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!)

I cannot believe that I have never left a review!!! I was so happy when AJW was established and was…read moreone of the first customers. My family has celebrated birthdays, recitals, etc here. Anyhow, the staff are friendly, the food is delicious, and the ambiance is a mix between chill and festive. My favorites: Legume with Diri ak Djon Djon (aka Black Rice); also fried turkey with rice and peas; and most of all the red snapper. The mac and cheese is fantastic and I always have a soft spot for salade russe. Sooo. I have a lot of favorites. Just go and try some Haitian food. I will add more photos the next time I go.

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

On point Jamaican Food. This food is really strong Jamaican food. Spices are all the way strong. I…read morewent to Dainty's on Quail a month ago. Clearly there is a 360 change in spices levels and quality of food. I can smell and taste the curry powder in my rice. Amazing and very knowledgeable staff that helped me pick out my lunch special sides. Mac n cheese side, large Lunch special $17.95 and plantain side and Pepsi can. Everything altogether came to $34.00 (included $17.95). Bit towards the pricey side, but not this food is all the way 10 points on Jamaican speciality. Sometimes you need that kind of spice treatment. Everything after or during the pandemic is like this price wise. The fact that I got a whole meal and a snack besides this lunch meal is the deal. So in $34.00 I got 3 more meals. You can't beat that. Definitely a huge recommendation.

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!!

Umana Yana - Washington Ave, Albany, NY If you're looking to…read morestep outside of the ordinary and experience bold flavors in a welcoming atmosphere, Umana Yana is a must-visit. This was my second time here--my first visit was dining in with friends, and this time I ordered takeout. Both experiences were consistently impressive. Known for its Ethiopian dishes and outstanding vegan cuisine, Umana Yana brings African culture to life through its vibrant décor, flavorful food, and thoughtfully crafted drinks. Every detail reflects passion and authenticity. It's no surprise that actress Tabitha Brown made a stop in Albany to experience the restaurant's highly praised vegan offerings. That's a testament to the reputation they've built. For my meal, I ordered the jerk lamb lollipops, jollof rice, and slaw. The lamb was tender, juicy, and packed with just the right amount of jerk seasoning. The jollof rice was rich, well-seasoned, and full of flavor, while the slaw added a fresh, crisp balance to the meal. On my previous visit, I tried the wings and waffles, and they were equally delicious. Two visits, two different meals, and not a single disappointment. Whether you're a longtime fan of African cuisine or looking to try something new, Umana Yana offers an experience that's just as memorable as the food itself. If you don't know, now you know. Add Umana Yana to your list--you won't regret it!

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.