REVIEW: Craving curry chicken from Dalia’s Caribbean Kitchen
Lately, I’ve wanted to try something delicious I’ve never had before.
At first, I thought this might be tough since a.) I’m a picky eater, but b.) I’m also adventurous with food, so I’ve tried many things lately, like roasted duck, sushi, seafood, and octopus.
But it only took a short stroll from my alma mater to a restaurant I’ve never been with flavorful and filling food I’ve never tried: Dalia’s Caribbean Kitchen.
Dalia’s opened two years ago on the northside of Youngstown, nestled between Unique Boutique and Culturehouse Coffee Company. I graduated from Youngstown State University three years ago. I just missed the chance to take a break between blustery classes and visit the Caribbean on the north side of Youngstown.
I visited Dalia’s for the first time, and I am glad I did. If you’ve never been, she’ll prepare a small plate of samples of about everything on the menu for you to try before you even place an order.
I tried (for the very first time) brown stew chicken, jerk chicken, oxtail, steamed cabbage, curry potato and my new favorite: curry chicken.
I’ve never had curry chicken before and have wanted to try it for so long, and wow, the turmeric and rich depth of flavor did not disappoint. You could tell it was cooked lovingly and slowly.
I liked everything on my sample plate. The rich spices coated my tongue, and my mouth was on fire in the best, happiest way possible.
You should order a cup of pineapple iced tea; it’s delicious and made with a secret ingredient Dalia wouldn’t share.
There’s Caribbean music playing that makes you feel like you’re sitting by the beach. There were some lyrics to a song that played that stuck with me while I enjoyed my dinner: “I know there will be a better day and I will be shown the way.”
It’s food I’ve never had, but it feels like home, and I’m already wanting more.
Dalia makes everything herself because she loves to cook. Each dinner comes with fried plantains and rice, and I ordered an extra mac and cheese.
She operated a food truck before moving her business to a permanent spot on Elm Street. She said this worked better for her because when the weather changed, the food truck season was over, and this was more consistent.
If you’re in the mood for a home-cooked meal that you won’t stop craving, head to Dalia’s Caribbean Kitchen at 832 Elm St. in Youngstown from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
