Mi Dawta Den Kitchen

- 227-05 Merrick Blvd, Laurelton, NY 11413

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers searching for authentic, soul-satisfying Caribbean flavors, Mi Dawta Den Kitchen in Laurelton, Queens, is a destination that captures the vibrant culinary spirit of Jamaica. Nestled on the bustling Merrick Boulevard, this Jamaican restaurant has established itself as a local spot for comforting, flavorful, and hearty meals. It's the kind of neighborhood gem that draws you in with the promise of home-cooked "yaad food" (a popular term for Jamaican home cooking) and leaves you planning your next visit. Mi Dawta Den Kitchen focuses on delivering classic, well-seasoned dishes, from perfectly smoked Jerk to slow-cooked Oxtail, offering a culinary escape right here in the city. The atmosphere is generally described as casual, making it an ideal choice for a quick, comforting lunch, a relaxed dinner, or even a solo dining experience where you can simply enjoy the robust flavors of the islands.

The menu at Mi Dawta Den Kitchen is a comprehensive showcase of Jamaican staples, ensuring that whether you're craving a traditional breakfast, a stewed main course, or a seafood specialty, you will find a dish to satisfy. From the moment you walk in, the focus is on traditional cooking techniques and authentic recipes, which truly allows the food to speak for itself. It is well-regarded for providing generous portions of high-quality Caribbean food, which is a major draw for the local community in Queens and beyond.

Location and Accessibility

Mi Dawta Den Kitchen is conveniently situated in the heart of Laurelton, a vibrant neighborhood in the borough of Queens, New York. Its precise address is:

227-05 Merrick Blvd, Laurelton, NY 11413, USA

Merrick Boulevard is a major thoroughfare in this part of Queens, making the location easily accessible for both local residents and those driving from other areas. The visibility of the location on a major street is a clear advantage for customers seeking out Jamaican cuisine in the Laurelton area. For those relying on public transportation, the restaurant is typically within reasonable distance of MTA bus routes that service the Merrick Boulevard corridor. Customers should always verify the latest bus routes and stops.

For New York drivers, the location offers a straightforward stop along one of Queens' primary routes. As with any popular spot in a busy part of NYC, parking availability can fluctuate, so planning ahead for on-street parking or local parking options is always advisable. The accessibility of the location supports both quick pickups for takeout and a comfortable setting for dine-in customers looking to relax and enjoy their meal. Being a neighborhood cornerstone in Laurelton, Mi Dawta Den Kitchen serves as a crucial spot for authentic Caribbean dining in Southeast Queens.

Services Offered

Mi Dawta Den Kitchen provides a variety of service options to cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of New Yorkers, ensuring you can enjoy their Jamaican cuisine whether you are dining in or taking your meal home.

• Takeout: The restaurant offers quick and efficient takeout service, perfect for grabbing a meal on the go.

• Dine-in: Customers have the option to sit down and enjoy their meal in a casual atmosphere.

• Delivery: Through various online delivery platforms, the food can be ordered and delivered to a wider service area, which is a key convenience for users across Queens.

• Lunch and Dinner Dining: They are popular choices for both lunch and dinner service.

• Comfort Food: The menu is centered around classic Jamaican comfort food, including stews, curries, and roasted meats.

• Quick Bite and Small Plates: The menu offers items suitable for a fast meal or a smaller serving.

Features / Highlights

Mi Dawta Den Kitchen distinguishes itself with several highlights that appeal to Jamaican food enthusiasts and local diners in New York:

• Authentic Jamaican Cuisine: The primary feature is its commitment to serving traditional and flavorful Jamaican dishes.

• Extensive All-Day Menu: The restaurant offers a wide range of menu items available throughout the day, catering to different cravings and mealtimes. This includes a robust offering of main dishes, seafood, sides, breakfast, and porridges.

• Signature Main Dishes: They feature perennial favorites such as Jerk Chicken ($10.50), the slow-cooked Oxtail ($21.00), Curry Goat ($11.50), and the classic Cow Foot ($11.00).

