The MS Coast’s newest food truck is the ‘home of jerk chicken’ and Jamaican flavors

The food truck scene on the Mississippi Coast continues to evolve.

There have been spikes in numbers before, but it looks like food trucks and trailers are here to stay. The newest one is called Meatbawls and is just getting off the ground with an August grand opening.

It has a Jamaican theme, and while I was there, several Jamaicans stopped by and heartily approved. There’s no better testament than that.

Tan Clark is the owner and chef, and believe it or not, she bought the trailer empty and slowly put it together as finances allowed. The trailer is small, but lacks in nothing, from a three-compartment sink to running hot and cold water. It is impressive in every way.

The menu is small, but when the food is as good as Meatbawl’s puts out, there is no reason to offer dozens of dishes.

Their logo is “Home of jerk chicken,” nothing could be better stated. This jerk chicken is good, spicy, tender and delicious.

Jerk has an interesting history. Typically, it is a meat that is coated in spiced and grilled over a fire. The method came from the Taino, the original inhabitants of the Caribbean Islands, who in turn passed the cooking method on the African slaves.

When done right, Jerk creates a flavor profile that is simply unbeatable, and Meatbawls certainly does it right.

Jerk chicken is the bestseller, but the oxtails are also stunningly good. To get the full effect, oxtails must be eaten with the fingers, there is just no way to get the juicy, fatty and succulent meat off the bone. Yes, it is a bit messy, but that is part of the experience. A cold beer goes a long way toward making the event even better.

Beside the jerk chicken and oxtails, Meatbawls also offers jerked ribs, curry chicken and rice and peas and cabbage. The cabbage is steamed, but still just a bit crunchy.

Jamaican-style cabbage is typically flavored with hot peppers and herbs, is low in fat and calories and the perfect accompaniment to spicy Island cooking. Rice and peas (beans) is another Jamaican classic that is often paired with jerked meats. It is a distant cousin to the rice and beans that people on the Coast are used to and simply delicious.

If you are a fan of ribs, jerked ribs just might become your favorite way to enjoy them. They are spicy and delicious, and yes, should be eaten with fingers too. There is just no way a knife and fork can do justice to this amazing dish.

Meatbawls is just getting started and will expand hours soon. This is a family operation, so expect serious hospitality and home made food. Check out their Facebook page for locations.

Meatbawls Food Truck

Location: 197 Caillavet, Biloxi

Hours: 11 a.m. til sold out, see Facebook for locations, https://www.facebook.com/meatbawls.kitchen

Tel: 228-547-9633

This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 5:50 AM.