There's a plethora of roti shops in the Little Guyana/South Ozone Park area offering a variation on similar menus. But Island Roti Shop has a slightly more extensive menu with some harder to find Trinidadian dishes, including a weekly rotating menu with specialties like pelau (aka pulav) and crab and dumplings. We had just finished gorging ourselves at nearby Trinciti, so just stopped for a snack. They had one of my favorite items, saheena, a split pea and spinach fritter served with a chutney of your choice (I opted for a layer of tamarind). read more

Island Roti Shop - Saheena - Caribbean Near Me - Ozone Park, New York

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Service was welcoming and friendly. Place is small and take out only. Off the beaten path from the nearby Liberty Ave area where the streets are lined with many choices of similar cuisine. I decided to avoid the long weekend lines at the more popular spots and try the common items . Doubles 7/10 Aloo Pie 5/10 Bake and Shark 3/10. Doubles was good,but dough not as fluffy as it should be. However the sauces accompanying it were good and made it enjoyable. The aloo pie's dough was stale ,not terrible but apparently fried way earlier that day. The potato filling was bland, unseasoned. These 2 items were remedied by me dousing it with lots of hot sauce .For someone else eating them as is (without sauces )would be pretty bland. These types of food need to be seasoned and not dependent on additional sauces. The Bake and Shark was the biggest let down. This is supposed to be served with an array of sauces and toppings which include lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onions,pineapple, shredded cabbage/carrot mix and generously seasoned fried shark all served inside a fried dough - aka Bake. This is a sandwich Andrew Zimmermann declared the Best Sandwich he'd ever had in his life after visiting Trinidad on Bizarre Foods. (Look it up) I've had it countless times elsewhere and it's a personal favorite. But at this location it was not nearly a true representation of this sandwich. The dough again was a bit stale and the shark seasoned with salt and pepper at most and over cooked ( it was dry )Then cooked cabbage was placed on the shark . At that point I just told her to add lots of hot sauce and paid and left and ate in the car. I will add that the steam table was filled with lots of West Indian dishes, they looked great. I just feel based on my level of taste and what is common to all the other types of places I've had this type of food from ,this one is not the same. Customer service was 10/10 , very sweet people. read more

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One of my favorite go to's for a quick meal. I was in the neighborhood and stopped in for some doubles with pumpkin. You are acknowledged the second you walk in with eye contact and a smile and receive the same once you are at the counter being waited on. What I love is they understand the meaning of just a little and it's always the perfect amount. The food is always fresh and delicious and the breads are never too sweet like other places. If you are in the neighborhood try this spot, you will not be disappointed! You can sit and eat if you like, but most people take their food to go and the prices are always good! read more

Island Roti Shop - Doubles with pumpkin - Caribbean Near Me - Ozone Park, New York

Great family owned Roti shop. Love their doubles and curry goat! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for good trini food

The parking situation is a bit tight. However, they are located at a major intersection that you can't miss. Upon entering, I was greeted with a smile. The lady who took my order was nice. The only thing I think would've made a difference between 4 And 5 stars, is the quantity of chicken. The roti itself was really good. But I think instead of pouring spoonfuls of chicken with bones into the wrap, a few extra seconds to strain out some of the bones would've been appreciated. I didn't enjoy it as much as I usually do because of that reason. I was picking away bones like crazy! But hey! $5 for a chicken roti? Why am I complaining? It was a great size for the price. read more

