best roti and jerk chicken?

[rotu]

Hi everyone,

I've been on the hunt for the best roti in town. In terms of jerk chicken, I haven't tried many places but that one Jamaican takeout joint on Sherbrooke in NDG (close to Rocky Fruits) is a hands down favourite of mine. As for roti, I've only ever had mediocre stuff every single time from every single place I've been. Is there good carribean / west indian food to be had in Montreal?

[Maximilien]

bump this thread...

After ten years working close to "Montreal Caribbean", I decided to try it for the first time.

It was quite nice, cheap, tasty food; fish cakes were good, jerk chicken also.

M.

[mattmtl1213]

I am a big fan of Caribbean Tasty Treats in DDO. I have been there numerous times, including twice with two different Jamaican friends, and the food has been stellar every time. Their jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtails and ackee and saltfish are all excellent (these are the only ones I've had). Their homemade juices and desserts are the real deal too.

[spicysweetness]

Ok, just found out that the original owner and cook for Spicy Island that I am so fond of is now operating back at the original location on Gouin which became available again. The only problem is that the guy who tracked her down to open at the new location has taken over the name Spicy Island.....so the original owner will be reopening under the name "Jamaica Jerk Center" at the original location. Spicy Island is apparently still operating at the new location with a different chef, who I cannot vouch for. Very surprised and disappointed by these developments!.

I'll wait for the July 13th opening of the new/original restaurant with the original owners and cooks.

Jamaica Jerk Center
10413 Blvd Gouin Ouest
Pierrefonds-Roxboro H8Y 1W5
438-930-JERK (5375)
(picked up a flyer from them on my way home today :))

[ios94]

Yup, already mentioned this on one of the West Island threads.

[neilmcg]

I have a great place round the corner, on Patricia, corner of Chester in NDG - Mr Patty... does jerk, roti and great patties. Perhaps someone else here has eaten the jerk chicken, I have not, but the roti and patties were super.

[mattlane]

Just tried the Jerk at Spicy Island. Very, very good. Very friendly service too! Defintely worth a stop if you are in the area.

A few notes, as has been posted above, it's really just a takeout counter. There is one small table outside in front, but that's it. Unless you live close, it's kinda hard to wolf down a jerk plate with rice, plantain and salad standing up.

And with no comment on authenticity, I did not find the seasoning very spicy. It was tasty, and perfectly grilled - just not very strong flavoured. Quite mild.

Best,

Matt

[spicysweetness]

My family is Trinidadian so I've grown up on delicious roti. We have so many Caribbean restaurants in Montreal now, but when I crave a good roti, I go to a Trinidadian restaurant (or Guyanese). When I want great jerk chicken, I go to a Jamaican restaurant. I wouldn't order Jerk chicken from Tropical Paradise (Decarie below Queen Mary) but they have my FAVOURITE roti, especially the goat roti. The last time I had it though, the roti skin was not quite as good as I remembered, but still excellent. I'm going to have to try some of the other recommendations, especially this Bon Appetit des Caribes place....and you say they serve Buljol? And all you can eat brunch?? MUST check this out...

Now as for jerk chicken, I agree Spicy Island has the best I've tasted in Montreal, hands down, and I'm SO glad they are back! I've been twice since the reopening and I like the new set up even though it gets crowded Friday and Saturday nights. Everyone is standing there, squeezed up but salivating while the chicken is grilled right in front of you. Very juicy, perfectly seasoned, great portions. I have to try the oxtail again, but at the old place it was among the best I've had.
And the owner? cook? is a sweet, charming lady.

I'm very grateful to the guy who tracked her down and made her reopen, LOL. I had tried the new place up sources (Caribbean Tasty Treats) and was very disappointed by burned food that tasted bland underneath the burned flavour. (SMH).

Spicy Island is on Sources and Pierrefonds blvd, in the Super C mall strip, but near the dry cleaner/Instacheque side.

[InterFoodie]

Bon Appetit des Caraibes on Notre Dame West is now closed with a big ‘’For Rent’’ sign in the window.

This used to be my favorite place but the quality dropped significantly as the place got less and less busy.

