Notting Hill Carnival: A Party So Big It Needs Its Own Postcode

Every August, the streets of West London transform into a kaleidoscope of colour, sound, and dance for the Notting Hill Carnival. Imagine a party so massive, so joyous, that it makes New Year’s Eve look like a quiet night in with a cup of tea. For two glorious days, over a million people flock to the area, armed with whistles, feathered costumes, and dance moves that would make even Beyoncé jealous. But it’s not just about the music and the dazzling parade floats—oh no. Notting Hill Carnival is also a feast for your taste buds. Here are the top five foods and drinks you absolutely must try, preferably with a side of soca music and a lot of dancing.

If Notting Hill Carnival had an official mascot, it would probably be a sizzling grill loaded with jerk chicken. The smoky, spicy aroma wafts through the air like a Caribbean love song, drawing hungry revellers like moths to a flame. This isn't your run-of-the-mill chicken—it's marinated in a blend of allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and secret island magic, then grilled to perfection over pimento wood that gives the jerk that amazing taste! Be prepared to join the longest queue of your life, but trust us, it's worth the wait. Just don't blame us when your taste buds become permanently addicted.

Check out recipe here

For those who like their food with a bit of a kick, curried goat is the dish to try. This tender, slow-cooked delicacy is seasoned with a mix of spices that will make your mouth do the electric slide. Served over rice and peas, it's the kind of comfort food that makes you want to hug the chef and start a slow clap. Sure, you might have to navigate your way through a sea of people to find it, but when you do, you'll understand why it’s the pot of gold at the end of the carnival rainbow.

Plantain is the carnival sidekick that never lets you down. These golden slices of heaven are fried to perfection, with just the right balance of sweetness and crunch. They’re like banana’s cooler, more delicious cousin that you secretly wish was at every family gathering. Whether you're eating them on their own, as part of a meal, or out of someone else's hand (it happens), plantains are the snack that keeps on giving. Plus, they’re finger food, which means you can keep dancing while you eat. Win-win!

What’s a Caribbean meal without a side of rice and peas? It’s like a carnival without music—a tragedy. This classic dish is more than just a side; it’s a staple, a comfort, a reason to keep living. Made with coconut milk, thyme, and kidney beans (which everyone still calls peas because we just like to keep things interesting), it’s the perfect accompaniment to your jerk chicken, curried goat, or anything else you manage to fit on your plate. And let’s be honest, after a day of dancing, you’re going to need all the carbs you can get.

No carnival experience is complete without a drink in hand, and when it comes to Notting Hill, rum punch is the drink of choice. This fruity concoction packs a punch (literally) and is as colorful as the costumes parading down the street. Made with a mix of rum (Wray & Nephew), fruit juice, grenadine, and a hint of nutmeg, it’s sweet, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink. One sip, and you’ll be ready to join the parade, convinced you can whine better than anyone else in the crowd. Just remember, pace yourself—because the only thing worse than a rum hangover is a rum hangover while wearing a feathered headdress.

Notting Hill Carnival is a sensory overload in the best possible way—a feast for the eyes, ears, and especially the stomach. From the spicy kick of jerk chicken to the sweet embrace of plantain, and the boozy cheer of rum punch, there’s something for everyone. So grab your dancing shoes, your appetite, and maybe a stretchy waistband, because this carnival is more than just a party—it’s a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. Just remember to keep one hand free for dancing and the other for eating.

Cheers to that!