Tota's Bakery

- 244 Utica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213

Introduction / Overview

When you’re seeking an authentic, flavorful taste of the Caribbean right here in New York City, look no further than Tota’s Bakery. Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, Tota’s is far more than your typical neighborhood bakery; it is a full-fledged culinary destination specializing in rich Guyanese and broader Caribbean cuisine. The establishment successfully blends the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods with the vibrant, spicy, and savory flavors of traditional dishes like jerk chicken, hearty curries, and perfectly crafted roti.

Tota's Bakery is a beloved local institution, well-known for offering an extensive menu that caters to every part of the day, from a traditional Caribbean breakfast to satisfying lunch and dinner options, and, of course, a wide variety of baked essentials. The cuisine leans heavily into its Guyanese roots, a country celebrated for its unique blend of Caribbean, Indian, and Chinese culinary influences, which is clearly reflected in offerings like Chow Mein alongside Curry Goat. This fusion provides a dining experience that is both authentic and incredibly diverse, making Tota’s a must-visit for anyone in the New York area looking for a true taste of the islands. Whether you're a long-time resident of the borough or just passing through, Tota's promises a quick, delicious, and culturally rich food experience.

Location and Accessibility

Tota's Bakery is conveniently located at 244 Utica Ave in the vibrant Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY 11213. This location places it right in a bustling community hub, making it easily accessible for both local patrons and those commuting from other parts of the city.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the bakery is situated in an area well-served by local bus lines. While street parking is available, customers should be mindful that it is paid street parking, which is typical for this busy part of Brooklyn. For those looking for the ultimate convenience, Tota’s embraces modern service options, offering both delivery and takeout, ensuring that its delicious offerings are never more than a few clicks or a short trip away. The establishment is perfectly set up for a “Quick visit,” catering to the fast-paced life of New York residents who need a high-quality, flavorful meal on the go.

Services Offered

Tota's Bakery provides a comprehensive range of culinary services to the Brooklyn community, ensuring there is a delicious option for any time of day or occasion.

• Full Caribbean and Guyanese Breakfast: Featuring traditional options such as Cornmeal Porridge, Oatmeal Porridge, and the popular Fried Bake with various fillings like Saltfish, Channa, Okra, or Spinach.
• Lunch and Dinner Entrees: An extensive menu of Caribbean favorites, including various Roti dishes (Chicken, Goat, Beef, Oxtail, Shrimp), hearty Curries (Goat, Beef, Chicken, Crab), Stews (Stew Chicken, Stew Fish), and specialty items like Jerk Chicken, Oxtail, and Beef Pepper Pot.
• Fresh Baked Goods: A daily selection of freshly baked items that form the "bakery" core, including Hard Dough Bread, Butter Bread, Pan Bread, Plait Bread, Tennis Rolls, and Loaf Of Sweet Bread.
• Savory and Sweet Pastries: Quick, satisfying snacks like Egg Ball, Cocktail Patties, Jamaican Patties, Fish Cake, Pholourie, and sweet treats such as Sponge Cake, Cheese Roll, Salara, Pinetart, and various specialty cakes (Black Cake, Carrot Cake, Banana Cake).
• Homemade and Caribbean-Style Beverages: A selection of refreshing drinks like Peanut Punch, Mauby, and Sorrel, alongside standards like Carrot Juice, Solo, and D And G sodas.
• Sides and Accompaniments: Options to round out any meal, including Mac N’ Cheese, Sweet Plantain, Channa (Chickpeas), Spinach, Okra, and Steamed Veggies.
• Soup Offerings: Warm and comforting bowls of soup, including Cow Foot and Chicken, perfect for cooler days.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying Tota’s food from home or work.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction.

Features / Highlights

Tota’s Bakery stands out in the competitive New York food scene for several key reasons, highlighting its commitment to flavor, tradition, and customer satisfaction.

• Authentic Guyanese and Caribbean Cuisine: While labeled a "bakery," Tota's serves up authentic Guyanese food, known for its deep, intense spices and cultural fusion, with a wide selection of popular Caribbean items like Jerk Chicken and various Roti options.
• Fresh, Daily Baked Bread: The bakery is well-regarded for its fresh baked goods, a customer-cited highlight that is perfect for pairing with savory dishes or enjoying on its own. Items like Butter Bread and Hard Dough Bread are local favorites.
• The Savory Snack Selection: Offerings like the Egg Ball (a Caribbean cassava-wrapped Scotch egg) and Jamaican Patties provide excellent, quick, and affordable snack or appetizer options.
• Extensive Roti Menu: Diners can choose from a variety of fillings for their roti, including Chicken, Goat, Beef, Oxtail, and Shrimp, all wrapped in a soft, house-made flatbread/skin.
• Homemade Specialty Drinks: The menu features traditional, homemade Caribbean beverages like Peanut Punch, Mauby (made from the bark of the mauby tree), and Sorrel, offering a refreshing and authentic pairing for any meal.
• Diverse Menu for All Tastes: From flavorful vegan/vegetarian options like Veggie Chow Mein and Channa to hearty meat dishes like Oxtail and Beef Pepper Pot, the menu has something to satisfy a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order, you can find Tota's Bakery at the following location and contact details:

Address: 244 Utica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, USA

Phone: (718) 773-5109

Mobile Phone: +1 718-773-5109

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or seasoned patrons, certain items at Tota's Bakery have earned their status as must-try dishes, reflecting the best of what this establishment offers. The sheer variety and quality make it a local gem.

The Fried Bake with Saltfish is an iconic breakfast choice, pairing crispy fried dough with savory, dried and salted fish—a staple of Caribbean morning cuisine. Another highly praised item is the Egg Ball, a unique savory pastry where a whole boiled egg is encased in seasoned cassava mash and then fried, offering a satisfying texture and deep flavor. One customer specifically noted the joy of the Egg Ball served with a tasty tamarind sauce.

For a main meal, the Curry Goat and the Oxtail are highly recommended for their rich, slow-cooked flavors and tender meat. The Roti itself, whether ordered plain or with a filling like Chicken Roti or Oxtail Roti, is consistently noted as a highlight. Customers who love traditional baked goods should certainly pick up a Loaf of Sweet Bread or the popular Butter Bread, which many rely on for daily consumption. It is worth noting that the bakery prides itself on making fresh bread every day, a sign of its commitment to quality. The Peanut Punch, a sweet, thick, and refreshing homemade drink, is the perfect way to wash down any of the rich dishes.

While some older reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in items like the currant rolls, the consensus is that Tota's remains a source of great Guyanese food and a reliable spot for flavorful, affordable Caribbean cooking in Brooklyn. The blend of a full-service restaurant with a bakery element makes it a uniquely valuable business in the neighborhood. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick, affordable snack like a Cocktail Patty or taking home a family-sized meal of Curry and Fried Rice, Tota’s Bakery offers a truly satisfying taste of the Caribbean experience without ever leaving New York.

Tota's Bakery

244 Utica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, USA