I must confess, though their curry dishes are probably the best (Caribbean style) you can get in Toronto (possibly outside Trinidad and Tobago), their stew dishes like chicken, red bean and fish as well as their callaloo is somewhat mediocre. But then, I’m a budding chef who specializes in these foods so I can be a bit more objective. And I’ve been spoiled by my mom who’s an expert in Caribbean cooking.

Contact Details:

Drupati’s Doubles & Roti Shop

925 ALBION RD, Toronto, ON M9V 1A6

Phone: 416-745-4189

You MUST Order.

1. The doubles. I’ve had doubles from Trinidad, Miami, NY and Toronto and without a doubt the doubles at Drupati’s can rival the best from Trinidad and Tobago, the home of doubles. The bara, curried chickpeas and the wonderful hot sauce that makes up the doubles at Drupati’s is simply mouth watering.

2. The Pholourie. Little dough balls deep fried and served hot, with spicy dipping sauce.

3. Don’t miss out on getting a chicken roti. Though many people tend to get the boneless (white meat) I love the added flavour you get from the “boned” chicken roti. Basically a flatbread stuffed (folded) with curry potato and chicken cooked in a rich curry sauce. The type of curry you can only find in the Caribbean. Not as pungent as many of the East Indian curries, but loaded with flavour. Plus the herbs used in pre seasoning and marinating the meats are very unique to the Caribbean.

4. Snacks – There’s kurma, pone (a cassava cake), preserved fruits (like red mango,and plum) and how could one forget the currant roll. That wonderful pastry filled with currants, in layers.

5. Their bus-up-shut roti is well done as well.

Some Negatives…

- closes on a Monday. Don’t people eat on Mondays in Toronto?

- establishment is very small and the interior is very basic. No money or creativity was spent on this place. If you’re new to Caribbean (pick up your order and leave) type restaurants, you’d even think the place was dirty from the lack of any real care as far as the customer’s experience is concerned.

- I’m not sure if it’s vented well, but I hate smelling like curry when I leave the restaurant. On entering you’re overwhelmed with the smell of what’s cooking in the back and that smell does stay on your clothes. Now, don’t get me wrong.. I love walking into a restaurant and getting the rich scent of food cooking.. but this was a bit overbearing.

- parking is a HUGE problem, as the sort of strip mall the restaurant is located in is very busy with all the ethnic type stores.

Overall, some of the best food from the Caribbean you’ll get outside Trinidad and Tobago (Indo Caribbean) and though the place can be very busy, orders are filled very fast by very friendly staff. By the traffic that goes through this restaurant, you know the food must be good.

BTW, you can also purchase food in large quantities in the event you’re having  a large gathering at your home. I would suggest you call in your order to ensure they can fill it and to avoid having to wait.

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