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"One of the glories of New York is its ethnic food, and only McDonald's and Burger King equalize us all." John Corry "Food is our common ground, a universal experience." James Beard If you follow my reviews you know I am picky. This restaurant is a clean friendly restaurant (take out only) with an exotic blend of cuisines only available in the Caribbean usually. I disagree with the other reviews. This is not your typical NYC Caribbean restaurant. I do not understand the low reviews at all here! One reviewer complained about the OX Tail. I don't eat Ox Tail so maybe it is just what they ordered. The Doubles here are incredible and maybe the best I have had! The pastries and Roti here and everything I have had here is over the top delicious! Plus it is cleaner here than most I have been to. It is family owned and the service is friendly. They answer all of my questions and don't have an attitude like some of the Caribbean places I have been to. Lisa K one reviewer said The Doubles are good but gave other dishes a lower rating. I didn't take pictures but I got the Tamarind which is sold either spicy or sweet. It was delicious! It tasted like a Jolly Rancher fruit (if there was such a thing) rolled in sugar. They have a more extensive menu of goodies than most. http://www.allmenus.com/ny/queens/236630-island-cuisine-roti-shop/menu/ The Mac cheese pie was delicious! We have been here many times and never reviewed it. It should at least be on the radar of those who like Doubles. I want to share what they say on their menu so you can get a feel for how delicious and exotic the food is. "About Us' Island Roti Shop brings the exotic taste of the Caribbean to New York and is well known for treating customers like family. Dishes are prepared using auntie Chunkies wonderful recipes. We pride ourselves in creating delectable ,inexpensive prepared dishes. Caribbean cuisine is a unique blend of African , Indian ,Chinese , European and Latin American influences overlaid with those of countries as diverse as Syria , Lebanon and Italy. Prepare yourself for an extensive menu of tropical dishes in a warm atmosphere." The service is so warm and it comes across in the taste of the food. -"If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him... the people who give you their food give you their heart." Cesar Chavez read more

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I love free things. I'm a tourist and I've never been to Trinidad; that being said, me and my companions have never had the delicious fare. Until now... This evening we got off the plane and were starving like we were fasting for a Brazilian churrascaria meat fest. Duran Duran said it best... "Hungry like the Wolf." You get what I'm saying... Anyway back to the free stuff. Obviously I was super excited for a versatile array of ethnic bliss. And that is what we found. We ordered chicken curry and chicken stew. Both came with generous side servings of potatoes, chickpeas, and rice. In addition, we received a huge roti along with another kind of bread and chickpea "sandwich." The lady serving us did not skimp as she was excited to share her culture with us as we tried the food for the first time. ***BUT WAIT*** there's more! The sweet old lady gave us some fresh doughnut-like pastries for us to try. SO good. I wish I knew what these were called so I could find them in my hometown. Is there good Trinidad food in ATX? Is this my newest food-truck idea that won't see the light of day? Hopefully you will read this, be inspired, and make that happen. Five stars for me.. read more

Island Roti Shop - Island food mmm - Caribbean Near Me - Ozone Park, New York

I only ended up here because Trinciti was closed today and I came from Brooklyn just for it. On the first bite into my bake and saltfish, there was a long curly strand of hair. There was no way I could finish that food. The place needs to be cleaned thoroughly, definitely a hole in the wall. I was better off driving back to Brooklyn without food. Just go a few blocks down to trinciti because this place is GRADE A TRASH. read more

Whenever I use to date a Trini woman I would bring them here, or bring them food from here. Never any complaints. One said the shop itself is authentic as compared to similar shops in Trinidad. (Very small, workers look "heated" during summer. Some of the food looks suspicious). So, about 15 years ago, I was patronizing the beverage shop next door, and when I came out, I threw some cardboard garbage into the parking lot dumpster. (I knew I shouldn't have). A dude, who I believe to be related to the owner of the roti shop came out charging and cursing like a madman. Just behind him was the a woman who I believe to be the owner of the roti shop. She was curing worse than dude and had a machete. I was able to back dude off, but crazy lady started chasing me around my car with the jammy. Somehow, the situation diffused, and needless to say, I stopped going into the shop, although I continued to frequent the beverage shop up until about five years ago. (Yeah, there's been a whooooooole lot of nasty stares exchanged over the years with the roti shop workers and owner(s)). So, with Covid and wearing masks, I popped back into the shop incognito, and their food is still solid as ever. My chicken roti was $6.50, and it was okay. One more piece of chicken would have been nice, but I don't think that is part of their plan. This is not the most visually appealing place, but they do good business for a reason. And yeah, the dude and woman still look angry. (Even with my mask, the dude did a double-take as I walked pass him). lol. The parking here can be good if you catch them at the perfect moment. Otherwise, expect a three-ring circus. Also, the shop is take-out. There's just enough room to walk in and order. read more