I truly believe what killed this place was the owner; the guy was so inhospitable and unwelcoming. It’s as if you were bothering him by entering his restaurant. If you walked in he never bothered to lookup from his paper, but would scream out for the waitress to go greet you.

Even as I and my friends that had ate there many times, would pass him on the street in front of his restaurant, instead of greeting us he would turn to avoid having to say hello.
At this point his rudeness overcame our desire for his food and we like many others stopped going.

Once again this proves that to be a successful restaurant it takes more than food.
In today’s competitive world a little kindness to the people who are paying your bills will go a long way towards ensuring your success.

[Ghostquatre]

Last time I had brunch at Bon appetit des caraibes, it didn't seem to be all you can eat. And yeah I agree with Interfoodie, the guy didn't even bother getting me a glass of water until I was halfway through, and no one else was around, he was just watching TV

[kennenth]

I recently tried a half a dozen Caribbean places in Toronto. I was disappointed...as I am with most of Montreal's Caribbean restaurants.

There was one big difference though. I found the prices for Jerk chicken to be much lower in Toronto as compared to Montreal.

I recently had the boneless jerk Chicken at the place on Decarie next to the Wendy's (I am terrible with names). I have been there before and it usually rates better than other places in Montreal. This time the Jerk must have been fresh out of the oven (I think they usually nuke it) because it was moist and delicious.
It is a little pricey (small was $10 plus tax) for some chicken, rice and peas, a few pieces of lettuce and a 1/4 plantain. I find the value at Anancey on Sommeled better but usually Aanceys chicken breast is a little dry.

[kennenth]

I had the roti at a little place in Lasalle, at the side of a strip mall just off Dollard. It was called Maison De Roti Chief (or something like that...Chiefs Roti Hut?) The roti skins, the bread part was made fresh in front of me...very fresh. The potato and Chana inside was quite good also. $5 well spent.

The place seems like a bit of a hang-out. A bunch of guys were there (not eating) just sitting around and watching the Sopranos on TV.

I should have taken note of the cross street. I was trying to tell a Jamaican friend about the place and I couldn't remember the cross street. I guess I will have to drive him there.

[porker]

"Chef de la Maison Roti" - 1605 Dollard, cross street David Boyer.
The address is on Dollard, but the restaurant is more on David Boyer: the strip mall is L-shaped with part facing Dollard and a second part (housing this place) facing David Boyer.

Funny timing of this thread resurfacing. We met friends at Anancy last weekend (our first time, friends been there before). Next day we were with other friends trying out Nino's pizza in Verdun. Telling them of our Anancy experience, they told us of their eating at Chef de la Maison Roti. They said it was very good, but it was their very first time eating roti, so their judgement might've been off...
FWIT, Anancy (ate once) vs JahB (ate >10 times)
Anancy is very cozy and tastefully decorated. JahB is largish.
Anancy has closed kitchen (can see it while passing to the washroom). JahB open kitchen.
Anancy's flavors are good, perhaps slightly muted. JahB flavors are big.
Anancy BYOB :-) JahB water & soda only :-(
Anancy offers mashed potatoes :-) JahB rice or rice&beans (maybe fries)
Both are close (to me) in terms of food, but various aspects may appeal differently to different people.

[Ruy Blas]

There are not many places for JERK chicken in Montreal. I' ve tried ANANCY over the wek end and was not desappointed. Best were Jerk barbeque wings with a tangy blue cheese dressing as appetizer; wings were as big as turkey wings: 5 stars for value and authenticity.

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Anancy
6587 Av Somerled, Montreal, QC H4V1T1, CA

[humbert]

Caribbean curry house!

[BLM]

Their jerk wings is not always available(maybe only on weekends)?

[kennenth]

Over the last couple of weeks I have been on a mission to find the best Jerk chicken and rotis in montreal. I have to say that I have had many more disappointments than finds.
When its at its best I love Jerk Chicken and rice and peas. I like good roties as well.
What I have found is almost all of the food in these restaurants is prepared far in advance and reheated with a microwave when you order.
At spicy Island in the West Island you could usually get chicken that was very recently roasted, if you went by between 5 30 and 7 pm. (now closed, does anyone know why?)
I am also a bit disappointed in the cost of Caribbean food. If you compare the chicken you get in the cheap caribbean places with the chicken you get in the cheap portuguese places there is not comparison in terms of quality, price, quantity and service.
I do find Ananacy is probably the best...it does have some down sides, but they are quite profesional, the food is quite good and it is reasonable priced.

