Ali's Roti Restaurant

Caribbean restaurant · Mattapan

Ali's Roti Restaurant

Caribbean restaurant · Mattapan

5

1188 Blue Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02126

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Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by Fabrizio C./Yelp
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null
Ali's Roti Restaurant by null

Highlights

Caribbean spot with famous curry chicken roti & large portions  

Featured in Eater
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1188 Blue Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02126 Get directions

$10–20 · Menu

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1188 Blue Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02126 Get directions

+1 617 298 9850

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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@eater

Boston’s Best Halal Restaurants | Eater Boston

"Ali’s is the stop for unfussy plates of tasty West Indian fare, from curry goat and stewed oxtail to chicken and beef wrapped in flaky rounds of roti. All the meats are halal, according to shop employees. (There’s a second location in Roxbury.)" - Erika Adams

https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-halal-restaurants-boston
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Where to Eat at Northeastern University | Eater Boston

"For the past thirty years, this Indo-Trinidadian eatery has offered no-frills wraps and curries ranging from chicken to oxtail to pumpkin. Patrons can choose between two kinds of roti — buss-up shut, which has a shredded texture and dhalpuri, which contains a split-pea filling — and pair it with a variety of stewed meats or vegetables. Be prepared to have leftovers, as it’s quite a lot of bang for your buck." - Maya Homan

https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-northeastern
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17 Best Cheap Date Restaurants in Boston | Eater Boston

"Roti — and especially its street food counterpart, wrap roti — originated in the West Indies, specifically in Trinidad. It is a sort of curried stew served with flatbread, and there are some exceptional versions being cooked in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan. Head to the Lower Roxbury outpost of Ali’s Roti on Tremont Street, get the curry chicken roti, and eat it in one of the neighborhood’s many nearby parks." - Terrence Doyle

https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-cheap-date-restaurants-boston
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Greater Boston’s Best Neighborhood Hangouts | Eater Boston

"There are some solid roti shops in Boston, and Ali’s is one of the best. Try the curry chicken roti." - Terrence Doyle

https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-neighborhood-hangouts-bars-restaurants-boston
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Go to Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan and Eat Roti - Eater Boston

"Ali’s Roti Restaurant is serving some of the best Caribbean food in Boston. It’s all about the curry chicken roti. The portions are massive, and the price is right — you can eat an entire meal for about $10. (Note: There’s also a location at 1035 Tremont St. in Roxbury.)" - Terrence Doyle

https://boston.eater.com/2018/7/13/17550806/best-roti-boston
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Quin Kinney

Google
I had a Roti with Curry Chickpeas, Cabbage and Brown rice, Bone in Curry Chicken. The food was great, however i dont recommend the Bone-In option as its pretty much majority Bones. The service is ehh. My first time here and they were out of many options which is why i got the bone in option instead of the boneless curry chicken option. Overall the meal was plentiful and i was still satisfied with the taste. Next time i will try what i really want

Selwyn Maraj

Google
Called a 30mins before closing, spoke to the owner. Got there 1min late and they took care of me. The owner had left but left instructions to take care of me when I get there and they did. The beef was on point, everything else was special. Thank you guys. When I'm out that way, will grab a plate....

Sue Peterkin

Google
Been coming here since I was a little girl with my parents and ting! I will always love Ali’s Roti hear. Personally, the best roti in Boston is from this place. Don’t argue w/ me ✨‼️‼️

Chidinma Enwems

Google
This was my first experience with Trinidadian food. My friend, originally from Trini, highly recommended this place. Ali’s Roti did not disappoint. I enjoyed the vegetarian buss-up shot and savored it until the plate was clean and clear. I have had my second order since my first time, and it will come for me. They are also available on Uber Eats.

Jared Thibou

Google
No pics bc I ate the food as soon as I got it!! ( that should tell you something!!) So I am from Brooklyn so I am very particular about Roti. From the moment I walked in, this spot reminded me of Brooklyn. The aroma of the food, the ladies in the back feverishly making the roti bread and the generous portions. This is a definite go to spot in Boston. I will always make my way here to get a taste of home.

