Roti Report

My readers probably already know that I love some good grub. Today, I want to talk to you about one of my favorites—Roti!!!

More specifically, Caribbean roti. While it’s traditionally an Indian dish, roti made its way to Trinidad and Tobago and eventually migrated right here to St. Croix. Roti is an unleavened flatbread, and different cultures use it in different ways. In the Caribbean, it’s typically used as a wrap filled with all kinds of delicious things.

The bread itself is made mostly of flour, and it’s soft, warm, and perfectly fluffy. To get it just right, some roti spots (like our favorite) start making it early in the morning so it’s ready for the lunchtime rush.

When it comes to roti fillings...the possibilities feel endless. Here in St. Croix, roti is often filled with veggies, chicken, or seafood like saltfish and conch. I’m pretty sure curry and a blend of other spices are what give it that savory goodness. Despite the wide range of options, my family tends to stick to their favorites. No judgment. I get it. I’m a creature of habit too.

Elijah always goes for the chicken roti because it has a “profound blend of flavors.” Penelope usually chooses veggie roti. Human dad? He assumes the role of clean-up crew, eating whatever others don’t finish (although I was under the impression that was my job).

My mom can’t eat the roti, so she enjoys it vicariously through the rest of us. Take it from a pup with a distinguished sniffer, sometimes the smells alone are so good, it’s like you’re savoring the roti itself. At least that’s what I like to tell myself when they aren’t sharing with me. Whether we are eating the Roti or smelling the smells, we are grateful Diane is here to make life more delicious.