Courtesy of jasonlam on flickr
By guest contributors Chris and Yaz, co-hosts of Digestive Tracks. This weekly radio show on CKCU FM 93.1 plays every Wednesday morning from 10 to 11 and features tips on the local dining scene that any Ottawa foodie can’t afford to miss. Part of the Apartment613 crew got a chance to chat with Yaz this last Wednesday on their show; downloading the episode here to check out our discussion of the Apt613 mission statement and anarchist views by, as well as some great music and a review of the Cupcakery. Also be sure to check out Chris’ new blog on Canadian gaming, the Canconsole.
For those not in the know, roti is a dish that can be found in both East and West Indian kitchens. We went on a mission to find the best West Indian style roti in Ottawa. West Indian roti tends to be bigger, flakier and less oily than its East Indian counterpart. Light and flakey dal poori roti shells house a curry, potato and chickpea mixture, coupled with a meat or vegetarian option of your choosing. Keep in mind, if you’re not using your fingers, you’re doing it wrong!
1. Caribbean Flavours Unfortunately closed for now
1659 Carling Ave.
(613-237-9981)
Simply put, this is the best roti in town. Chef Frederick White has amassed a huge following by putting together some the most tasty, flakey roti skins around, and the filling is nothing to scoff at either. Thick curry, chickpeas, potatoes and your choice of chicken, goat, beef, channa, or a whole slew of other options, provide the backbone for this incredibly delicious and filling dish. As everything is made to order you’ll have to be prepared to wait, but it’s worth it for this culinary gem.
2. Sixth Sense Catering and Home Cooking
1200 Bank St.
613-562-2552
Brilliant chef Kyle Carisse is a self professed white boy who knows his spice. We’d be inclined to agree, as the quality of his roti speaks to his ability in the kitchen when it comes to all things Caribbean. Along with a couple of other tasty tidbits, we had the privilege of trying one hell of a good roti. A soft and buttery outer skin housed a filling with close to 20 hand ground fresh spices, which are really what give this dish its character. If you’re a fan of Guyanese and Trinidadian style roti, this is a great choice.
3. Mugena
911 Richmond Rd.
613-722-8228
If you’re looking for a solid roti without the wait times of the made-to-order fare, Mugena is the place to hit. They deliver chicken, goat, beef and vegetable rotis in a warm and friendly Caribbean grocery store environment. The store has seen a recent renovation, adding a sit down restaurant area in which you can enjoy your roti.
4. Groovy’s Roti Hut
292 McArthur Rd.
613-744-1551
Groovy’s roti hut offers some traditional menu items that you might not find at other Caribbean restaurants such as pumpkin and cow foot. However, be prepared to deal with disinterested staff and the possibility of paying for a roti platter and not receiving all of the included items. For those in the Carleton area, you can avoid the poor service and grab a Groovy’s roti at Mike’s Place over a pint. Mike’s Place has the distinction of being the only place in the world to serve roti with sour cream!
Just wondering Chris, Caribbean Sizzler on Bank St. didn’t make the cut? I go there once in a while for lunch, it’s not too far from work and I quite enjoy their roti.
Yeah, I like the Caribbean Sizzler roti too. And you can get Groovy’s at Boushey’s too!
Caribbean Sizzler isn’t bad, but it’s not a huge fav of ours. The roti skins are pre-cooked and tend to sit around a bit. The few times we’ve gone, our rotis had those hard edges you tend to get with re-heating. Again, not a bad spot in a pinch - but still kinda meh.
I vote for Tropical Garden run by Fishie. The jerk rotis are amazing!
It’s in the east end:
596 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1K 0T9
(613) 746-5600
:: UPDATE ::
In a sad turn of events, it has come to my attention that Caribbean Flavours is no longer operating a store front :*( I’ll let you know if I hear anything about a new location. But for now…no more roti from Frederick *sigh*
I am sorry, but I have to disagree with the critique of Groovy’s. The food is great, and while the service is perhaps a bit less polished than some other places, it is warm and attentive.
Last year I had an awesome birthday party there, unbeknownst to us, Groovy has a Carribean/Jazz band that plays on Sundays to boot, very chill and laid back like the rest of the place. Followed by McArthur lanes and Mod Night, it made for a great evening.
Tried all these places (also Tropical Garden and Caribbean Sizzler) in a desperate attempt to fill the void left by Fred closing. Not a single roti comes even close.
Guy at Caribbean Sizzler a few months ago said Fred was trying to open up again on Rideau? We haven’t heard anything since.
Caribbean Flavours was a once-a-week thing for a bunch of us and I know there are dozens of Fred-fans out there. If anyone knows how to contact him (the cell phone # I have no longer works) please, please, PLEASE make sure he knows he has a huge following that would support any attempt to reopen. Hell, he should just sell them out of his house if possible. Craving hot goat roti just thinking about it.
Community Schools: Partnerships for Excellence. ,
Yup, Fred made the best roti in town if not the world. Neil and I would fulfill our roti craving @ Caribbean Flavours at the very least once a week. God I loved those Double Extra Hot Jerk Chicken rotis
I miss you Fred!