We always order Dhal puri without any issues. However, we placed an order as usual and at the time of pickup, I was told by the cashier that the price has increase by .50 cent per dhal puri BECAUSE ITS NEW YEAR'S EVE and that price will return to normal. I cannot believe we were rob on New Years Eve...My issue is that if they wanted to increase the price, let us know that the price had increased when the order was placed so we wont be blind sided. read more

Smoke herring is the best there !! Have to get it every weekend. Breakfast menu is good. read more

I love free things. I'm a tourist and I've never been to Trinidad; that being said, me and my companions have never had the delicious fare. Until now... This evening we got off the plane and were starving like we were fasting for a Brazilian churrascaria meat fest. Duran Duran said it best... "Hungry like the Wolf." You get what I'm saying... Anyway back to the free stuff. Obviously I was super excited for a versatile array of ethnic bliss. And that is what we found. We ordered chicken curry and chicken stew. Both came with generous side servings of potatoes, chickpeas, and rice. In addition, we received a huge roti along with another kind of bread and chickpea "sandwich." The lady serving us did not skimp as she was excited to share her culture with us as we tried the food for the first time. ***BUT WAIT*** there's more! The sweet old lady gave us some fresh doughnut-like pastries for us to try. SO good. I wish I knew what these were called so I could find them in my hometown. read more

Their doubles are good . Not a fan of how the place look so old and like Dhaal puri droppings on the floor. That place need Ac cause all the workers look ready fuh get heat stroke . Also clean the area around the food ! Use some windex and wipe the glass them . read more

This place is alright if you are in a rush and really don't want to go searching for anywhere else to eat. The staff is nice, but the food can be a little better. They are a little heavy on the pepper on most of the food but some things are alright to eat. like the doubles. If you are looking for some doubles at like 6:30a in the morning while waiting for the bus, then yes you are in luck. read more

If your looking for good doubles don't even bother. Way too messy and runny. I could barely eat it properly. Also this place is not a place to dine in, only pick up read more

This place is right on Lefferts Blvd. & Rockaway Blvd in a bit of a low-budget...strip mall. I think that best describes how to find this place. I prefer to come here earlier in the day through the late afternoon to ensure that my food is the freshest. My favorite thing to order from here is the shrimp roti (*Homer Simpson drool*), which they make right in front of you in a kind of lunchroom-style setup. The shrimp is a bit small, but it's all good. The rice and peas are good, and while the chicken is very tasty, I wish it wasn't so bony. If all else fails, the doubles are delicious. I will amend my review when I try the fish and oxtail dishes again. The place is a bit cramped and even though there's one table in there, I wouldn't even feel comfortable sitting down to eat. This is strictly take out, IMO. There's a small fridge where you can buy drinks, some American, some Caribbean such as peanut punch and sorrel. They also have a bunch of sweets and tamarind treats on top of the counter so you can add little things while the girl rings you up. As long as that NYC Restaurant Letter Grade doesn't fall below a B, I'll continue to swing by every once in a while. read more

Food is authentic, never had an issue. Decor could be better, but I only order and leave, so not really an issue... good quality food.

