Tara’s Roti Shop
10006 N 30th St, Tampa, FL, 33612
Tara’s Roti Shop Menu
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Address :
10006 N 30th St
Tampa, FL, 33612 - Phone (813) 866-8272
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :9:00 am - 7:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Mel R.
One of the best Roti spots in all of Tampa. You gotta try this joint while in Tampa or visiting Busch Gardens. Try the roti and cod fish or the boneless curry Goat, you'll be glad you did. If you are into Trinidadian food then make this your first stop. The place doesn't have the greatest curb appeal, but based on the authenticity of the food!? it's worth a visit.
(4)Laura K.
Overcharged and underwhelmed would be the best title for my experience when trying out TRS for the first and last time. You know that feeling you get when you have been saving a restaurant for a while thinking it is a potential hidden gem and you walk in just to find out that is not as shinny as you thought it would be. Looking back I should have thought twice about the boarded up look they had going when I pulled in to their shopping plaza. I can't say the curry chicken roti or the meat pies were bad but nothing to proclaim or shout from the rooftops. To top that, I felt their entrees were extremely overpriced and the palau was bland hardly generous. But most importantly as a local and regular patron of local businesses I was so disenchanted by the feeling that my business was less than appreciated and the bullied feel i got from the owner and host, that is the reason I will never go back.
(2)Sagittarius W.
i absolutely positively love this place....outstanding food with impeccable flavor..always worth the drive for me. They have everything Caribbean you can think of food and homemade drinks. Being born and raised in trinidad i know great food when i taste it. a definite must try!!
(5)Kevin G.
With much convincing, I brought some friends to experience the magic of Tara's Roti Shop. We had spotted Tara's place many times, but had never given it a proper shot. It's easy to overlook this place because of the surroundings and general interior ambiance. The food is solid. The Roti's are delicious. Never had a Roti, you say?! Take some spicy curry, wrap a huge pillow-y burrito-like thing (the roti) around the filling and stuff in into your face. Prepare for a food coma. I am not doing it justice, but regardless, it's tasty. Just a note about Tara: ask her for her recommendation and she will quickly reply without hesitation "everything." She makes everything her way and it is all tasty. This woman is hilarious. So for a little culinary adventure, pop by Tara's for a Roti. It's awesome.
(5)Allyson G.
Absolutely excellent ... Just moved away from my moms cooking . Felt like I was back at home
(5)Emilio E.
Keep forgetting to put up my reviews for this place, first off I moved down to Tampa over 2 years now. My first thing was looking for Caribbean restaurants in the area. One day while I was home watching the food network they happen to do places to eat in Tampa. So you guessed it Tara's was on. This place looks like an old school lunch room but don't let that discourage you from entering. The food is amazing since I moved down here I been to Tara's several times and each experience is better then the last. She cooks the food fresh while you wait. It will remind you of your grandmothers cooking.
(4)Caity A.
I know a place is particularly good when I can't put my fork down... they know how to make a killer roti. The boneless curry chicken roti truly is delicious, and very large (fills a whole paper plate!) The dhalpurie (ground split pea) roti dough is highly addictive. It's thin, but somehow creates this pocket between the two layers where there is the ground up split peas in the middle, which creates a nice texture similar to cornmeal on pizza dough. The curry has great flavor, and definitely try the hot sauce if you can handle the heat! It is HOT but I couldn't stop myself from pouring it all over my curry :) Talking with who I believe is Tara, we realized how customizable they can make your meals! My mom doesn't eat a lot of carbs due to diet restrictions, but they said they can easily not add potatoes to your roti, or if you get a rice plate with curry you can substitute the rice for cabbage. They were incredibly helpful and kind in being open to meeting different dietary restrictions- great to know in the future! I know I'll be back here very soon.
(5)Tekisha H.
The place is non-descript and in a strip plaza that has seen better days, but the food is authentic and amazing. Tara is always there so quality is ensured. Best roti ever!
(4)Theresa S.
I don't know if it is just me, or if she hates all her customers, but the curried goat roti is phenomenal! I will never stop going back!!!
(5)Merryb B.
