What started as a way to bring the flavours of home to our table during lockdown has grown into something much bigger: The Jerk Bowl.

As a second-generation Jamaican who grew up in the UK, Jamaican food has always been a huge part of my life. From family gatherings and Sunday dinners to recipes passed down through generations, food has always been at the heart of my connection to Jamaica. When I moved to Portugal, I missed the authentic flavours I had grown up with, and my husband missed the Jamaican food he had become accustomed to while living in London.

So we started cooking the dishes we loved – smoky jerk chicken, tender curry goat, flaky patties and homemade ginger beer. What began as a way of bringing a taste of home back into our lives soon turned into a passion for sharing Jamaican food and culture with our local community.

Over the past few years, we have served at pop-ups, markets and community events across Lisbon, introducing people to the vibrant flavours of Jamaica. The response has been incredible, and one of the questions we hear most often is: "Where can we find you next?"

To help make the next chapter possible, on 12th July 2026 we are teaming up with Fábrica Braço de Prata to host Um Encontro do Caribe – a celebration of Caribbean culture, food, music and community. The event will help raise funds towards our food trailer while also supporting Fábrica to continue being the hoe of culture in Lisbon.

Our goal is to raise €15,000 towards purchasing and equipping a food trailer.

A trailer will allow us to:

• Attend major festivals and events across Portugal

• Reach more customers year-round

• Grow our family-run business

• Create future employment opportunities

• Share Jamaican culture through food, music and hospitality

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to turning this dream into reality.

Thank you for believing in our journey and helping us take authentic Jamaican flavours on the road.

One Love and many thanks,

The Jerk Bowl Family

If you're unable to donate, sharing our campaign with friends and family is another fantastic way to support us.