Every time I have a hankering for delicious, homestyle food I make it a MUST to dine @ this fine establishment & it's about time I give Island Cuisine Roti Shop credit where credit is due. The staff @ Island Cuisine is ALWAYS warm & receptive. The owner's face always lights up when you greet her & she welcomes you as though you're coming home to mom. The food tastes just as delicious as a mother would prepare it with love & care. In all my travels I've not come across anyone whose food is as well seasoned & has the perfect blend of spices & curry as Islands has. The serving size is excellent & far more than what the competition offers. The dhalpouri is as soft as silk & perfectly seasoned unlike some of the other establishments in the area who pale in comparison. The Trini-style Chinese food is absolutely fantastic. The Chinese style chicken contains none of the typically harsh Chinese salts/seasonings & is mouthwateringly delectable! The same goes for the fried rice & chow-mein. The amazing thing is that nothing is oily, unlike other similar establishments who like to boast of what they would like to pass off as Trini-style Chinese. That is a chef who knows exactly what they're doing!!! Kudos!!! Island's doubles & aloo pies HAVE to be the BEST bar none. Soft, LIGHT bara that isn't oily; a HUGE factor being that lack of greasiness. After consuming the baras you don't feel bloated or stuffed unlike some of the doubles vendors whose baras make you feel like you're choking when you swallow. The channa is never hard nor is it ever underseasoned. I've noticed that the same channa is used in other dishes like the chicken roti, goat roti etc & that in itself is testament to how good that channa is. The sauces that go with the doubles are mind-blowing!! The cucumber, bandanya (yes I prefer to call it that) tamarind sauce, mother-in-law, hot pepper sauce significantly add to the already palate-pleasing delicacy. The aloo pies are equally delicious as are the sweets, pone & currant roll which all taste like home made like granny used to make. If there was a 10 star rating Island, it would definitely be yours hands down!! Great job by the owner & staff of Island Cuisine. One can't possibly ask for more. The staff is efficient, friendly & well-mannered. There's always a smile to greet you & smiles when you're leaving. There's also ample parking on the compound which makes it perfect!! If you want to feel right @ home with the BEST in down home cuisine, this is THE PLACE for you!!! God bless the owner & employees of Island Cuisine Roti Shop! Keep up the excellent work!! read more

In a nutshell food is good and cheap kind of a hole in the wall place but it will be worth the trip. The workers are really nice and sweet if this place was bigger it would get some better stars but the line is usually long in the morning and they only have one cashier so if you dont mind the wait the place is worth it read more

Delicious fresh authentic Trinidadian flavors. Lots of variety, staff is very friendly and courteous. Tried their doubles, fudge and coconut cake. I shall be returning! read more

Island roti shop on lefferts/rockaway sucks. THE FOOD ARE NO GOOD! the staff are mean and the owners are heartless. my friend was hired to work there and after 2 days, she was told that she's no longer needed because the shop is not busy, my friend respected that but the owners refused to pay her. I told my friend to report these people to the US department of labor since its illegal not to pay someone for their work. read more

good doubles, a decent deli type assortment of trini foodstuffs. parking in front makes it a good stop.

Use to buy from them since they open. I bought 18 doubles from there to take to work this past weekend. Had my co workers showing me and asking me where is the channa. I was so embarassed. When the order was placed we asked for cucumber and tamarind. The girl said no cucumber. The doubles neither had tamarind. Here I was raving at this place to my coworkers only to look like a complete fool. Went back the next day to tell them. First, I guess was the lady grandson. Started talking to him and he walking away, the owner who is his grand mom, aski me if I'm sure if I got it from there. Like really.. Anyways she said she can give me back the doubles I bought again or the money. I said it was not about that. I wanted u to know that the doubles wasn't made to standard. She even said the cucumber wasn't out,only when she came to wrk she brought it out. Ask me what time I came. Then said yes she wasn't there so early. Which I knew of course. Also said the channa was watery when she came and saw it,and changed it. That's after I finished buying. So obviously, she knew what I was talking about.Meanwhile, she grandson kept rolling his eyes and smirking as if. I told him he was arrogant bcuz of the way he was acting. Body and facial language tells a lot about a person.And I told the owner she shud be glad someone came and told her of the issue and use it to make better. They lost a customer I will say. But to their other customers, plz continue to patronize her establishment becuz, u have had a good experience I guess. This is not in any shape or form to discourage anyone who wants to eat their. This was my last experience with them. Go ahead and make ur own good with them. read more