Nice Local Business located in Tampa... Reminds me of a simplified Island setup. Roti tastes good for local area. Food is Nice and fresh.... Waitress was nice & friendly.
(4)Mike S.
Enjoyed this sampling of Trinidadian fare, not quite the same as Jamaican and other island specialties. The "doubles" chick-peas on herb bread, curry potatoes, fried plantain and chickpea fritters with tamarind sauce were tasty, followed by ox-tails and chicken curry on rice/peas and a sort of slaw. The shop is in a declining strip mall on 30th St between Busch & Fowler and seems to do a good take-out fare. No pretense of being a fancy place inside, but worth a try if you have not tasted Trinidad food.
(3)Bryan A.
The food is great and has big portions. I had the chicken roti and my friends had rice dishes and all were great. The location isn't that great to look at though. I only give it 2 stars though because the food doesn't make up for the service and horrible lady that runs it. She is incredibly rude. We were seated by someone and when we were ready to order instead of someone coming up and take our order she just stared at us and finally asked if we were going to come to her and order in a really off-putting way. She just seemed to be really bothered to ask her for anything. It's a shame because the food is pretty good but I cannot stand the lady who treats her customers like a hassle.
(2)Jabie J.
Reminds of being at home sitting around the dining room table chatting with my mom while she makes a roti. Great food always. The peppa sauce is just right.
(5)Axis S.
"Average White Guy walks into a roti shop..." It starts out almost like a joke, but ends up bringing the laughter for entirely good reasons. NOTE: Order at the counter, and she'll bring it to you. There were not (and apparently will not be) wait staff or servers. Also, the lady is a product of her culture, so there's going to be some adjustment. This is a good thing, because the food is also a product of her culture, and she's just as adamant at being true to it, also. I order the boneless goat curry roti. Having previously cooked goat during some experimental times, I was happy to not have to deal with the bones which are normally part of a goat curry/stew in other places I've been. After about 10 minutes, she presented a tray to me with my food. I looked at her, she at me. "This is bigger than my head! And I got a big head!" She chuckled, smiled, and nodded. Fine, so another excellent bargain at twelve bones. I shuffle off to my booth, sip a Champagne Cola (recommended with the goat), and open up the pouch-like package of food. Steam. Pungent, excellent, mouth-watering stream from the curry wafted over my smiling face, and I was back in school: There was a roti shop owned by a family putting their kids through school not far from my university, and this brought back happy memories. Once the very warm filling cooled, I was able to dig in. The meat was fall-apart tender, spices were good mix of aromatic heat and Trinidad Green Seasoning. Potatoes and chick peas were tender, and the roti itself was that magical tough/tender mix that held everything together nicely. Very happy, this place warrants a special trip for me. WARNING: On the hot sauce provided with the dish. You best make damn sure you know the fight you're picking before taking a spoonful of that island heat to bed, friend. I'm no virgin, but I was extremely glad for a shaved bald head to use as a heat sink while my eyes sent tears down my face to try to put out the fire in my mouth. Both times. :) Recommended for the curious and well-traveled seeking some culinary adventure close to home and reasonably priced.
(3)Courtney D.
So all the bad stuff is true about this place that you can read in the other reviews, but the food is absolutely amazing. I had the curry goat and my wife had the vegetarian sampler. All the food was fresh and flavorful and had the flavor of home cooking. I will definitely go back again.
(5)Lysa M.
If you're looking for an Authentic Trinidadian Roti this is your spot! Sadly I never order anything besides roti & doubles and I'm not ashamed because that alone takes me way back to my roots and I love it.
(5)Katharine M.
Delicious!!! I had curry chicken with rice and beans, plantains, and roti with chick peas and potatoes. Roti was divine. Not sure what's in the sauce with potatoes and chick peas although I was assured its vegetarian-friendly. Plantains are sweet and tender. Interesting drink menu. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Jacob N.
