Soup that Stirs the Soul
Published:Thursday | June 20, 2019 | 12:00 AMJessica Harrison/Gleaner Writer
“It actually started out as a car wash on Saturdays and we provided soup on the house for our customers. It moved from ‘I would buy this’ to ‘would only buy this and not wash my car’, said co-owner Adrian Davis.
In Jamaican culture, soup on Saturdays has been, and continues to be, a delightful tradition. If not prepared at home, people will venture into the streets in search of the hot flavourful liquid, packed with ground provisions and the meat of their choice.
Having been friends for 14 years, Adrian Wilson and Shavon Davis decided that it would be a good idea to be business partners. Soup wasn’t the intention but it was a very wise idea. Soon after expanding the menu they were approached by Kingston Kitchen, and that’s where they made their name, Soup King. GraceKennedy also decided to jump on board when they heard how amazing the soups were, and this gave them some amount of prestige.
The soup is delicious and smells just like granny’s countryside kitchen. On any given day, from Monday to Saturday, if you visit 56 Lyndhurst Road, disappointment will never be your portion.
Soup King boasts a wide array of popular Jamaican soups, such as chicken with sweet corn, goat head, pumpkin with beef, pepperpot with chicken, red peas with beef and pig’s tail, and the most popular, seafood fiesta. And if that was not enough, they added sides – rolls, fresh garden, chicken and shrimp salads.
“We try to make the salad a little different and more vibrant from the everyday lettuce and tomato. We add cheese, noodles and some other special ingredients that you’ll have to figure out along the taste buds trip,” said Wilson.
Peckish, Jus Enuff, Belly Buss and Greedy are the names of the different sizes that every Jamaican can relate to and every foreigner can appreciate.
Food got secret reviews from two customers who walked in to have their fill of Monday’s goat head soup.
Anthony Baker: “I’m not really a fan of soup but when I am in the mood, this is my spot. I just enjoy that it’s reasonably priced and value for my money, and the rolls are so soft and the customer service is A1.”
Andre Thomas: “Boy, I am a soup man. Once I touch down in Jamaica, this is usually one of my first stops. The soup nice man, and everything is bite-sized. The only thing missing is a seating area.”
If you have a list of top 10 restaurants to visit when in Jamaica, Soup King should definitely be on that list. One cup alone is enough to win you over.
If you’re unable to make it to the storefront, Soup King can be seen at several parties across Kingston, so for updates, the daily menu and deliveries, follow them on Instagram @soupking876 or simply call 876-334-7687 for more information.