Even with the preprepared food, has anyone ever gotten out of a Caribbean restaurent (for pick up) in less than 15 minutes?

[Haggisboy]

I can only assume that the woman who owned and operated Spicy Island figured she'd had enough. She was pretty much a one woman show there, with one or two part time helpers. She would even shutter the place for a month during the year to take a vacation so I guess she wasn't hurting financially. She eventually sold to some folks who turned it into Santana's Mexican. You can find them written up in other threads here. Too bad because Spicy Island had a killer lunch - $4.99, consisting of freshly char grilled jerk chicken, dirty rice and a festival.

[BLM]

Any other places char grilling their jerk chicken as Spicy Island closed their doors before trying their jerk chicken?

[kennenth]

I guess that I should not be giving my impressions of other restaurants anymore...as I now own one.
On a whim I rented a restaurant, tracked down the owner of Spicy Island and we are reopening. We are going to be doing more catering than restauranting, but it is a takeout restaurant location and eventually we will be opening to the public for a few days per week.

Same name Spicy Island...not far from old location.

[BLM]

Good, now I've got a chance to finally try their grilled jerk chicken. To be honest, I thought the new Carribean Tasty Treats restaurant also in the West Island might have a connection with the former Spicy Island restaurant, as they also have grilled jerk chicken. Otherwise I don't see it available grilled in Montreal.

[carolilas]

Eventually meaning when approximately?

[vanierstudent]

Hopefully soon>: D

[MikeyMadness]

It has reopened, there is a short thread on it here too. It's on the end of a strip mall that's in the Super C parking lot at the corner of Sources and Pierrefond boulevards. FYI - it's designed for takeout.

[ios94]

Kenneth, your roti is good but it needs some extra kick and salt. Don't worry some West Island residents grew up in the city, we can take some scotch bonnet pepper heat. lol

[Ghostquatre]

I know that feel.
If you want the best bang for your buck, head to marries in the cote des neiges plaza food court. It's probably preprepared and it's definitely not the best quality, but you'll get your food fast and i personally find that it's the best value you'll find for caribbean in montreal.

[Haggisboy]

Spicy Island in Roxboro is worth a look, if you care to venture out to the West Island.

http://www.hour.ca/food/food.aspx?iID...

[CaribeanGodess]

I work in the West Indies! I have traveled to every Island. I must say that there is one restaurant in the WHOLE Montreal that is easy to compar to the really authentic flavor! Hands down not doubt SPICY ISLAND! Am on ,y way to Jamaica right now for work and always look forward to coming back to this restaurant even when an in Trinidad. The name is Spicy Island! Trust me! You don't like it the meals on me!

-----
Ile Spicy (L')
10413 Boul Gouin W, Roxboro, QC H8Y1W5, CA

[jay_81k]

Last night I tried this place in Lasalle called Jah B. My friends Husband is from Barbados and he loves this place. Initially I had ordered a goat roti but they didnt have any left because it was close to closing time around 9pm. So I decided to try the Jerk chicken, and I must say it was the best jerk chicken Ive ever had! Ive even been to Jamaica several times, (although ive never left the resort :s) and I found this one better. My friends had fish and a chicken stew thing and both really loved it as well. And it was cheap!

[carolilas]

What is the address of Jah B?

[kpzoo]

I Googled and found this oddly misspelled Yellow Pages listing:

Restaurant Jah B Carabbean
9550, rue Jean-Milot, Lasalle, QC H8R 1X7
514-367-5242

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Restaurant Jah B Carabbean
9550 Rue Jean-Milot, Lasalle, QC H8R1X7, CA

[hungryann]

That's the one!

[kpzoo]

Is it better than Anancy on Somerled? I'm intrigued but it's a bit far for me.

-----
Anancy
6587 Av Somerled, Montreal, QC H4V1T1, CA

[hungryann]

I haven't tried either.

