The Hummingbird Restaurant, located at 29 South Warren Street in downtown Trenton, is known for its colorful decor, welcoming atmosphere, and authentic Jamaican food.
As you approach the restaurant, you are greeted by the delightful aroma of Jamaican spices. Inside, the comfortable dining area is lit with warm lighting, and reggae music plays. A painting of Jamaican icon Bob Marley, a picture of Jamaican athletes, and a map of the country adorn the walls.
Hummingbird’s menu features a variety of dishes ranging from $10 to $20 dollars. Their selections include curry and brown stew chicken, jerk chicken, jerk salmon, and curry shrimp.
The jerk chicken is grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet and spicy authentic taste that will leave you wanting more. The curry shrimp features pungent onion and silky coconut milk. The Hummingbird Restaurant is also known for its beautifully plated food. They take great care in presenting their dishes.
Hummingbird’s owner is Marjorie Barclay who is originally from Kingston, Jamaica. She says, “At age 12 I knew that I loved to cook. The first meal I cooked was curry chicken and white rice.”
Barclay immigrated to the United States in 1989 but didn’t get to pursue her restaurant dreams for many years. Instead, she worked as a home health aide for 18 years, but in 2008 she began cooking and selling outside of her home on weekends while still working full-time.
Barclay says, “My main goal when coming to America was to provide a better life for myself and my children.”
June Henry, a Trenton resident and a longtime customer who witnessed Barclay’s humble beginnings says, “I became aware of Majorie’s cooking through a friend of mine. He told me that the lady around the corner’s cooking is nice–it’s really good.”
Henry continues, “I was not surprised when she opened a restaurant because she is a good cook. I have to call and pre-order my food, that’s how quickly it sells. I knew that one day she would have to open her own business.”
In 2010, Barclay was finally able to open her own restaurant.
“It was like a dream come true. Cooking is something that I have always been passionate about,” Barclay says.
Marjorie Barclay’s son, Bryon Barclay, who is co-owner, says, “I appreciate spending more time being around my mom, growing as an adult, and growing the business itself.”
In fact, Hummingbird is solely operated by family members. Marjorie’s cousin, Omar Barclay, is responsible for preparing, assisting with the cooking, and cleaning the restaurant.
He says, “I wouldn’t say that I am working. We are having fun and doing what we know how to do best.”
Bryon says, “My mom is customer orientated first as far as trying to get the orders out. If we are packed and the orders need to be going out, ain’t no breaks…She puts the customers first.”
In fact, customers seem to love everything about Hummingbird.
Warldor Sarnoe, a Trenton resident who goes to the restaurant twice a week, says, “You know that someone’s heart and soul was put into something to make it taste good, versus just making money.”
Jazmine Brown, of Cherry Hill says, “A colleague of mine recommended me to come here. He said the food was nice, great customer service. He did an event for another colleague about a month ago, and that’s when I first tasted their food.” When asked about her first experience at the restaurant, she said, “Nice, warm, friendly, special…I will definitely come back again. I rate it 20 out of 10.”
Otis Palmer, a Trenton resident, says that his favorite dish is the BBQ jerk wings. “I come here at least once a week, I don’t know any other Jamaican restaurants that is doing the BBQ jerk wings. It’s different and the flavor is really good.”
Hummingbird has lots of traditional meat dishes but also has vegan options.
Customer Leslie Taylor, a Mercer alumn from Bordentown, says, “They cater to my vegan needs. My favorite dish to get is the Hummingbird’s salad.”
Tarek Kennedy, a Morrisville resident, also appreciates the meat and dairy free options saying, “The food is always good. [There are] not too many places out here where you can find vegan dishes at. They cater to my appetite.”
Not only does Marjorie Barclay extend her warmth to paying customers, but she also has a desire to help the less fortunate. She often gives food to people who are suffering from homelessness.
She says, “Whether they come in or on the outside I feed them. No one knows what tomorrow holds. It is my passion to feed them.”
The Hummingbird Restaurant is open six days a week. They are open 10 AM to 7 PM on Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 6 PM on Fridays, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays. They offer dine in and pick up and can be delivered through Doordash and Grubhub. You can find more information on their Facebook page.
