Mama Putt’s

The story

Mama Put’s in Hastings celebrates West African and Caribbean cuisine

The chef and the kitchen

Mama Put’s in Hastings brings West African and Caribbean cuisine to a neighbourhood that values straightforward hospitality. Jerome Odibi designed the kitchen around generous, down-home recipes rather than complex techniques. His unpretentious approach recently earned a Local Gem designation from The Good Food Guide. The entrance displays locally painted oil drums that signal the ethos inside.

A menu rooted in heritage

Palm nut soup and jollof rice sit beside spicy spinach prepared with boiled yam. Caribbean cooking takes centre stage with Jamaican patties and jerk chicken served alongside slow-cooked oxtail curry. Dessert plates arrive with sweet fried dumplings, plantain pudding, or coconut cake paired with ice cream. The kitchen treats these recipes as everyday standards rather than seasonal specials.

Casual comfort and shared tables

The dining room operates with big-hearted neighbourly energy that welcomes families and solo diners alike. Red Stripe and Guinness flow freely from taps, with certain cans imported from Nigeria to complement the West African dishes served daily. Large wooden surfaces encourage groups to spread out across plates and glasses. Evening service maintains a relaxed pace, favouring lingering conversation over quick turnover.