Rhode Island Spot Serves Jerk Chili Chicken With Big Island Flavor

Rhode Island
By Alba Nolan

Craving island comfort without leaving Rhode Island? Taste of Island in East Providence brings bold Caribbean flair with a local touch, from jerk chili chicken to garlicky half chicken that regulars rave about. With generous portions, friendly service, and prices that respect your wallet, this 4.9 star gem makes dinner feel like a mini vacation. Swing by while it is hot and open, and get ready to plan your next visit before you finish your plate.

© Taste of Island

You taste deep island heat the moment the jerk chili sauce hits the rice. It is smoky, peppery, and bright, with a slow-building warmth that keeps you reaching for another forkful. The chicken is char-kissed and juicy, tucked beside sweet plantains that cool the spice just enough to keep balance.

Order it at lunch or dinner for a hearty plate that delivers serious value. Portions run generous, so you might score tomorrow’s lunch too. Ask for extra sauce if you want it bolder, or a lemon wedge to brighten each bite.

Pair it with mac and cheese for creamy contrast or sweet potato fries for extra crunch. You will understand the hype instantly. This bowl captures Big Island flavor in East Providence style.

© Taste of Island

Crackly skin gives way to tender meat, and that lemon garlic butter runs everywhere in the best way. It is comfort food with polish, cooked to order so it lands hot and fragrant. Expect a short wait because freshness matters here, and the payoff is obvious from the first bite.

The plate usually arrives with fries and rice, which catch all that buttery goodness. Squeeze the lemon for a bright pop that lifts the richness. If you like a little fire, ask for a side of house chili to swirl in.

Value shines too, with portions that make sharing easy. Bring extra napkins, you will want every drop. This is the half chicken regulars keep returning for again and again.

© Taste of Island

These nachos turn snack time into a full meal. Piled high with sticky pork, molten cheese, and a sweet-savory glaze, every chip snaps under a big bite. Jalapenos and scallions add freshness while that pork delivers slow-cooked comfort, island style.

When you spot it on the specials board, do not hesitate. Portions are serious and ideal for sharing before your mains. Add a squeeze of lime or a side of house salsa to brighten the richness and keep each bite vibrant.

You will love how the textures stack: crisp edges, tender pork, and a saucy finish. Perfect with an ice-cold drink. Ask about availability, since specials rotate, and scoop it up while it is hot.

© Taste of Island

Buttery, garlicky, and kissed with warm spice, Shrimp Mozambique is a house favorite when it hits the board. The sauce shimmers saffron-gold and clings to rice in the most comforting way. You will find plump shrimp cooked just right, tender and bouncy rather than overdone.

Ask for bread or extra rice to soak up every last bit. A lemon squeeze sets the flavors humming, adding brightness without stealing the spotlight. If you enjoy heat, request a side of chili and stir in little by little.

This plate showcases the kitchen’s made-to-order rhythm, so expect it hot and fragrant. It is a beautiful bridge between island flair and local cravings. Do not be surprised if it becomes your new go-to.

© Taste of Island

Mac and cheese here is no afterthought. It is creamy, cheesy, and built with a satisfying top crust that shatters into velvety noodles beneath. One scoop next to jerk chili chicken makes the heat feel round and luxurious.

Fans at the counter talk about it like a main event, and it is easy to see why. The portion size is generous for the price, especially if you are adding it to a combo. Ask for a little extra crusty corner if you can.

Pair it with lemon garlic chicken for a buttery duet, or stack it against sticky pork nachos for indulgence. Either way, you will not regret it. This side quickly becomes a habit.

© Taste of Island

When regular fries will not do, sweet potato fries bring a caramelized edge that plays so well with island spice. They arrive hot and crisp with a fluffy center, lightly salted to let the sweetness sing. Dip into garlic butter or house chili for contrast.

These fries are the upgrade move with jerk chili chicken or jambalaya. The sweetness cools the heat in a playful way. You will find yourself alternating bites just to chase the balance.

Order an extra basket if you are sharing, because they disappear fast. The value is solid and the portion keeps everyone happy. Keep napkins nearby, and go for double dip if you like it saucy.

