When I first moved to Bed-Stuy, I was ecstatic to find a plethora of restaurants and cafes selling one of my all time favorite foods: sweet fried plantains. That slightly crispy outside and sweet, soft center is irresistible. Who knew something inexpensive and filling-- not to mention sold on almost every block on Fulton Street-- could also be incredibly delicious? It seems to be a staple at African, Latin American, and West Indian restaurants. And while all have a slightly different flavor, a perfect sweet fried plantain is notable anywhere.
So my search for the perfect plantain began, and I wandered the streets of Bed-Stuy in hopes to recreate that melt-in-your-mouth sensation. I quickly learned something else: An order of plantains is huge, and none of the restaurants were shy in giving me a heaping plate. My quest for the perfect plantain proved to be filling, to say the least. Here are some of my favorite finds in the neighborhood:
10. Bickels Jerk Express
1118 Fulton Street
What I like most about these plantains is the texture, because they are still soft on the inside without being too mushy.
9. Juquilitas Restaurant
162 Throop Ave.
Although slightly soft and oily, these plantains have a sweet, rich flavor.
8. Island Taste Restaurant
1403 Fulton Street
These plantains aren't sweet enough for me, but I like that I can taste the flavor of the plantain itself, and not just its sauce.
7. The Caribbean Blend
373 Nostrand Ave.
These plantains are moist, slightly crispy, and not too greasy, which is a rare find with sweet fried plantains.
6. Bismelane Restaurant
1235 Fulton Street
Although a little oily, I love the texture and strong flavor of these plantains.
5. Halal Restaurant
1168 Fulton Street
These plantains have the caramelized outside that I've been waiting for, but were a little too soft.
4. Trini-Gul
543 Nostrand Ave.
These plantains are thinly sliced, with a crisp outside and perfectly sweet flavor.
3. Jamaican Grill
321 Nostrand Ave.
These fried plantains are sweet but not too sweet, soft but not too soft, and you can still taste the flavor of the plantain, along with a hint of citrus.
2. Country Spice Restaurant
380 Marcus Garvey Boulevard
By all definitions, this is the perfect plantain. The outside has a crisp bite, and the inside is soft and warm and sweet. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
1. Ricky's Grill
1557 Fulton Street
These are by far the best plantains I have ever tasted. Not only do they have the perfect texture, with the perfect amount of crispiness and softness, but they have a slight cinnamon flavor that compliments the sweet, caramelized outside and makes you sigh with satisfaction. My quest for the perfect plantain is over.
