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Welcome to Happy Times Food Mart

Happy Times Food Mart, located in Portsmouth, VA, is a hidden gem for authentic Caribbean cuisine. Despite its humble appearance, locals rave about the flavorful dishes and generous portions. From jerk chicken to oxtail, each meal is a delightful experience. Customers praise the perfectly seasoned collard greens and the tender curry goat. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff add to the charm of this neighborhood spot. For a taste of Jamaica in the 757 area, Happy Times Food Mart is a must-try for those craving a satisfying and affordable meal.

Happy Times Food Mart: Reviews & Ratings

Richard K.
Richard K.

One should not judge a book by its cover. This is not a restaurant, not even a dive. It is one of those food places that only locals know about. When you overlook the appearance and find courage to go in, you won't be disappointed. I order a jerk chicken and a side of collard greens. The collard greens is the best I ever had. Soft, but not mushy, perfectly seasoned, with a tinge of vinegar. A generous serving of jerk chicken on a perfectly cooked bed of rice and peas. All these for less than the price of an appetizer at a restaurant. "Cooks and hosts" were very friendly also.

Tatiana B.
Tatiana B.

The best Jamaican food in the 757, hands down. I get the jerk chicken, rice and peas, and cabbage. I've been coming here for about a year now, and it always hits the spot.

C C.
C C.

Seriously the real deal y'all, go get ya some! The curry chicken and brown stew chicken are both delicious, rice and peas, cabbage, and yams are equally tasty. Huge portions for the price as well. This is not a dine-in joint, but the folks are friendly.

Tajaiana M.
Tajaiana M.

This place is the most recommended Carribean spot in the 75. So when I pulled up I was expecting greatness. The place was small and homely. I really appreciated the fasted pace and welcomedness the people were. I got the stew chicken rice and peas and some cabbage on the side. Everything was decent I wouldn't say it's the best I've ever had but if you looking for something solid I would try it.

Lakendra W.
Lakendra W.

*** For the cooked food *** Short and sweet just like the options. There's never been a disappointment for me for the last 3.5 years I've been coming. The food is always good. In fact, I know I can't mess with it if I have tasks ahead of eating it. Free nap inducer included with each meal. I'm always met with a strong greeting at the counter (and by security so take with that what you will for ambiance). The prices are fair for the portions. I appreciate Happy Times for their constant quality of food.

Katrinia F.
Katrinia F.

I was pleasantly surprised by this food. I enjoyed my lunch selection was delicious. The jerk chicken was so flavorful and juicy. They gave me so much I could feed 3 people. The store was a little questionable but I'm glad I tried it out. The store was clean and the staff was very helpful.

Cindy S.
Cindy S.

This place in a gem tucked away in the core of Portsmotluth. It looks like s normal convenience store on the outside but step inside and walk around to the back to some of the most mouth watering carribean cuisine. Today my husband had oxtail with Mac and cheese and yellow rice. Not pictured is my meal lol. I had their curry chicken with rice and peas, 2 fried chicken wings and a piece of corn bread. Lunch servings they were but you definitely get bang for buck here and more than likely will need a nap afterwards as well. Their food can rival any of the popular Jamaican or carribean restaurants in the Hampton Roads area. I first discovered this place in 2020 after I'd been working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Get there early during the week as they're a hot commodity during lunch time.

Jeannine C.
Jeannine C.

Gworl Listen, This review is solely on the Caribbean Cuisine inside of this corner store. This corner store is located in the hood of Portsmouth, it does have typical corner store things for sale, chargers, sodas, candy, some grocery items etc. Its a very small store so you cant miss the buffet style Caribbean food located to your right in the corner of the store. Due to the condition of the store and the neighborhood, I had very high expectations for the food... Lets be real, the best ethnic food is located in the ghetto. I was greeted by 3 ladies who offered me different samples of the food. They were all so helpful and excited to have me try out there food, I was excited! I decided on the Large oxtail plate with collard greens and sweet potatoes as a side. They don't have space to dine in so its all To-go orders. As far as the food selection goes, I feel like they can have more however they do have the main stuff you would likely order from the Caribbean place. The food is definitely authentic Caribbean food. Very flavorful. The sweet potatoes could use some work. They weren't very sweet but do-able. They even had plain white rice if you didn't want the rice and peas. I would recommend this place if your in the area and want a taste of some authentic Caribbean cuisine.

Location

Happy Times Food Mart in Portsmouth, VA is a hidden gem in the Caribbean food scene. This local favorite may not look like much from the outside, but once you step inside, you're in for a treat. With a menu full of delicious options like jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and red snapper, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The reviews from customers like Richard K., Tatiana B., C C., Tajaiana M., and Lakendra W. speak volumes about the quality of the food at Happy Times Food Mart. From perfectly seasoned collard greens to generous portions of jerk chicken, each dish is made with care and attention to detail. The prices are fair, the portions are generous, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

Whether you're looking for a quick takeout meal or a relaxed lunch with friends, Happy Times Food Mart has you covered. With options for vegetarians, families, and even your furry friends (yes, dogs are allowed!), this place truly has something for everyone. So next time you're craving authentic Caribbean cuisine, make sure to give Happy Times Food Mart a try. Your taste buds will thank you.