[jay_81k]

I haven't personally tried anancy but from what My friend tells me Jah B is Definetly better

[kpzoo]

Thanks - I have some friends moving to LaSalle so maybe we'll try it with them.

[cappocuoco]

I finally went back for a second try, and it was absolutely fantastic. Tender, juicy, very fresh and flavourful jerk chicken. The peas and rice was yesterdays reheated or way overcooked but still flavourful. Definitely going back sooner to try other menu items.

Jah Bless

[cappocuoco]

After a few recommendations from some of my Jamaican friends concerning jerk chicken from Jah B, I was excited to try it. I was the first lunch customer of the day when the chicken came out of the oven. They package it for me (take-out). I live 10 min. away. Unfortunatly the chicken was very dry and flavour bland. First thought was that they sold me yesterdays chicken. I sure hope not. Maybe I'll give it a second chance.

Jah Bless

[Mr F]

If you like your jerk chicken blazing hot, Bonne Bouffe on Sherbrooke near Harvard is (was?) the place to go. They'll put it in a roti, too. (Disclaimer: haven't been by there in about 6 months, so not sure it's still there; it's a little hole-in-the-wall that always looked on the verge of going under.)

-----
Bonne Bouffe
5716 Rue Sherbrooke W, Montreal, QC H4A1W8, CA

[The Chemist]

It may be gone entirely now. Best jerk chicken ever. It was the single hottest thing I have ever eaten from a restaurant. Nothing else came close.

[afoodyear]

It is entirely gone now.

[ajkandy]

Not sure if it's the same place, but there's definitely a Bonne Bouffe Creole (BBC) on Sainte-Catherine East in Hochelaga. I've become addicted to Kiano though, mostly as it's next door to work. Yes, it's more expensive, but the quality is reliable and they are downtown, so....

-----
Bonne Bouffe Creole
3715 Rue Sainte-Catherine E, Montreal, QC H1W2E7, CA

[The Chemist]

Closed now, I think.

[reelection]

I recently tried Tropical Paradise on Decarie (near Queen Mary, north of the Wendy's). Had a nice roti and double there recently, fresher than at the Curry House.

[ampersand]

Best roti in Montreal is at Kiano on City Councillors. Healthy, hearty and homemade. They also offer a full variety of Caribbean meals, including jerk chicken. They opened shortly after I returned from Barbados last year, thinking I would never again taste a roti like I did there. Think again! Kiano is even better. http://www.kianorestaurant.com/home.html

[jay_81k]

Tried Kiano. The lamb roti was very good. The wrap it was in was slightly different than others Ive had but really good. Only problem with this place is the price. Im used to paying 7$ for roti, here it comes to 15$ with tax!

[mark_vi_]

Kianos isn't bad but like jay_81k said it is hard to pay almost double the price.
My favourite place for a roti is Bon Appetit des Caraibes on Notre Dame West close to Greene ave. Their goat roti is simply amazing and their beef roti uses this sweeter curry (very different but fantastic). Regardless of which one you choose, it is packed full so almost every bite contains some of the meat unlike the Curry house on Victoria which I find to have too much bread and not enough filling.

For something special, you should also try their brunch on Sundays for only 10$.

[kpzoo]

I've been wanting to try the brunch at that place. Can you tell me more about it? Is it buffet-style? What kinds of dishes do they have?

Also - does anyone know if such a thing as a boneless goat curry exists in Montreal? A family member likes goat curry a lot but doesn't enjoy picking through the bones.

Thanks!

[mark_vi_]

Kpzoo,

I'll be honest, I've never actually been to the brunch there myself (I keep putting it off) but my friend has and I will take his word that it is great. He spoke especially highly about the Buljol which is a very typical dish served in Trinidad. I have heard that it's all you can eat though I'm not sure if it is a buffet.

As for the boneless goat, I don't think so. A lot of the flavour does come from the bones and therefore if you leave them out, you leave out the flavour. On the other hand, I have had goat rotis in the past and not find a single bone in it. I guess it all depends on luck and what pieces gets spooned into the dish.

