Island Cuisine Roti Shop

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.

This place gives service that disgusts me, the staff is rude and offensive. my mother is very old and ordered some food she decided she was going to go home and get money and come back to pay. Turns out she did want the food anymore but it was like a little goat curry which could have easily been put back to sell. The whole staff started barking at my older mother for not buying the food even though she was one of their regular customers.

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

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.

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

«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.
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

I’ve been coming here for years, and the food is pretty good.
This is one of the few places you can get real roti in Queens, and while it’s nothing to jump up and down about, it’s pretty good. They have all of the other typical West Indian food (rice & peas, curry goat, etc) as well, depending on what they’re cooking that day.
When I’m over this way or when I feel like roti I come here. Food is good, prices are right.
What more could you want?