Ochi is that you! Yes! I knew you guys would eventually find your way to Yelp and I was waiting, now finally here you are. Trying to locate a business on Yelp is becoming easier, so I was quite surprised when I did not see this restaurant listed. I must let you all know that Ochi Jerk Place is legit when it comes to their jerk chicken and before I go into detail just know the name simply speaks for itself.
So, I happened to be driving pass one day down Merrick Boulevard in Queens and I see a big yellow sign with black lettering. It read OCHI JERK PLACE Caribbean Restaurant in bold letters, I am automatically counted in at this point. I however decided to go after I was done with everything else I needed to do for that day. Yeah, you know I wanted to try it fresh and hot, lol.
Alright, so I'm done with everything at this point and on my way to Ochi's. When I arrive, I notice that they are located in a very small shopping plaza area that has a parking lot. Easy for me, I pull in, park and hop right out. Before I even open the door, I noticed there was only one person ahead of me so that gave me time to look up at the menu which was displayed up on the wall. Inside is small with one round table that I assume was for seating customers prior to Covid-19. It is modernized and very clean with light yellow decor. All the food except for the Jerk chicken displayed is right in front of you behind thick glass. They do offer branded beverages and natural juices for you to grab prior to ordering in the refrigerator.
The menu is not too big or small and they did serve breakfast at one point but I think it may be a discontinued option (not sure). The menu is mainly lunch and dinner offering chicken, seafood, pork and soup (special soups are served on specific days). They also serve a few natural homemade juices. It's now time for me to order, so I go with the medium jerk chicken, rice and peas, plantain, and cabbage. As I said earlier, they don't have the jerk chicken out in the front display. I noticed this when I seen the server take my plate to the back and you could hear the loud chopping from the cleaver going to town on that chicken. That sound along with the smell coming from the kitchen made it official.
I pay, get my food and go back to the car to see what it looks like being that I could smell it coming out the bag. First thing I like to try are the rice and peas because for some reason I always feel good rice and peas kinda start off my expectations. Check! The rice is good and fluffy with the right amount of coconut milk and peas to rice ratio. I got a little oxtail gravy on top so that made it more moist and flavorful. On to the chicken, when I bit into the thigh piece it definitely brought me back to the authenticity of how Jamaican jerk chicken is supposed to be done. I'm talking original smokiness, thourough spice, charred crisp skin and moist meat. This was done and it was done right. I really could have eaten the jerk chicken alone and still been completely satisfied.
Ochi Jerk Place Caribbean Restaurant has what most people look for in Jamaican jerk flavor. The nostalgic flavors remind you of everything you want it to be. They are located at 126-14 Merrick Boulevard, Suite G, Rochdale, NY 11434. If you want real jerk flavor this is as close as I have taste thus far in Jamaica, Queens. In addition to other places I recommended in the area, this is in the top. Come check them out and try other dishes as well. read more