Located in a strip mall that looks like something out of the third world, Tara's Roti Shop has a slightly better interior, with a discernibly "Caribbean" atmosphere, though I've never actually been to the Caribbean - but it's what I'd imagine as Caribbean. The proprietoress or her partner - I'm not sure - set the tone of my visit to the restaurant, with her gruff, thankless service. The prices were mostly right, with huge "rotis" (in Trinidadian cuisine, a "roti" is flatbread coated with spices and stuffed with some filling) starting at $5.95 (chickpea and potato) and peaking at around $9.50 (very spicy duck). I ordered the goat roti ($8.50). It was okay - nothing too special. It tasted better after cooling down when I had it later. It was served along with a very hot sauce made from some kind of chili or pepper that I can't remember. Use sparingly - it's comparable to Sriracha. Note that her rotis are gigantic, and could nearly make two meals. She also has an interesting selection of Trinidadian and Jamaican soft drinks. I had a bottle of "Vita Malt", which is like a malt mix drink.
(2)Kes D.
Tara's food is ok at best. It's good for ppl who aren't accustomed to good Trini food. Visit Caribbean Connection instead. Make sure that you calculate the total price for your food yourself because she is known for ripping ppl off...and I'm not just talking from my experience. One of my friends warned me about her and I was nonchalant about it until it happened to me. I've never visited her spot since then. I wish that there were more Trini spots to avail myself of, because this restaurant is definitely the last resort.
(2)Dirk F.
Ordered curry chicken pelau which is divine w her homemade hot sauce & sorrel. Easily the best Trini restaurant in this area of Florida, drove from Orlando area because of my experience first time around. I would give it 5 stars if it was in a better area.
(4)Kerrah W.
Omg...the roti here is amazing! Nooo lie! Read all the reviews about the customer service but we sat here for hours chatting with the owner. She has tons of stories! She's hilarious! A true trini experience. When next i visit Tampa, I'll be back!
(5)Kait A.
Tara's roti shop is fantastic. Out of respect for vegetarians, they use separate pots and pans to cook meat free foods. I had the vegetarian sampler, then some rice and beans and a doubles. Doubles are this fantastic Trinidadian street food with pepper sauce, cucumbers and curried chickpeas in fried bread. I've never had it before and it's such an interesting and delicious mix of flavors. I'm so glad I stopped in and I can't wait to go back.
(5)Eli N.
Yes. This place is fantastic. Don't come here expecting the typical smiling face of customer service. This lady is from Trini(maybe?) and doesn't care about your first world struggles. Came here with a friend. It turned out to be dinner and a show. We had a few questions and this lady is no nonsense. She even called a customer and hassled them to pick up the food. Later, this customer comes in unfazed-- they were talking like neighbors. You will be rubbed the wrong way but by no means is it unfriendly. We sat at the counter and she waited with us making small talk. She also sat with us as we ate and wanted to make sure we enjoyed the food. By the way we did. Doubles were killer. The chicken roti was pretty good, but I'm excited to come back and try more. This was really refreshing. Courtesy is all good and dandy, but sometimes you don't want to be served by a robot but a real person from a different culture who really cares about the food.
(5)Charlie G.
I have read about Tara's here on Yelp, and have been meaning to stop in for the last six months. Today I did, and I am so happy I did! I love introducing my girlfriend to new foods, things that she has never had... and she used to make faces and say "gross" every time I suggested something new. Lately she gets a big smile on her face, because she knows she is going to probably like it! Today... I suggested we go to Tara's Roti Shop... and would get her some goat curry. We went, and I ordered her a Goat Roti, and ordered myself a Goat BussUpShot, Portions were huge, the curry was awesome, the pepper sauce was dangerous and had me sweating, and wanting even more! GF ate all of her Roti... and that is unusual! It was huge! The Paratha served with mine was excellent... fresh, hot, chewy and buttery...one of my favorite breads! We also shared a double... so she could see what it was like, and it was delicious! We also had two sorrels (spiced hibiscus tea, think of chai without milk, sort of!) that were delicious! Tara didn't say much, but she did give us a smile... and a lovely smile it was. We will be going back... my girlfriend says that Goat Curry is a new favorite, lol! I want some more of that Peppa sauce! OUCH!
(5)Karen F.