© Taste of Island

On special nights, steak and shrimp hit the griddle with serious sizzle. The steak lands juicy with bold seasoning, while shrimp get a quick sear that keeps them tender. Herb butter melts across everything, pooling into the rice for a savory finish.

Ask about doneness and sauce options when you order. The team is friendly and happy to guide your plate. If you like extra richness, request more butter or a drizzle of garlic pan juices.

It is a celebration dish without a fancy price tag. Perfect for a casual date night or a win-at-work reward. Save room, though, because sides here are no joke and leftovers are likely.

© Taste of Island

These cakes bring big seafood flavor in a compact, crispy package. The exterior crunch yields to a tender mix of shrimp and crab, with herbs that feel fresh rather than fussy. A lemony sauce ties it together and invites a second bite fast.

They make a great starter if you are sharing the table, or a light main with rice and greens. Ask for a wedge of lemon to brighten everything. A touch of chili on the side gives them a gentle kick.

They are particularly good when you want something different from the grill plates. You will appreciate the care in the sear. Order quickly if you spot them on special because they sell out.

© Taste of Island

Nothing says Rhode Island quite like quahogs, and this version lands hot with a golden top. Each stuffed shell brings savory breadcrumbs, herbs, and a briny whisper that tastes like the bay. A squeeze of lemon nudges the flavors to attention.

They are perfect for sharing before tackling a bigger plate. Pair them with a cold drink and you are set. If you enjoy heat, add a dab of chili oil and watch the flavors pop.

Availability can vary, so ask the register before you commit. Locals love them and they go fast. You will be glad you grabbed a couple while waiting on your mains.

© Taste of Island

Food here is cooked fresh, so build in a little time. Many plates run 10 to 30 minutes, and that wait equals hot, vibrant flavors. Order ahead if you are on lunch break, then pick up while it is still steaming.

Evenings can get busy, especially Friday and Saturday when the grill works nonstop. The payoff is worth it: crisp fries, juicy chicken, and sauces that never taste tired. Grab a seat, breathe in the spice, and let the kitchen do its thing.

Call the number posted for quick questions about specials and hours. The team is helpful, kind, and efficient. You leave with food that feels cared for, not rushed.

© Taste of Island

This place hits the value bullseye. For around ten to twenty bucks, you walk out with boxes that feel heavy in the best way. Leftovers are common, and the quality stays strong even after a quick reheat.

It is the sweet spot between comfort and craft, where sauces are lively and meats stay juicy. You will taste the made-to-order difference immediately. Add a side and you are set for a feast without breaking the budget.

Regulars praise the balance of price, flavor, and portion size. That is why the rating shines. If you want more spice or extra lemon, just ask and they will dial it in.

© Taste of Island

Service here feels personal. The team greets you, answers questions, and makes smart pairing suggestions like mac and cheese with jerk chili chicken. You leave feeling looked after, not rushed.

It is the kind of counter where regulars are known by name and new visitors feel welcome. Ask about the spice curve or what just came off the grill. If you want extra sauce, this is the place to mention it.

Kindness and consistency build loyalty, and you see it in the reviews. Swing by early evening for the smoothest pickup. You will likely plan your next visit before you reach the parking lot.

© Taste of Island

Plan your visit around the hours so you never miss out. The restaurant opens mid-day and runs into the evening, with Friday and Saturday stretching to 10 PM. Sundays and early week are closed, so target Wednesday through Saturday for best luck.

Peak times bring a lively crowd, especially dinner rush. Call ahead if you need timing certainty or want to lock a special. Early dinner often means quicker pickup and freshly turned sides.

Check the chalkboard or social updates for real-time offerings. You will appreciate how consistent they are with quality. Arrive hungry, leave happy, and set a reminder for the next open day.

© Taste of Island

Start by scanning specials, then build your plate around a star like jerk chili chicken or half chicken with garlic butter. Pick two sides for texture contrast, like sweet potato fries plus mac and cheese. Ask for extra lemon or chili if you want to tweak brightness or heat.

Ordering ahead helps during busy hours. Confirm your name, pickup time, and any sauce on the side. Keep a mental note of favorites so you can reorder without thinking next time.

Tip the counter if service made your life easier. Then enjoy that moment when the lid opens and steam carries the island spice. That is the Taste of Island ritual done right.