Review: Guelph's Caribbean Cuisine

Jihan and I stopped by Guelph's Caribbean Cuisine today to have some vegetarian roti. For those familiar with Guelph, Ontario, it occupies the space previously used by the Salsateria. The latter did not shut down altogether, but rather opened a much larger restaurant/night club under the same name a block or two away.

Guelph's Caribbean Cuisine is a small, unassuming place with a brightly painted interior, large sidewalk-facing windows, and very limited bar-style seating along the sides and front (no individual tables). When discovering a new restaurant or cafe, especially if I intend to write about it, I pay close attention to the atmosphere of the place. I look around -- at the kitchen (as much as I can see), the dining area, the staff, the clientèle, the decor, etc. And I listen.

One striking thing I noticed as I ate (and listened) was that there was no music piped into the dining area. The only sounds filling that space were the whir of refrigerators, the sounds of cooking, and of people eating and chatting. I like that. As much as music can set the mood at a party or small social gathering, it can also be an unwelcome imposition in a public space.

I know, on to the food...

While this is by no means a vegetarian or vegan establishment, there are some delicious vegetarian items. We ordered a vegetarian roti each. The last time we had roti, we were at the Caribbean Roti Palace at 744 Bathurst Street in Toronto. They had set the standard for us. The roti we each ordered had mango curry (a new ingredient for us -- this place has more filling options), chickpea and potato filling.

The taste did not disappoint. The chickpea and potato tasted familiar, while the mango curry added a hint of sweetness.  The roti wasn't too dry either, as some can be. Very delicious! Go check them out when in Guelph if you like roti. They are located at 45 Cork St, right downtown.