Dirty Souf Yankee

Google
Delicious veggie roti! I visited one night while I was in town for work. It was about 30 minutes before closing time and upon trying to pay for my food my card wouldn't work. After running it twice, the gentleman said "Oh, this is an American Express. We don't accept Amex." I asked them to hold on while I went to look for cash in my car, which as it turns out I did not have. I went back in to let them know that by time I would get back to my hotel (which was 20 minutes away) to get another payment method it would be nearly closing time. I told them I was sorry that they would end up having to toss the food and then they told me not to worry, just take it. They said it was on the house! That was so incredibly kind, they didn't have to give it to me but they did. I was very appreciative. If I ever find myself back in Boston, I would definitely come back here and also pay it forward. 💞

Michelle Legette

Google
The food has different taste each time I buy food there and the quantity of the dish has went down. I bought 2 steak dinners and all you get is a huge helping of rice. I will not dine there again.

Meyling Yi

Google
Best Caribbean food in Boston! I love this place so much. Their food is delicious, their portions are generous, and their service is always friendly. Stop by and show some love. You will not be disappointed
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John H.

Yelp
A popular community spot with mostly takeout because there isn't much ambiance in the dining room. I was in the mood for some goat curry. Lots of food for you money. I think you will have a different experience based on when you visit because the food is premade and served on a steam table. My goat didn't have much flavor but once I ran it through the curry, wham! Flavor! Since I was one of the earlier customers things didn't get to "stew" on the steam table. I usually like my meat stews tender and this might be the case if you came later in the day. The sides were wonderful. Rice and beans, sautee cabbage, and potatoes. The later was heavy on pepper. Tumeric ran through most of the dishes. For me, the food was a confluence of Indian and Caribbean notes.

Charm H.

Yelp
The Parking Outside is Crazy! Its been like that since the 90's. But by the end of the day its all worth the wait, the parking, the rush! I drive all the way from Providence just to get roti and then head back! Its made fresh, them women be looking good sometimes too (but that's not why I come), it's one of those places in the heart of the urban areas that fit the best authentic food on earth! Them Roti's are huge and fresh!

L C.

Yelp
Every time I leave D.C. to go to Boston to visit family, I don't leave without grabbing a few chicken roti. Takeout joint with very friendly staff, and food is excellent. Roti bread made fresh on-premise. I always get the curry chicken roti, but other food looks just as well-seasoned and delicious. Go and see for yourself-you won't be sorry. Portions are more than I could eat in one sitting. Oh yeah, parking is street parking, and even double parking in some cases. See you all when I return again!
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Johana M.

Yelp
I've been eating here for over 20 years. This is a historic restaurant is a staple restaurant in our community.
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Brenda E.

Yelp
Excellent food and great wonderful service. I pray someday they will get a parking lot cause I could eat there at least 3-5 times per week.

Donald M.

Yelp
Seems like ownership has changed. The service was very chaotic. We are all paying for this. The new owners need to implement more orderly service.
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Gregory A.

Yelp
I was craving for a roti So I went there to get one I ended up getting one beef and one chicken, when I got home I opened the beef roti, man I enjoyed it I will definitely go back for another one Five stars All the way Greg Augustine

Jarianna S.

Yelp
They charging people $11 for steamed vegetables with a little curry seasoning? That's asinine.
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Hieu V.

Yelp
Ali has been serving quality food for the longest time! I recommend the chicken roti (ran out when I came by at around 7pm)
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Sharla J.

Yelp
I only order the skins and they have yet to be disappointed... Definitely should be more inviting some of the staff are just plain rude!
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Simon B.

Yelp
A breath of fresh air for weary travellers. Authentic TRINIDADIAN Curry house, No frills mom n pop shop. priced for the workin' folk in the area our dinner for two 22 bucks, a GENEROUS serve of two different curries with 4 different sides. Sadly the GOAT curry was SOLD OUT, as we arrived an hour before closing time. We chose chicken for 1, beef the other. Two different types of WELL SEASONED rice: red (tomato) with beans. yellow with assorted veg (turmeric), Sides of mango and cabbage. We shared everything and barely got through the SMALL dinner plates. PUNGENT. Balanced. No chili overload, but enough there to keep y'all interested. This chef's been doing this for a long time. Authentic in my experience of the region, not dumbed down for 'baby palates'. We so much appreciated the effort. A special variety of ethnic cuisine rarely found in our travels. We much enjoyed dining IN at Ali's Roti last evening. SOLID 4 star budget meal. Recommended. pics to follow in due cours.
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Shana S.

Yelp
I was recommended by a number of ppl to go here. Service isn't great. I'm too tired to get into all the details, but it seems like a cultural thing. The food comes with attitude. You have to wait while people finish up they chit chat. And guess what??? Food wasn't even all of that. Bland. The spices didn't pop out. ( insert long tooth suck) .
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Robina C.

