely by far my most...