[JadeMyst]

Caribbean Curry House is where I go for boneless goat roti or platters.
http://www.caribbeancurryhouse.com/

6892, avenue Victoria
Montreal, QC H3W 2T4
[phone]

Subway: Station Plamondon

-----
Caribbean Curry House
6892 Av Victoria, Montreal, QC H3W2T4, CA

[radigannn1]

chilipepper the name of the restaurant in the basement across from the vendome metro
is called 'MONTREAL CARIBBEAN' the food ther is amaaaazing.I had the jerk chiken, what i liked about them is that they give you the option of having semi spicy to very spicy. I
The chef ( work as an executive chef, visit their website to see his bio) is originally from jamaica. He is from that part of Jamaica where they are known for the best in anything jerk , he explain growing up as a child how they were verry big on capturing the flavour of the jerk and not so much the hot pepper to make you sip water with each bite.hot sauce and that hot pepper would be on the side for those who liked very hot hot. While i was there , there this lady came from ville St Laurent to get chiken roti and beef roti.
She said this is the best place in montreal for roti. The chef told me about his challenge
which is , anyone in montreal that find a jamaican or any caribbean restaurant with any dish that taste better than his , after independent testing , he would reimburse your cash and pay for your meal at that other restaurant. Go try it for yourselves.website:
resataurantmontrealcaribbean.com

[phedre]

I'll second the recommendation for Montreal Caribbean. Back when I worked at Aeroplan, this place was a lunchtime staple! I love their rotis and jerk chicken. They also have this spiced cake sometimes that's very tasty.

[KSC02]

Best jerk chicken and oxtail I've had in Montreal is from Restaurant Pik'S, 6114 Cote-Saint-Luc.‎ It's a downstairs location, and not fancy but very good. I've been going here for a couple of years now.

[jay_81k]

Piks is by far the worst roti place ever. Not fresh at all, he pulled it out of the fridge and heated it up. My favourite is Curry house on Victoria, Tropical paradise is ok, and mango bay is ok but had way too many bones in my goat roti.

[finefoodie55]

I fully agree with Phedre and Radigannn on Montreal Caribbean the Chicken Rotis are very tasty with a good quality of Chicken and not overloaded with Patato. Always my first stop when I crave Rotis.

[Bwitch]

Based on finefoodie's recommendation my husband and I went to Montreal Caribbean and tried the chicken roti. Best roti I've had since the first one I tasted in St. Kitts 25 years ago. The woman who made them there was from Trinidad and they were divine. The one I had today was ALMOST as good!

[chilipepper]

Am partial to the little basement joint opposite Vendome metro (forget the name...)
But there's the following if anyone is interested:

JUMP AND WAVE AT THE 8TH ANNUAL “A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN” FOOD FESTIVAL" Sunday, May 20, 2007 RAYMOND BOURQUE ARENA 2345 Thimens, Ville ST. Laurent, Quebec Information: Free parking on site. Côte-Vertu metro, bus 128 South General Admission: 13:30 to 20:00 Patron Cocktail 12:00 p.m.

Montreal…..April 1, 2007 - Montreal’s largest Caribbean food festival “A Taste of the Caribbean” gets bigger this year with world class Celebrity Chef Peter Edey direct from Barbados cooking up hot plates of Bajan food to satisfy your appetite, along with 30 local chefs catering over 100 dishes from twenty different Caribbean islands. Get ready for classic jump-up soca and calypso from Jab Jab orchestra and Salah and Family Steel Band, the amazing Ritmo Picante Dance Troupe creating some hot Latin rhythms on the CTO stage, eating, drinking, dancing, music, singing and more can also be expected throughout the day’s festival.

Kids can be expected to be entertained by Magician Blair Marshall, face painting by Allison and moko jumbi shows and participate in a traditional Caribbean Kite Making workshop with Victor St. Martin in the BMO Bank of Montreal Kids Zone.

In the main CLIC Hall, adults can enjoy Grenada Gouyave Fish Fry with Grenadian Chef Gregory Charles and Jamaican specialties prepared by Jamaican Chefs Rupert of Mango Bay Restaurant, Debbie of Ma’s Place and EB Resto Bar, Kim of Blue Mountain Restaurant and Timmy’s Catering. Savi and Emrith of Caribbean Curry House will again serve up their wonderful Trini style menu and Nonnie and Wilson will show off their Vincy and Antiguan delicacies. Celebrity Servers from CJAD Radio and others from the television, sports and newspaper world will roll up their sleeves and get into the action.

