Caribbean Restaurant Brings Smoked Jerk Chicken to Historic North Nashville Neighborhood

Chef Kamal Kalokoh, alongside his brother and business partner Rashean Conaway, opened Riddim N Spice near the historic Jefferson Street neighborhood over the weekend.

If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Riddim N Spice has been a popular food truck around town since 2014 — known for its smoked jerk chicken and attractive vegan options. Riddim N Spice got its start as a catering company in 2011, and Kalokoh spent 2012-2013 as Drake’s tour chef, then as Rihanna’s personal chef. Kalokoh continues to cook for celebrities and other high-profile individuals in the music industry. The brothers grew up working alongside their mother Ouida Bradshaw at Jamaicaway, the popular Jamaican restaurant with locations in Midtown and inside the Nashville Farmer’s Market.

Located at 2116 Meharry Boulevard, the space brings some Caribbean island vibes and bright color to the street. Riddim N Spice pays homage to Caribbean culture and cuisine, fusing ingredients, recipes, and methods taken from Cuba, across the Caribbean sea, to Trinidad and Tobago.

On the menu at the permanent establishment, find meats like the crowd favorite smoked jerk chicken plate, and island bowls with choice of ropa vieja, lamb, pollo guisado, and more. Vegans have plenty of options here, too. There’s barbecued jerk jackfruit, soy chicken guisado, and island spiced seitan strips here as well. To drink — choose from a selection of fresh-pressed sugarcane drinks with flavors like pineapple ginger and mango passionfruit.

Riddim N Spice is open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Yvonne Constancio / Riddim n Spice

Riddim N Spice [Official Site]