LONDON | Jamaican, and Caribbean food in general, isn’t easy to come by in Melbourne. When I lived in London there were a few places that I’d visit to get my fix, but one which I never got around to trying was the The Lone Fisherman. On my most recent visit back, I rectified that, heading to Tooting Market with friends to get my fill of the good stuff.
The Lone Fisherman is owned and operated by Christopher Smith, a South Londoner with deep Jamaican roots. He specialises in homestyle Jamaican cuisine, enriching the local community with the flavours of his heritage.
You’ll find classics favourites on the menu like rotisserie jerk chicken, slow cooked ox tail, and an assortment of fish dishes, Chris’ speciality. It’s all cooked to order with love by Chris at his market stall, and Chris is up for a chat while he’s prepping your meal.
I had to go for the signature fried fish escovitch, along with jerk chicken. Vibrant, bold island flavours with a wonderful balance of sweet, salt, sour, and heat.
The crispy fried fish is served with rice, salad, and plantains, along with vegetables pickled in a tangy vinegar sauce infused with pimento, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper. The juicy and tender jerk chicken, meanwhile, comes with salad, rice, peas, and plantains. Both are an essential order.
I also opted for a Jamaican patty filled with tender goat, one of the assorted fillings on offer. Thick, flaky pastry filled with tender, flavoursome slow-cooked curried goat that hit the spot.
For home, you can grab Chris’ bottled sauces, infused oils, and dressings, along with things like Jamaican peanut drops and sweet Jamaican cakes. To drink, I recommend a pint of very well priced sangria or Super Bock from the Portuguese spot directly opposite the Lone Fisherman.
The Lone Fisherman
Tooting Market
21-23 Tooting High Street
Tooting
London SW17 0SN
United Kingdom
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Sat: 11:00am to 7:00pm