Discover the UK’s Caribbean Culture with Denai Moore
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Denai Moore is a British-Jamaican artist, author, and recipe developer. Her cookbook, Plentiful, showcases vegan Jamaican recipes that honor her favorite flavors from Jamaica, debunking taboos about the cuisine, and paying homage to her roots within a modern-day context. We caught up with Denai to find out more about her work, the influence of the Caribbean in the UK, and her top foodie spots in London.
We would love to hear more about your work and what you do.
I’m an artist and a chef, though I consider myself to be a food lover first. I love to eat—if I have free hours in the evening I will go to a restaurant on my own. The food that I create for Dee’s Table is centered around nostalgic moments of my childhood growing up in Jamaica (I moved to the UK when I was nine). I started Dees Table after a transformative trip to Jamaica. It was my first time returning as an adult—it’s interesting to go back to a place where you grew up and see it with a different set of eyes. I had always wanted to do something in food but after returning I had an urgency to do it. I hosted a supper club in 2017 and never looked back.
Tell us more about the connection between the UK and Jamaica.
There’s a lot of history there. Jamaica was a colony of Great Britain so there have been periods of time in history where Jamaicans have migrated to the UK. Following World War 2, Caribbean citizens were asked to move here to help rebuild the country (known as the Windrush Generation). It’s what has made London so amazing. When I go to Brixton I’m transported to Jamaica in many ways. There are so many pockets of Caribbean culture from communities in Tottenham and Brixton to Notting Hill Carnival that celebrate the melting pot of London. It’s more than just food though, it extends to music and art. The impact of Jamaican culture here is insane—it’s so interesting that it’s such a small island but has had such an impact on the world.
What do you wish more people knew about Jamaican food?
People always ask me what do you eat as a vegan Jamaican. For me, Jamaica is so expansive—there is so much more than jerk chicken and rice and peas. The island has some of the best produce in the world—a farm-to-table concept there would be unreal and it’s so untapped. I wanted to write a book that showcased how you can use those flavors in a modern-day context.
What dish should we try beyond the obvious?
There’s a recipe in my book that’s centered around a very vivid memory of people asking for oxtail gravy when they order food from a yard shop in Jamaica. It’s a rich, flavorsome umami mushroom stew that’s served with spring onion roasted garlic mash.
Where should we go in London to experience Caribbean culture?
Jumbi and Moko. They’ve created spaces that are centered around music and also have amazing food and events. Jumbi has a cool Jamaican chef who’s doing really interesting things. The food at Moko is led by my friend Saf who’s of British, Jamaican, and African American descent, so she adds an element of soul food to what she’s doing. The vibe is so fresh and what they’re doing there is great.
Black Eats London events. I went over the summer when they host markets. It’s full of shopping traders and food stalls. There’s lots of Caribbean food (get the doubles!) and DJ’s. It was full to the brim when I went and such a vibe. You can also use their directory to look for Black-owned restaurants.
Jam Delish. The restaurant I wanted to exist when I first went vegan! It feels more special occasion and the food is just so clever. They’re very creative and the head chef is making some of the best food in London right now.
We would also love to know your favorite spots in Jamaica.
Do: My favourite beach in Jamaica is Frenchman's Cove.
Stay: I'd recommend The Jamaican Inn, a family-run hotel.
Eat: I love the 'Pudding Man' who is in St Ann. It does the best sweet potato & pumpkin pudding that I've ever had!
Eat: I also love 'The Cheffing Don' in Constant Spring, Kingston!