Don't be deterred by the sketchy exterior and location of this place-the food is totally worth it. I had no idea what to expect, but the restaurant was larger on the inside than I thought it would be, with stools to sit at the counter, and many tables scattered throughout. We chose to sit at the counter, which was so fun because the Owner chatted with us, told us how things were made, and made suggestions. She recommended the juice drink called sorrel to start with, and it was sweet and refreshing - and she makes it herself. Apparently she tried growing the fruit here, and it had no flavor, so she has friends ship it over from Trinidad to make it. She also gave us a sample of the drink, mauby, just so we could taste it. That is NOT for me - hah! I love when I was thinking things over on the menu the Owner would say "you don't want that" or "do you like spicy?" When trying a new-to-me type of food, that's exactly the kind of input I need. I ended up going with the Vegetarian Platter and it was delicious. Mild potato curry, cabbage with saffron, plantains, one doubles, and six little dough balls called phoulorie. I didn't think the phoulorie had much flavor, but everything else was crazy good. Especially the doubles - first time having one and the combo of cucumber, chick peas and seasonings between the fried dough was outstanding. The roti is next on my list to try, and I can't wait to return to Tara's with friends!
(4)Alexis S.
One of the new favorite places to eat. I took a group of friends to Tara's Roti Shop. Two of the friends in my group are Trini and haven't had much luck with the Trinidadian restaurants in Orlando. The second we walked in, they said they felt at home. They said the atmosphere is that of a true Trinidadian restaurant. Tara told us our food may take awhile since the shop was getting a little full. She didn't seem to have too much help that day. We didn't mind waiting. It actually came out quicker than we expected. Everyone enjoyed their food. I think they enjoyed the atmosphere most. Tara reminded my friends of a Trinidadian aunt, so she is now "Auntie Tara." I will be back for the doubles, and the buss-up-shot and curry chicken. It was all delicious! :)
(4)Brian C.
As authentic West Indian as it gets in Tampa Florida had duck curry with rice and peas and the curry chicke roti .... Very spicy !! Very delish!! Can't wait to try the other menu items
(4)Joshua B.
I was able to visit this place 2 times in the past month so I will average my reviews together. I was told about this place by a buddy and was informed don't expect much to look at, but the food is amazing. He was right. The place looks like a shack, but I was really impressed by the food. We ate the doubles and a chicken curry roti both times. The doubles are very good. You can get them spicy or not. I chose spicy and it had me sweating. The chicken curry roti came out stuffed full of chicken curry. It had very good flavor and the size was quite large. The second time we visited, I tried to bring some food home for friends. I ordered a few doubles and asked for the vegetarian sampler/platter. Tara told me she did not have time to cook that stuff and walked away.... You would think you would put out a daily menu if you cannot cook all of your items on your menu, but that was not the case. So from this second experience, I would give it a 3, but my first experience was a 5 without a doubt. Just be warned that they may not have everything on their menu. I do look forward to being able to eat here again.
(4)El C.
I used to live in Tampa and this was one of the regular places that I would go to regularly, so on a recent visit, I went back craving those same flavors. This place was so amazing years ago. Something happened when Tara moved from the Nebraska Ave location to this one. This used to be one of the friendliest places in town and now it just seems that she's pissed off at everything and could care less about the customers. It was disappointing. I'm sure the food is still the same, but her attitude leaves me thinking it tasted better before.
(2)Coty S.
My husband is a chick pea fiend. Soooo... I took him to Tara's Roti Shop to get some Doubles before heading over to Busch Gardens the other night. Doubles are stewed chickpeas made into a sandwich by using two pieces of fried sweet dough bread on each side. The sandwich is cooled down with cucumber relish added inside. The overall flavor is hot, cold, spicy, salty, and sweet all at the same time. Something I definitely recommend trying once in your lifetime. I was expecting it to be more of a curry flavor than a brown sauce flavor, but I was just as happy as I could be with the whole situation. Even with the customers giving me nasty looks to being there. Give me a brown bag full of Doubles any day and I will be a happy girl. At $2.00 each, it's a steal.
(3)Jason C.
Great food! I haven't had such good food since I was in Brooklyn! I had the boneless chicken curry with rice and beans as well as the aloo and chana roti. Both were delicious. My friend and I were ready to explode by the end with food. We may be going back every week from now on. This store has been around for 19 years, and everything is homemade. They also had all of the wonderful drinks I love. I haven't had a good cup of sorrel in years! They even had Iris Moss.
