The spice is right -VIVA checks out Turtle Bay’s new menu
| 5th August 2019
Like Caribbean food and love Turtle Bay, the shack-inspired coulourful eatery on Oxford Road, well now you can get more of it as they’ve launched breakfast, introduced brunch and created their biggest menu yet. VIVA went to check it out.
For the first, diners can start the day at Turtle Bay with a scintillating selection of breakfast items packed full of Caribbean flavours, such as Curry Goat Hash and Blackwell Breakfast – that’s porridge served with a shot of Blackwell Rum. Other brunch offerings include dishes like curried chickpeas, jerk sausage and sweet plantain for both adults and ‘Little Turtles’ to enjoy.
Many of Turtle Bay’s specialities and iconic dishes will remain (so fans don’t need to panic) but in addition the new menu features a variety of reimagined dishes, and fresh new and exciting ones to try. There’s also a new selection of sharing platters and classic Caribbean curries to choose from.
Inspired by street vendors from across the islands, cutters are Caribbean-style tapas dishes – perfect as a starter, for sharing or as a side. Not forgetting the fiery jerk flavours and scrumptious soul food that Turtle Bay is renowned for.
There are more veggie and vegan options than ever before too, as the new menu features a mouth-watering selection of dishes including Chilli Smashed Avocado Salad, Jerk Tofu a Vital Vegan Platter and more.
Even the puddings on the new menu pack a punch. From the Chilli Chocolate Brownie to the Caribbean Mess, Banana Toffee Cheesecake, Fiery Root Ginger Kickin Ice Cream and more, these sweet treats are not to be missed, especially when you can sample two for £9, three for £13.50 or four for just £17 – get your spoons at the ready and prepare to tuck in!
We tried the vegan patties, like a samosa but Caribbean style which were wonderful, ideal as a starter or a snack on their own, while calamari was a fishy battered delight. Onto main’s and My Mo Bay Chicken was great with a cut-through slaw that look the edge of the cream sauce, delicious with the beans and rice.
The portions are huge and a bargain, as was demonstrated with the roti my mate ordered which came as two huge wraps, again a spicy, wonderful dish.
And we both raved over the ginger spice cake with its ginger ice-cream which hit the spot and was a delicious treat. Like turbo-charged parkin.
All this and washed down with a very reasonable drinks menu with fizz at £22 and two for one cocktails if you’re dining in happy hour, it’s as easy on the wallet as it is on the tongue.
There’s also a new lunch meal deal available weekdays between 12pm and 3pm, where diners can choose any burger or roti, plus one side and homemade soft drink for £10. Set menus are also on offer all day Sunday to Thursday, with options to feast on two courses for £12 or go the whole hog and devour three courses for £15.
Viva verdict: Great prices for great food.
Go to www.turtlebay.co.uk to see the new menu and set your taste-buds on fire.