Remembering last year’s sold out run, the event has moved to a larger venue, The Raymond Bourque Arena, 2345 Thimens, Ville St. Laurent, Quebec.
Tickets are $40.00- General Admission at 13:30p.m.
Patron Tickets VIP are $100.00. Patron cocktail and rum tasting begins at 12:00
Food is served till 16:30 p.m., entertainment and dancing until 20:00

Proceeds donated to TRIUMPH, a culinary arts program for disadvantaged Black youth.

[Moosemeat]

I don't know about their roti, but BLUE MOUNTAIN, near cote-saint-catherine metro has a killer jerk chicken.

[moh]

Have you tried the roti at El Corridor on St Laurent (South of Pine, East side)? They make great food. and the goat roti is my favorite. But my favorite dish is their oxtail stew (when available). I crave this dish!! The hot sauce is really delicious as well, I have a tendency to drink it straight it is so tasty (with Johnny Cash blazing through my head every minute) (then blazing through my butt the next morning)

[jagbbq]

I'm Guyanese, and the only roti place in Montreal that has even come close to my mom's homemade rotis is Jardin De Cari on 21 Rue Saint-Viateur Ouest between St. Laurent and Clark. Make sure to order it Guyanese style with the bread separate from the curry (you eat it with your hands) and with pumpkin.

[mainsqueeze]

I've had delicious jerk chicken at Ma's in NDG (next to Burritoville on Sherbrooke West) - I guess that must be the place you went?

[DanLHR]

I've always had great roti at Maison Carib (I'm about 85% sure that's what it's called). On the west side of Parc, just north of Villneuve, with a large yellow sign. It's Guyanan, and they make a great chicken roti with pumpkin in it.

[DanLHR]

My mistake - turns out it's called Caraibe Delite

[klagirl]

Caraibe Delite report:
went there for lunch today, had a delicious dal soup (not like indian dal, this is different and honestly more complex in flavours and so yummy) and a wonderful goat roti (the dough is sort of like crepe but a bit thicker). Everything served piping hot, adorable service. Very lovely, but the place was all empty for some reason. Perhaps the construction on Parc? I don't know, but it should have more visitors. Yum.
* I've had their jerk chicken in the past, it is nice, but I'd recommend a roti over it!

came to 11.95 taxes included.

-----
Cuisine Caraibe Delite
4816 Av Du Parc, Montreal, QC H2V4E6, CA

[celfie]

it's always empty - mostly because the ambiance is terrible. i will most often take out from there. I often buy jars of their hot sauce which is stellar.

[tigre]

with better ambiance (read: lighting), I would eat-in here every week. The food is very delicious, so I do takeout of the roti or jerk chicken every week or two.

[catroast]

the food was very bland on my last two visits unfortunately

[skinner]

these guys impressed me: http://www.caribbeancurryhouse.com/ on Victoria--I've only ever had the goat roti (~5$) but it destroyed me for other rotis, these are fresh made and the goat meat was actually pink and tender, gorgeous

[ricardo4u66]

Curry house is terrible trust me I am west Indian, Montreal doesn't not have the same quality of West Indian Restaurants like Toronto( you can take a chance and try almost any restaurant in T.O) here unfortunately we don't have the same luck. For roti try Tropical which is located on Decarie on the same side as Wendy's just below Queen mary, Jah Mek way which was on Queen mary closed "What a shame the food was awesome best OxTail I ever had"

[reactionman]

Ever been to that Trini restaurant on Notre-dame and Greene? I think it's called Bon Matin des Caraibes. Haven't been there since World Cup last summer but the roti was pretty good for Montreal.

[kit]

It's amazing how many styles of roti there are out there!

I thought Tropical closed!! Didn't it used to be next to the Ultramar? That place had good rotis too - very different from what I was used to.

Carib Curry House is ok.

When I was around Lasalle often many years ago, there was a place called Turntables at the end of de la Verendrye..and it turns into Airlie? in a strip mall. Great rotis although they never seem to want to serve you.

Then Ma's for oxtail.

Jerk Chicken? Toronto.

Gotta give the other recs a try though!