(4)Ingrid R.
I went here yesterday. The owner started spraying for roaches as I was eating at the counter. Actually she was spraying under the same counter I was eating. She said nothing. The roti tasted okay but the doubles were the same as fried bread-aweful.The place needs a thorough make over . The burlap bags over the windows need to be thrown away. Spraying for roaches at the same counter I was eating while i am esting killed what ever appetite I had for this food. Portions are large but I would settled for smaller portions and no bugs. Call the local exterminator to rid the place of bugs.
(1)JANET B.
My daughter went here to eat and I asked her to bring me some takeout. I had heard the roti are very good. I was having some stomach bug problems. So my daughter ordered the beef roti but not spicey. I do love spicey just not that day. Thank you so much Tara for that wonderful roti. It was very tender chunks of beef and potatoes wrapped in the heavenly roti. I swear it cured me. I also got a few doubles as another person on yelp raved about them. It was something I had never tasted before. It was a small bread/biscuit type thing with chicken peas and a spread of I don't know what. I did recognize cucumber. But I can't tell what else was in there. I do know it was crazy good and I'm sorry I told my husband I got one for him cause I wanted to eat it. We will definitely go back.
(5)Stacey S.
Finally tried this place after tons of recommendations. Totally authentic and delicious, and a great price. Loved it. Definitely a new favorite.
(5)Traveler F.
Have you noticed that there are so many more cooking and food related shows on TV with the Cooking Channel and Food Network? Do you see how ethnic food is making a stamp on the current food trend scene? On the Caribbean front, it has always been some sort of fried stuff, palm leaf, umbrella, a splash of fruit and walla, Caribbean Cuisine. Eden Eats Show on the Cooking Channel opened up the world to Trinidadian Cuisine at Tara's Roti Shop in Tampa, FL. Most Caribbean cuisine has heavy African or Latin influences while Trinidadian Cuisine has a heavy dosage of Indian flare. After watching the show, I had to go try this "doubles". Read my entire review at travelerfoodie dot com.
(4)Kat T.
We were on our way out of town, and looking for one last bit of gastrotourism before heading back to the hinterlands. Tara's is as good a bit of ethnic exploration as you'll find anywhere. The ambience here is pure Trinidadian roti shack, run by real Trinidadians. Crude hand-lettered signs with much-edited prices, flags from all over the Caribbean, cheeky placards warning customers that this is a place run by folks who don't believe the customer is always right. There was a constant stream of Trinidadian expats coming in for takeout the night we were there. Tara's has everything from island-style cocktails to dessert, and all the goodies in between. The bake & buljull was, in my husband's island-honed opinion, a bit low in the salt-fish quantity. Me, I've never seen anything like it before, and the inside "salt fish sauteed with onions and tomatoes" melded with the fantastic crust just fine. Stew oxtail with red beans and rice (and a cabbage salad) doesn't get much better than this version - it was fall off the bones tender. The curry goat came in the best roti I've had so far - full of powdery chickpea flour between the layers. The just-out-of-the-oven pone was "I don' wanna share" good. Sweet spiced cassava and sweet potato and pumpkin with a broiled top reminded me of a sticky toffee pudding without the sauce. Tara mixes her own versions of sorrel (hibiscus tea) and mauby (a Caribbean bitter bark infusion), as well as peanut punch (sort of a peanutbutter smoothie). I liked her versions better than some of the others I've had at other places. One caveat - they're a bit slipshod in their accounting, so keep an eye on the final bill - in our case, asking for a receipt resulted in a reduction of the cost of dinner.
(4)Nick Z.
Location is a little unappealing from the exterior, but the people inside are great and the food is fantastic! I got a history lesson from a local gent originally from Trinidad and had a good conversation with Tara during lunch. Will return.
(5)Benjamin B.
If you like West Indian / Trinidadian / spicy food in general you will love this place! Great food and the owner is a riot! She will take good care of you just like a mother =) The place itself is in a strip mall and has that nice hole-in-the wall feel to it. West Indian groceries are also sold here along with Trinidadian beer!
(4)