By Cheikh Higgs
Providence may be known for its rich colonial history and vibrant arts scene, but nestled within its urban tapestry lies a culinary journey that spans the Caribbean. While many might associate RI more with clam cakes and chowder than with rice and peas or fried plantains, Providence is quietly becoming a haven for Caribbean flavors. I recently took a flavorful tour through three standout spots — Zeneida’s Restaurant, Klasik Cuisine, and Flames — and emerged with a full belly, a deeper appreciation for Caribbean culinary traditions, and maybe a small desire to book a flight to the islands.
My first stop was Zeneida’s Restaurant on Broad Street, a modest Dominican eatery that serves up homey Spanish-Caribbean comfort food. There’s something refreshingly unpretentious about Zeneida’s. No frills, no gimmicks, just real food prepared with care. When I walked in, the smell of simmering meats and spices immediately reminded me of family kitchens where pots are never left unattended and everything is made from scratch. The atmosphere was casual and welcoming, though I quickly realized my rusty Spanish might need some brushing up before my next visit. That realization came with a chuckle rather than embarrassment, thanks to the warmth of the staff.
I started my meal with two traditional Dominican drinks: a tall glass of fresh passion fruit juice and the wonderfully named morir soñando, which translates to “to die dreaming.” Made with orange juice, milk, cane sugar, and ice, the drink somehow manages to be creamy and citrusy at the same time. It’s almost like sipping an orange Creamsicle. It’s incredibly refreshing and a great counterbalance to the heartier dishes I paired it with.
Zeneida’s serves both pollo guisado and carne de res guisada — Dominican-style stewed chicken and beef, respectively. Both dishes were richly seasoned, tender, and tasted like they had been simmering on the stove for hours. I paired them with white and yellow rice and added a side of beans, salad, and a generous scoop of Dominican-style macaroni salad. The flavors were deeply comforting: garlicky, well-spiced, not too salty, with a slow-cooked depth that fast-casual restaurants just can’t replicate. And the prices? Incredibly reasonable for the amount of food you get. You walk out of Zeneida’s with leftovers and the feeling that someone’s abuela just cooked you dinner.
Next, I headed north to Pawtucket, where Klasik Cuisine is putting a modern spin on traditional Haitian fare. This place leans more contemporary in its décor and presentation, but the food remains rooted in tradition. Haiti’s culinary history is influenced by West African, French, and indigenous Taíno ingredients and techniques, and it shows in the complexity of the dishes. Nothing here is bland or one-note.
I opted for one of their most beloved plates: fried goat with fried plantain, rice and peas, and pikliz. The goat was crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, with a satisfying chew and flavor that came alive with every bite. Pikliz, a spicy pickled cabbage slaw, delivered the perfect acidic heat to cut through the richness. Several countries in the Caribbean have a version of a spicy slaw, but pikliz might be my personal favorite. It’s crunchy, tangy, and seriously addictive. The rice and peas were fluffy and fragrant, cooked with herbs and coconut milk in that unmistakably Caribbean way.
To wash it all down, you can try the Passion Fruit Rum Grand, a fruity, not-too-sweet cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass. I also grabbed a bottle of Cola Couronne, Haiti’s beloved sparkling soda that has a champagne-like flavor and a cult following. Klasik’s mix of old-school flavors and new-school presentation made the experience both exciting and comforting.
My final stop was Flames on Eddy Street, a Jamaican spot that’s all about bold spices, big portions, and even bigger personality. From the moment you step inside, you’re hit with the intoxicating smell of allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, the holy trinity of Jamaican cooking. The vibe here is pure island energy: reggae on the speakers, colorful décor, and staff who make you feel like you’ve just walked into a family gathering.
Flames does all the classics, and they do them well. I started with a beef patty, which I’ve had many times before, but theirs stood out for the perfectly flaky crust and richly spiced filling. For the main course, I went with a combo plate of stew chicken and another of oxtail, rice and peas, and cabbage. The stew chicken was so tender it fell right off the bone, and the oxtail, long-simmered in a deeply savory gravy, was the kind of dish you can’t stop eating even after you’re full. The cabbage was simple but essential, cutting the richness and adding texture to every bite.
What impressed me most about Flames (and all the restaurants I tried, for that matter) wasn’t just the food, but the overall atmosphere. There’s a sense of joy and celebration in the air, a feeling that food isn’t merely about sustenance for Caribbean folks. Food means a lot more than that: connection, culture, and community. You can see that in the way the staff converse, joke, and laugh with customers, many of whom hail from the restaurants’ respective Caribbean cultures. Portions are generous, flavors are dialed all the way up, and no one is leaving hungry.
Caribbean cuisine isn’t monolithic — it’s a rich mosaic shaped by the islands’ histories, ingredients, and diasporas. While dishes may share ingredients or techniques, each island brings something unique to the table. The Dominican Republic leans into stewed meats and rice-based comfort food, Haiti brings heat, texture, and acidity to the forefront, and Jamaica emphasizes bold marinades and slow-cooked meats. Across all three, you’ll find a common thread: food made with love, care, and the kind of flavor that can only come from time-honored traditions.
In a city that prides itself on its diversity, Providence’s Caribbean food scene is thriving, sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly, but always deliciously. Not only did I get the chance to grab a meal, but these places offered me an opportunity to explore identity, memory, and migration, all through food. So whether you’re craving something hearty and stewed, spicy and fried, or just need a refreshing glass of morir soñando on a hot day, the Caribbean has something waiting for you, and it’s probably just around the corner.
Zeneida’s Restaurant
248 Broad St, Providence, RI 02903
Klasik Cuisine
266 Grand Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02861
Flames Jamaican Restaurant
734 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903
