Write an article about Joloko spices up KL with Afro-Caribbean flavours .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from From jerk chicken to goat ribs, Joloko’s menu is truly unique. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle).
KUALA LUMPUR: If you’re always on the hunt for something new, Joloko – KL’s one-of-a-kind Afro-Caribbean restaurant and bar – should be on your radar.
Tucked away on Jalan Kamunting in Chow Kit, Joloko has been around for almost seven years and was even featured on The World’s 50 Best Discovery list of restaurants and bars.
Operating out of a 1950s shophouse, Joloko retains much of the building’s original heritage charm. Coconut trees frame the entrance, and a small wooden yellow sign with the word “joloko” welcomes guests.
Rick Joore opened Joloko about seven years ago. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle).
Rick Joore, the man behind Joloko, spoke to FMT Lifestyle about how it all came together.
“I used to work in KL for quite some time before with a restaurant called Fuego, and Mr Chew’s,” he said.
Having explored Mexican and South American cuisines in Malaysia and watching their popularity soar, he set his sights on trying something else.
“When we were starting our own restaurant, I wanted to be different and do something new. And I noticed that something like jerk chicken wasn’t available at all anywhere here.”
Of course, FMT Lifestyle absolutely had to try their signature Jamaican jerk chicken. The plate, made up entirely of thigh pieces, is generously sized and meant for sharing.
This dish, it was pointed out, has been a crowd favourite since day one, marinated and slow-cooked for hours, then finished over charcoal for that smoky char.
According to head chef Susu, their take on jerk chicken is slightly sweeter than the traditional version. And FMT Lifestyle’s verdict? It’s super juicy and hits that sweet-spicy balance just right, especially with the mango relish and sauce on the side.
The guava-glazed prawn tostadas are both smoky and sweet. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle).
It’s not the Caribbean without the seafood. So, FMT Lifestyle tried their guava-glazed prawn tostadas too.
Tiger prawns hit the hot pan, flames leaping up as they’re quickly cooked in a pink guava sauce that coats each prawn. Then comes the assembly: a deep-fried tostada lathered with creamy fava bean purée, topped with red cabbage pickled in red wine vinegar, and crowned with the perfectly cooked prawns.
It’s a must-try, where the crunch of the tostada and the juiciness of the prawns come together in one mouthwatering bite. Much like the jerk chicken, it’s both sweet and smoky.
You’ve probably had beef or pork ribs – but goat? Their showstopper is the grilled goat ribs slow roasted in the oven for three hours. It is served with shatta sauce, a Middle Eastern condiment made with green chillies and vinegar.
Here, they keep the spices light and let the meat do the talking. Watch it slide right off the bone!
And of course, you’ve got to have it all with their most popular side – jollof rice, a specialty of Susu’s, who hails from Nigeria.
The Mondo Bongo, a pisco and passionfruit-based cocktail packs a punch. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle).
Joore, who’s lived in the Caribbean and has a background in bartending, brings his spin to the drinks.
Their take on Tommy’s Margarita is a favourite. “This has your typical agave nectar, but then with calamansi, which is my favourite citrus, so it gives more aroma. Then we give it its secret ingredient, which is absinthe,” Joore explained.
The Woulinewa meanwhile screams tropical. A mix of gin, lime, lychee, roasted coconut water, white cacao liqueur, and the twist – a splash of fino sherry.
Then came the Mondo Bongo, a bold mix of pisco, passionfruit, pineapple, creole bitters, and a hint of saffron liqueur. Definitely not your average cocktail lineup.
Located in Chow Kit, Joloko is the perfect escape from the city. (Andrea Rhiannon Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle).
“Even though I’m here almost every day, when the sun shines just right at 4pm, I think, ‘A margarita? Wednesday? Yeah, why not?’” Joore said with a laugh.
By night, this restaurant and bar transforms into a lively hub for events, bazaars, and all sorts of fun happenings. Case in point: don’t miss “Afro Night” tonight!
Between the food, the drinks, and the tropical energy, Joloko feels like a mini vacation right in the middle of the city. And yes, fun is absolutely on the menu.
Follow Joloko on Instagram
Joloko
43, Jalan Kamunting,
Chow Kit,
50300 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours:
5pm-1am (Mondays-Fridays)
12pm-1am (Saturdays and Sundays)
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