Jay's Soul Food

4.5 ( 158 reviews )
£10–20
12 New St, Ashford TN24 8UU, United Kingdom
+44 1233 360125

Jay's Soul Food brings a genuine taste of African and Caribbean cuisine to Ashford, a welcome discovery praised by patrons seeking authentic soul food. Located at 12 New St, this restaurant is frequently lauded for its delicious offerings, particularly the egusi and pounded yam. Customer Melissa Frame described the dish as "the most delicious egusi" she has ever had, evoking nostalgia and comfort with every bite. There's a clear sense of love and dedication behind the cooking, evident in the tender beef and flavorful soups that leave diners exclaiming “wow!”

Visitors rave about the extensive menu, which includes favorites like mixed meat pepper soup, jerk chicken, and curry goat, all served with a generous side of plantains and rice. Customer Tiffany remarked on the nostalgic quality of the food, noting it reminded her of home in the US. With a reputation for excellent customer service, patrons feel warmly welcomed, almost like family. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by a diverse clientele, creating a lively dining experience.

For those in search of a soul-satisfying meal in Kent, look no further than Jay's Soul Food—a cherished gem that keeps guests returning for more.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Does not have assistive hearing loop
    • No wheelchair-accessible car park
    • No wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Serves great dessert
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Jay's Soul Food

Melissa Frame
Jun 29,2025
This is the second time I’ve ordered the egusi and pounded yam. It’s the most delicious egusi I’ve ever had. Every bite was like a taste of Naija! Thank you for giving me a reminder of home when I’ve been homesick. The beef is so tender and the soup! So delicious!!! Every bite I was saying “wooow!” You can always tell when food is cooked with love and soul.
Nabi
Jun 26,2025
Never knew in a million times I would find a good African restaurant in Kent. Just decided to take an adventurous travel down here and I enjoyed it. The customer service was 11/10 and the food omggg it was great as well. I order the pounded yam and egusi soup and it was everything I expected, tried the efo riro as well and it didn’t disappoint. Had to get a takeout for more food. There is a bar as well if you wanna have fun all day. Definitely coming back for more. Thanks Aunty!
SpenPenRuss
Jun 9,2025
Amazing authentic food cooked with love. 10/10 I had the mixed meat pepper soup with plantain Fufu and more plantain. Meat was incredibly tender, succulent and flavourful, the broth had great depth with an unmissable scotch-bonet-pepper-kick. Amazing value and friendly staff.
Tiffany
May 27,2025
A Taste of Home I'm a native of the US. I had the pleasure of visiting this restaurant while visiting my partner in the UK a few weeks ago. I saw the sign to the restaurant that said soul food, and I asked my partner, "What does Ashford know about soul food? We have to check this out." We were greeted immediately upon entry by the waiter and the owner. We asked for a menu, and when I saw the offerings, I got so excited. Patties, jerk chicken, curry goat, jollof rice, etc. This was the first time in my many visits that I was able to order and eat food that I grew up eating. Let me tell y'all, the food was amazing. We tried the beef and lamb patties, plantains, and got a curry goat and rice and peas to go home. It was finger licking good. It was so good I had to go back and get some more 2 days later. The next time, we tried the jerk chicken and jollof rice. You must try this place. Not only is the food good, but they also provide excellent customer service. I truly felt like family. Please go try their food. Thank you Jay's Soul Food. I can't wait to visit again.
SYMBOSIS YOGA
Apr 30,2025
I find myself in Ashford a few times a month on work visits; with the tiresome duties and/or responsibilities of work one always needs the desired refuel as well as good kick to the soul that Jays Soul Food gives to the palate. I dropped in from DurBar a skip across the street This week and I was reminded there is only one place to be and dine in when yearning Soul Food whether it be the offering of a Pan African Menu or right down to Montego bay with a taste of the Caribbean. As always it is a repetitive delight to dine in whilst in Ashford, as neither the Hilton and/or Travelodge I frequently stay in have comparable distinctive offerings served with distinction. Front of House Staff depicts welcoming diversity as well as Jay herself who is also caring and on hand ensuring everything is ok. Not to mention other patrons who were locals having a pint or two who sent not one but two bottles, one after the other of Premium Tusker Larger over to our table. Jays Soul Food is the place that keeps on giving! There is no place like this and/or comparable on this side of Kent!
Steve Hankin
Apr 17,2025
This unassuming restaurant is located in the center of Ashford. It offers home-cooked food and has an on-the-door Hygiene Rating 5. The food is Nigerian and Caribbean and it's a refreshing alternative to the other restaurants in the area. We had Jollof rice, goat curry, Jerk chicken and Lamb Pattie. From the first bite you know that it has been 'home cooked' with heart and passion for food. We also took some delicious spiced cake home, apparently baked to owner Jay's aunt's special recipe (something like a fusion between Carrot Cake and Jamaican Ginger Cake). We will be back to this place without hesitation. So happy that Jay has created it. Thank you and see you soon
Joel Shapiro
Apr 17,2025
Visiting Ashford for the weekend and stopped in at Jay's Soul Food. The restaurant had a very relaxed vibe and the food was delicious!!! Loved the jerk chicken and goat curry. Wish we had a place like this where we live. The staff were super kind and helpful.
Michael Bradshaw
Mar 23,2025
Me and two of my friends went to this restaurant tonight. This was my first ever experience of this cuisine, and it was amazing. I had the beef suya with jollof rice. Food was perfectly cooked, tender, tasted incredible and succulent. Very polite staff who provided an amazing service. Warm and welcoming atmosphere with great music at perfect volume. The drinks served were great too. Fantastic price for the amazing quality of food we received. I will be coming here again and have recommend to others.

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