Roti Corner

- 180-18 Hillside Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432

Introduction / Overview

For residents of New York City, particularly in the culturally rich borough of Queens, Roti Corner is a known establishment that serves up a powerful and authentic blend of Caribbean, Indian, and South American flavors. Situated in Jamaica, Roti Corner taps into the neighborhood's deep West Indian heritage, offering comfort food that resonates with a taste of home for many, while providing a delicious exploration for newcomers. It is accurately classified as a Caribbean, Indian, and South American restaurant, reflecting the historical and culinary convergence that birthed dishes like Roti and Doubles—staples of Trinidadian and Guyanese cuisine.

The heart of Roti Corner's menu is, naturally, the Roti—a soft, flaky flatbread used to wrap hearty curries. The extensive menu, however, goes far beyond the eponymous dish, featuring everything from classic street food appetizers to rich, stewed main courses. Diners can expect a diverse selection of curried meats like goat, chicken, beef, and shrimp, alongside savory vegetarian options, often served over rice or wrapped in Roti. This array of choices positions Roti Corner as a versatile spot, perfect for a quick, flavorful lunch, a substantial dinner, or even a solo dining experience.

Roti Corner is recognized for its commitment to convenience, highlighted by its fast service for New Yorkers on a tight schedule. It provides all three major service options: dine-in, takeout, and delivery, ensuring its authentic flavors are accessible across the region. While some reviewers note mixed experiences regarding the quality of specific items like 'Doubles,' the restaurant's wide appeal and its essential role in providing accessible West Indian cuisine to the local community are undeniable. It's a casual, friendly spot where locals gather, or "lime," as some reviewers describe the relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere. The robust menu and affordable pricing reinforce its status as a valued institution for satisfying, authentic ethnic food in Queens.

The ambiance is casual, appealing to a crowd of local residents and even tourists seeking an authentic taste of Queens' renowned culinary diversity. Whether you're craving a rich Curry Goat Roti or a simple, savory plate of Curry Chick Peas and Potato, Roti Corner offers a flavorful journey rooted in the culinary traditions of the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent.

Location and Accessibility

Roti Corner is conveniently located at 180-18 Hillside Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432, USA. Hillside Avenue is a significant thoroughfare in Queens, and its Jamaica location places the restaurant in a bustling area known for its vibrant street life and community focus.

For New York City residents, accessibility is a major factor, and Roti Corner is well-positioned in this regard. The location is close to major public transportation routes, specifically noted by customers as being "close to the F train and most public transportation." This connectivity via the New York City subway and bus system makes Roti Corner a highly convenient dining option for patrons coming from various parts of Queens and beyond.

It is important for local users to note the consensus on vehicle access: "No parking" is available, a common reality for businesses situated on major commercial avenues in NYC. Customers are advised to utilize the excellent public transportation available or plan for street parking alternatives, which can be limited. However, the restaurant is committed to physical accessibility, proudly featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming experience for all diners. The establishment’s location in a high-traffic area of Jamaica makes it a natural gathering spot, capturing the dynamic energy of the neighborhood.

Services Offered

Roti Corner offers a comprehensive array of services designed for maximum customer satisfaction and convenience, catering to the varied needs of a New York City clientele:

• Service Options: Patrons can choose from Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery, ensuring flexibility for all dining preferences.
• Dining Times: The restaurant is open and popular for both Lunch and Dinner, with Dessert options also available.
• Specialty Offerings: The menu includes a variety of categories, such as Comfort Food, Quick Bites, and Small Plates.
• Beverage Service: Alcohol and Beer are offered on the premises, along with a wide selection of Caribbean and American sodas and drinks.
• Dietary Accommodations: Dedicated options are available for those seeking Healthy Options, Vegan Options, and Vegetarian Options.
• Speed of Service: Recognized for its Fast Service, making it ideal for grabbing a quick meal.
• Atmosphere: Offers a Casual environment, welcoming to both Locals and Tourists.
• Child-Friendly: The restaurant is noted as "Good for kids," making it a suitable choice for family outings.
• Payment Methods: Accepts major forms of payment, including Credit Cards and Debit Cards.
• Amenities: A Restroom is provided for customer convenience.

