Vital Yawd Jerk Chicken in Iwakuni
Vital Yawd is located down a strange hallway right off of 188 near Iwakuni Station. Its bright yellow storefront makes it difficult to miss, but just passing by one might assume its a club or a simple hole in the wall bar. Oddly enough, it’s a Jamaican joint specializing in jerk chicken.
Inside is dimly lit yet comfortable with classic reggae bumping at reasonable decibels from giant speakers in the back. Driftwood covers the walls and ceilings, creating this sort of beachy basket weave I’m outside but inside feel. Any leftover space is adorned with blasts of yellow and red, Bob Marley’s face, and hand-painted Jamaican sayings.
Vital Yawd’s killer bar area!
While we digest this new universe, my husband and I make our way to our table. A Japanese couple pops out from behind the bar, both proudly donning giant Rasta hats and loose linen garb, shuffling around, catering equally to the kitchen and a large party in the front. Then a little girl, no more than seven, emerges from the kitchen and hands us two English menus on her tippy toes, barely able to reach the table. Concerns of cultural appropriation and child labor laws start to make my American chest tight.
We settle into our wooden barstools and browse the menu. Obviously jerk chicken with rice and peas (the latter of which I always find interesting because they’re actually red beans, but let’s not split legumes here) is our go-to. Despite my better judgment, I decide on the French fry combo. Carb load. #yolo
A few minutes pass and we realize this place is really operating on island time. One of us, I can’t remember who because I’m still reeling from, well, everything, belts out a healthy, “Sumimasen!” (“Excuse me!”). Pro tip: If you are visiting Japan or newly relocated, know that it is not Japanese dining culture for chefs or waiters to visit your table frequently if at all. You’re normally seated by a restaurant staff member but oftentimes you must initiate the actual ordering process. Make eye contact with the waiter, put your hand up, and don’t be shy. Raise your voice just slightly and say “Sumimasen!” Pronounced, soo-me-mah-sin.
We order, we wait, we smell. You know it’s one thing to have jerk chicken on the menu, it’s another to have that smoky sweet meat smell actually pump through the establishment. It has to appeal to all of the senses.
Our meal arrives. Two pieces of jerk chicken, a giant lump of rice, and a heaping handful of fries all atop the prettiest piece of lettuce I’ve ever seen. (I’ve never felt that way about a garnish before). A huge portion by Japanese standards. We dig in…
Notes on taste: I go rice first. It’s clear it’s a filler to have with a bite of chicken. Not a lot going on but it’s not the star so it’s fine. I grab a fry. What am I, teasing myself?! I guess I just want to save the best for last. They’re no boardwalk fries but they’re good, crispy and golden. Then I take a nibble of the chicken. It’s bright and smoky, rounded out by all those delicious warming spices, with a touch of sweetness. Freakin’ divine. Then I add a dab of the hot sauce from the table. It adds a dimension of acid and heat without taking over. Perfection.
Tips to know before you go:
Bring cash!
English menus are available.
Parking garages are available across the street on the road immediately parallel to Iwakuni Station. Click the map below to start planning your trip!
Do you like Jamaican food? Have you been to Vital Yawd? Comment below!
