From curried goat to vegan spiced vegetable balls, there are Caribbean treats for everyone.
Notting Hill Carnival is one of Londons most vibrant. colourful and downright delicious flagship events.
It currently holds the title of the biggest street party in Europe, and an excess of two million people are expected to descend on the streets of Kensington and Chelsea to dance, drink and indulge in Caribbean-inspired street food.
There will be over 70 masquerade floats and with the sound of steel pans and samba filling the air, its the perfect opportunity to try some authentic cuisine from more than 240 food vendors lining the parade route.
Heres what you should definitely sink your teeth into, in between sips of Red Stripe.
Mamas Jerk Station
This London favourite, usually found in Deptford Market Yard and Pop Brixton, will be serving up chips dusted with a homemade jerk rub, their unique take on biriyani (dubbed Biriyardi) where the rice and peas are mixed with platian and sweetcorn, and jerk spiced saltfish cakes.
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Mamas Jerk Station will keep their Pop Brixton location open all weekend to feed revelers at Brixtons carnival celebrations.
Renees Kitchen
Notting Hill Carnival newcomer Renees Kitchen provides plant-based alternatives for all the vegan and vegetarian jerk aficionados.
Usually based in Wakefield, Renees Kitchen will be offering jerk jackfruit with a distinctive meaty taste, served in a wrap with pomegranate seeds, plantain, mango, lettuce and BBQ jerk sauce.
White Men Cant Jerk
In Brixton, White Men Cant Jerk will be serving their signature Red Stripe poached fried chicken wings at the Duke of Edinburgh.
Were hoping theyll also have their jerk halloumi on offer for the vegetarians.
Prince of Peckham
The Prince of Peckham pub has a brand new offering in honour of Notting Hill Carnival.
If you fancy something meat and cruelty free, pop down to try the southern fried cauliflower sub that comes with homemade vegan Scotch bonnet mayo and coriander slaw.
HipChips
In Soho, handcrafted crisp emporium HipChips will be serving a carnival-inspired Jamaican Jerk dip to be eaten with salted chips.
The creamy dip combines essential jerk ingredients Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice, combined with ginger, thyme and garlic.
Rudies
At Boxpark Croydon, Jamaican casual dining favourite Rudies is offering their usual selection of Jamaican lunch options, including jerk chicken, king prawn and vegan plantain boxes, and roti wraps.
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We also recommend you try their authentic charcoal-grilled real jerk with its unforgettable spicy-sweet taste.
Caribbean Kitchen
If youre in the vicinity of Bethnal Green, stop by the Sun Tavern, where Hackenys Caribbean Kitchen are offering jerk chicken wings absolutely free on Sunday.
Who can say no to free jerk chicken?
More: Food
There are hundreds of amazing food vendors to try on the streets of Notting Hill and further afield, so you really will be spoilt for choice over the long weekend.
If youre heading to the parade route itself, we advise arriving early for Sundays celebrations and being prepared for long queues.
Although there is some rain forecast for tomorrow afternoon, were hoping that the weather holds for everyone attending the carnival.
Even if it does end up being a bit grey and soggy, those smoky, sweet, spicy jerk flavours will keep you warm inside.
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MORE: When is Notting Hill Carnival 2018 – dates, map, route and line-up
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