Trinidad and Tobago’s 10 Best Roti Shops

Ask Any Trini what’s a good Local Lunch …. Roti what attracts dozens of hungry lunch patrons to the various roti shops across the nation is the wrapped roti. The roti itself is flour dough based and it’s either filled with split peas, dhalpuri, or made with lots of yummy butter paratha or ‘buss up shut’ (because the shorn roti looks like a tattered shirt).

Dhalpuri roti is whole roti, wrapped with variety of different vegetable and meat curry options This is meal is made by the hand of locals and Trinidadians Line up for hours waiting on this cuisine.

Other popular types of roti are:  Sada (plain) and Dosti (two layered roti)Which Trinis Enjoy for breakfast Filled with the Choice of vegetable with a light curry flavour . (Pumpkin, Baggie, Pac choy, Mélange, Tomato choker, Alo Potato)    

When you’re in the mood for a good roti, these are the highly recommended pit-stops:

Wings, Sawmill Trace, Pasea, Macoya

The best of the best’. Even Machel Montano can’t resist the pull of the roti! Though everything is good, the curry duck can actually be described as bliss. The approach here is simple and fundamental, but well done. The buss-up-shot (paratha) is almost transparent when held up to light – thin, silky, heavenly.  No beef, no boneless chicken available ‘ boneless is for girls anyway. The homemade ‘mother in law’ is the perfect pepper compliment, but go easy if it’s your first time. The place has character, beer and rum available, service is good but parking can be tricky.

Shianne’s, Cipriani Blvd

Variety for days! If you can’t find something you like here, chances are you are in the mood for KFC, not curry. The chicken is awesome, the goat is wonderful (and I’ve heard the shrimp is pretty good!) Three different types of pepper sauces are available – red, green and yellow. There are sides a-plenty to choose from, so don’t miss out on the pumpkin and bodi (long green beans).  If you need some advice ask Shianne herself as she is often there and on hand to tell you all about her favorite cricket stars. Good character, great food, no alcohol, and terrible parking.

 Don’s Roti, Morne Coco Rd, Petit Valley

This one is probably one of the more unassuming locations for a truly great roti shop – hidden amongst a strip of dive bars in the midst of Petit Valley and is referred to as one of the finest roti’s in the country. Don’t be afraid to wind your way through the drunks and homeless folk that sometimes decorate the front – this is a true roti hot spot. Once inside you may have a wait, but it’s worth it!

Highway Roti Shoppe, Uriah Buttler Highway, Freeport

To get to this place you must first park illegally on the side of the highway, make your way across a small bridge. No wrapped roti, they serve all buss up shot and meat, which means you get to sop up all that ‘nirvana of curry goodness’. All meats are top class. You also have the unique option of ‘dougla’ (a curry/stew blend). Service is fast, no alcohol, a slight crisp on the buss up shot.

 Patraj, Backchain Street, El Soccorro

It’s impossible to talk about roti without mentioning The Original Patraj on Backchain Street in San Juan. Possibly the most famous roti shop in the country, it was established in the 1970s. A great roti shop in a legendary location, but be wary of the crowd. The line can stretch from the front to the parking lot.

Sylvie’s, Backchain Street, El Soccorro

Directly opposite Patraj is Sylvie’s. A bustling roti shop that some say surpasses the most famous roti shop of all. Possibly it’s because their batches are smaller and the roti just as soft and silky as it’s meant to be, this place is good! Try the shrimp roti with their home made pepper sauce and you’ll find out exactly why people opt for her instead.

Ali’s, Backchain Street, El Sccorro

Great curry! Completely worth the long line and the inevitable traffic. Inside you can expect some sketchy patrons, but sit tight, the boss lady has it all under control. Take it to go.

 Rena’s Roti Shop, Old Milford Rd, Scarbrough, Tobago

It’s a little harder, but you also find very decent roti in Tobago! Rena is friendly Trini that makes a delicious roti with all the fixings, guaranteeing a filling meal. Delicious, rich curry but expect a wait.

Blue Hut, Mt Irvine Beach, Tobago

Possibly the most beautiful place in the world to eat a roti. Overlooking the world famous Mt Irvine waves, the lovely lady will make the whole roti right in front of you. She won’t make too many, so get there early and ask her to tell you about life in Tobago. Make sure to walk with something to drink while you wait. The roti will not disappoint, and the view is breathtaking.

Need to Order Roti Online:

Check out Trini Rotti Shop at: http://www.trinirotishop.com/