Features / Highlights

Roti Corner is distinguished by its strong focus on a specific, rich, and flavorful culinary tradition, offering several key highlights for the local NYC food scene:

• The Centrality of Roti: The restaurant's signature feature is its namesake—the wide selection of Roti Dishes. Patrons can choose from Paratha, Plain Roti, or Dhalpouri (Roti with seasoned lentil filling) to wrap a variety of curries, including the highly popular Curry Goat Roti ($15.00) and Curry Chicken Roti ($16.00).
• Authentic Street Food Staples: It is a vital spot for authentic Caribbean street food, notably the Doubles ($3.00), a popular Trinidadian snack made of two fried flatbreads (bara) filled with curried chickpeas (channa). Another key appetizer is Pholourie ($2.50), fried spiced dough balls, which are perfect for a quick, savory bite.
• Diverse Curry Selection: The menu offers an extensive range of traditional curries, including harder-to-find options like Curry Duck ($18.50) and various bone-in and boneless preparations of goat, beef, pork, and shrimp, reflecting true Caribbean cooking.
• Hearty Rice and Stew Dishes: Beyond Roti, the restaurant offers full rice plates with rich stews, such as Stew Oxtails/ Rice ($17.00) and Brown Stew Chicken ($14.00), offering classic Caribbean comfort.
• Unique Fried Rice and Lo Mein Offerings: Roti Corner fuses its traditional flavors with Asian-inspired dishes, offering intriguing options like Stew Oxtail’s Fry Rice ($17.00) and Jerk Chicken Lo Mein ($17.00), showing the adaptability and fusion inherent in the cuisine.
• Authentic Caribbean Beverages: The drinks menu features specialty Caribbean sodas and beers, including Solo Kola Champagne, Solo Ginger Beer, and Carib, providing an authentic beverage complement to the meal.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The provision of a wheelchair accessible entrance makes the restaurant an inclusive choice for the community.

Contact Information

To place an order, make inquiries, or for general contact, please use the following details for Roti Corner:

• Address: 180-18 Hillside Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432, USA
• Phone: (718) 657-7908

What is worth choosing

For any New Yorker exploring Roti Corner, the best choices are the dishes that define West Indian cuisine, specifically those that highlight the fusion of Indian spices with Caribbean flavor profiles. Choosing Roti Corner is about immersing yourself in the true taste of the West Indies, right here in Queens.

The absolute top recommendation is a Roti Dish, as it is the signature offering. The Curry Goat Roti ($15.00) is a celebrated choice, pairing tender, slow-cooked goat meat in a savory curry sauce with the fresh, absorbent flatbread. For first-timers, the traditional, flaky Paratha ($3.75) is the perfect base for any curry.

For a quick, authentic street food experience, the Doubles ($3.00) and Pholourie ($2.50) are essential. While reviews on the quality of Doubles can vary, trying this classic, affordable, and popular snack is a necessary part of the Roti Corner experience. It is a defining element of Trinidadian street fare that is readily available here.

If you prefer a rice-based dish, the Stew Oxtails/ Rice ($17.00) is a phenomenal selection. Oxtails are braised until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a rich, deeply flavored stew that is classic comfort food. This is an excellent, hearty alternative to the curries.

Vegetarian and vegan patrons have compelling options, too. The Potato & Channa ($11.50) wrapped in a Roti or served on a plate is a flavorful and satisfying dish of curried chickpeas and potatoes that is a staple of Indo-Caribbean cooking. It offers a rich, comforting taste without meat.

Finally, to complete the authentic experience, be sure to pair your meal with a traditional Caribbean soft drink like Solo Kola Champagne ($3.25) or Mauby Drink ($3.50). Roti Corner is an affordable, fast, and culturally significant culinary stop, offering a large, genuine slice of the Caribbean's diverse flavors to the New York community.

Roti Corner

180-18 Hillside Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432, USA