• Seafood Variety: The menu includes several seafood options such as Steamed Fish ($23.00), Brown Stew Fish ($23.00), Shrimp ($17.50), and Jerk or Grilled Salmon ($20.00), appealing to those who prefer fish or shellfish.

• Traditional Jamaican Breakfast: A highlight is the dedicated breakfast section, featuring staples like Ackee & Salt Fish ($11.75), Salt Fish ($10.50), and various Porridges, including Cornmeal ($5.50) and Hominy Corn ($6.50).

• Casual and Inviting Atmosphere: The setting is casual, making it a comfortable and accessible spot for anyone to grab a delicious, authentic meal without the fuss of a formal restaurant.

• Affordable and Filling Meals: Many of the main chicken dishes are priced around the $10.00 to $11.00 mark, offering significant value and making it a go-to for a budget-friendly but satisfying meal.

Contact Information

For New York users looking to inquire about the menu, place an order, or find the location, here is the essential contact information for Mi Dawta Den Kitchen:

Address:

227-05 Merrick Blvd, Laurelton, NY 11413, USA

What is worth choosing

For first-time visitors or those familiar with Jamaican food seeking the best of Mi Dawta Den Kitchen, a few items stand out due to their traditional appeal and popular demand.

The ultimate choice for many is the iconic Jerk Chicken ($10.50). This is Jamaica’s signature dish, marinated in a fiery blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, scallions, and thyme, then perfectly cooked to achieve a smoky, spicy, and deeply savory flavor profile. It is often served with a side of Rice and Peas ($5.00), a creamy and flavorful accompaniment cooked with coconut milk and gungo peas that provides a welcome balance to the heat of the jerk spice. Another top contender is the Oxtail ($21.00). This dish is the epitome of Jamaican comfort food, featuring tender, rich, and deeply flavored slow-braised oxtail in a thick, savory gravy. While it is one of the higher-priced items, the rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a worthwhile indulgence for those seeking a truly authentic experience.

For those who appreciate curried flavors, the Curry Goat ($11.50) is highly recommended. The goat is stewed until tender in a vibrant, complex curry sauce that uses a specific Jamaican curry blend, offering a distinct flavor that differs from other regional curries. The Stewed or Curried Chicken ($9.75) offers a flavorful and budget-friendly alternative for a delicious main course.

Beyond the main courses, the seafood selections are noteworthy. The Brown Stew Fish ($23.00) and Steamed Fish ($23.00) highlight the fresh, light side of Caribbean cooking, prepared with a mix of vibrant vegetables and savory sauces. For a unique Jamaican starter or side, the Rasta Pasta ($10.00), a Caribbean-inspired pasta dish often made with a creamy, colorful sauce and sometimes jerk seasoning, is an appealing modern addition that remains a popular feature.

If you are visiting in the morning or simply want a traditional light meal, the authentic Jamaican breakfast options should not be overlooked. The Ackee & Salt Fish ($11.75), which pairs the creamy, savory national fruit of Jamaica with salted codfish, is a must-try for an authentic start to the day. For a different type of traditional comfort, any of the porridges, such as Hominy Corn ($6.50), offer a creamy, warm, and satisfying texture, making them ideal for a cold New York morning.

In summary, Mi Dawta Den Kitchen stands out in the Laurelton, Queens food scene by offering a deep and authentic dive into Jamaican culinary traditions. It serves up the "yaad food" that many New Yorkers with Caribbean roots grew up loving and provides a flavorful introduction for all other diners. Whether you are in the mood for the heat of jerk, the richness of oxtail, or a comforting bowl of porridge, this local spot offers genuine island flavor and satisfying portions that make it a favorite among its dedicated customer base. Despite some noted concerns about consistency in portion size and specific dish pairings, the core product—authentic Jamaican flavor—continues to bring people back to this Queens establishment.

Mi Dawta Den Kitchen

227-05 Merrick Blvd, Laurelton, NY 11413, USA