For college students in Mercer County, there are many options for a less expensive, often take-out lunch, but one stands out among the rest. Roti Plus, a Caribbean restaurant, is celebrating its first year at 1147 S Olden Avenue in Hamilton, and their fair is satisfying in a way that goes beyond being just affordable.
As soon as you have opened your door in the parking lot, before you even see the spotless take-out restaurant, where an elephant sculpture greets you at the door, your nose will be enticed by the notes of fried Trinidadian curry; cumin, masala, turmeric and the rarest note of all, home.
Roti Plus is so special precisely because–like every home kitchen–the food is a blend of families, histories and traditions, tweaked as each generation adds their own touch while remaining true to their roots.
Opened last April after Covid-related delays, owner Shazard “Todd” Mohammed operates the eatery with his wife Veera, serving recipes combined from their two families. Todd’s restaurant experience was bolstered more than a decade ago by contracting work at Mercer’s other Trinidadian eatery, Hot on D Spot, then owned by Todd’s uncle Ramesh Hayban.
Todd and many members of his extended family have come to Mercer County from Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean Island nation whose culinary history is an international crossroads.
Veera says, “Our cooking is highly influenced by Indian and African culture and then we also have like Hispanic and French culture as well.”
She continues, “It’s my husband’s mom and her siblings’ recipe, it’s their recipe for the Roti. For the curry recipes, it’s our dad and his family…The final decision has to go through Todd because he is so strong on consistency, quality and just making sure the product is something that the customer is gonna come back for.”
First-timers, eager for something better than yet another burger on the way to class will certainly come back if they start with the Jamaican patty. The flaky, empanada-like pastry filled with tender, spiced ground beef is described as ‘mild’ on their website, but make no mistake, while the Jamaican Patty will not burn your taste buds, it will hit you like a rock song. Each bite opens like a new track, with a savory, cacophonous crunch, giving way to a string of solos from every component of the curry. Rather than being overwhelming, each spice harmonizes with the meat, creating so many flavors you had never noticed before that you may wonder if you ever knew beef at all.
When you are ready to go to the next level the Dahl Puri Roti (Roti with split peas) stuffed with chicken curry and potatoes–a personal favorite of Veera’s–is a must. The roti itself is an engineering marvel, strong enough to safely hold the full meal wrapped inside for one-handed munching (with a few napkins that is), yet light and tender to the tooth.
Those fond of Chinese Soup Dumplings should look forward to a similar first bite, that immediately coats the mouth, enhancing the umami of each bite.
Another taste adventure is the vegan Trinidadian Double. Curried chickpeas ooze like lava from between two pillowy baras, deep-fried flatbreads, which add a texture so satisfying that even those who typically don’t eat vegan food will come back for more.
A variety of sauces can be added to the DOUBLE, including a mango chutney, the sweetness of which reveals layers of flavor within the spicy curry that remain intriguing, even after you have ordered your second. For $1.99, if one does not add meat, the double is as much a value as it is a delight. Just be sure to grab some napkins.
Roti plus also offers a variety of Caribbean punches, made fresh, in house, daily. The Peanut Punch is an absolute must. It is silky smooth, with a flavor that will smack you in the face like the best peanut butter milkshake but without being heavy at all. It’s a great way to cool down on a hot day or sneak in some extra protein with a delicious drink.
Roti Plus is a wonderful addition to Mercer County. It is obvious from the first bite that each dish has been crafted with care, consideration, and style.
Veera says, “Everything that we offer here on our menu any Trinidadian home can probably prepare it. The specialty would just be your own uniqueness in your kitchen how you would provide that taste and your style of cooking.”