Yelp
Ali' is the Best! I've had Trini food and this is the Best ever. The spice is just right and you want to savor the food, unless you do what I do and grab an extra for later, then you can gobble it up. I wish Quincy had an Ali's Roti's, so I could get one whenever I wish. Yummmmm the Shrimp Roti is really the best Roti to eat!
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Valdene M.

Yelp
I love and hate this place at the same time. The good: Amazing roti skins, ability to see them making them as you wait. Love their curry goat and bone-in chicken. I love that I'm always able to get extra skins. Additionally, they have lots of options available for fillings (pumpkin, channa, etc) or stand-alone dishes. The bad: They are unprofessional when serving: long wait times, often chaotic when many people are in the restaurant - and there's always many. The location is terribly busy and street parking is a nightmare. The interior could be more inviting and is in well need of a facelift. Overall they have the best skins period, but follow the trope of many Caribbean restaurants who still operate on "Island time".
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Jermaine J.

Yelp
Food is always good here especially tneor rotis. Love them badly!!!. But it's one of the old time spots on Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester. Anyone wants some good island food stop by here and indulge!!!
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Shaquille A.

Yelp
Roti here is ok - the flavor is there but it's as if everything has the same flavor. If you grab anything from here, you are better off grabbing a dinner plate. Good Roti is hard to find in Boston, but this place is decent- not the best. The people here are nice which yall know is rare lol And the food variety is decent. The line is always long.
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Amber M.

Yelp
Came from out of town to try the "world famous" roti at Ali's. I wish I could say that I was impressed, but unfortunately, the meal I received was dry and flavorless. I ordered the vegetarian roti that came with potatoes, cabbage, chickpeas, and rice. The rice was not seasoned at all. The potatoes were delicious and well prepared. My wife ordered the goat roti and enjoyed her meal except for the fact that the bones in the goat prevent you from diving into the dish. All in all, I could have skipped this experience.
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Bryan M.

Yelp
If you want a hearty meal, look no further but Ali's Roti. My friend's have been raving about this place for a while now but warned me that I might end up in a food coma after finishing my meal. The smells of all the spices in the air as I walked was amazing. As I approached the counter to place my order, I was flipping back and forth between all the options to put into my Roti. It was a split second decision and I ended up getting the bone in chicken in a Roti. The older lady who was helping me was very friendly and asked if I wanted everything in it. I had no clue what "everything" was but I just went with it and said ok. Ended up finding out that they push potatoes, cabbage and the protein of choice inside the Roti. As the lady was making my order, I noticed another lady behind her on the grill making some type of tortilla wrap thing. No idea what it was but it looked liked something I could dip into some sauce and eat. My chicken Roti cost just about ~$10 for a large, it was only like 80 cent difference for the small and large size. Picked up my bag of food and felt like somebody had put a melon inside. The sheer weight of this Roti was astonishing. I couldn't finish my food but you can definitely get at least two meals out of one. Flavors tasted just as good as it smelled in the restaurant. The filling was very heavy as the bottom was filled with potatoes and all that starch will make you bloated. Next time im going to ask for a little extra sauce inside the Roti as the potatoes were kinda hard to eat after a while. I could also ask for half the amount of potatoes and still be satisfied. This isn't something that I can eat all the time but when I do come back, its going to be another tough decision on deciding to get. Only street parking and there is a few tables inside.
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Deemarzz M.

Yelp
I love this place, I use to only buy the boneless chicken, beef, curry goat or oxtail roti. I just added the fish and love them all. Sometimes I am not able to decide. Over the past 6 months I have eating there at least 4 times a week. it tastes that good. Cooking is not a problem, I just love the Roti. They are really filling and one is enough for two average eaters.
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Seth D.

Yelp
Goat Roti was great! Tasted very authentic compared to the 3 or 4 times I've had this dish in the Caribbean. The wraps were fluffy and fresh, the spices were balanced and fragrant and the goat was tender, not dry. I waited around 10 min with two customers in front of me. Also the portions are large, I ate only half for lunch! I would certainly visit Ali's again.
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Kimberly G.

Yelp
The food is amazing, the lines are super long but it's worth the wait. My go to is the large dinner with boneless curry chicken, yellow rice, potatoes, cabbage and pepper (hot sauce) and I try to go at least twice a month.
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Peter G.

Yelp
The food is decent... Ok. Nothing to really write home about. The service is a - 5. Waited in line for 30minutes to get attitude at the counter. After being on business for years.. Its more important to gossip than take care of the damn line. Never again
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Denise T.

Yelp
I've had homemade roti before, but it doesn't even compare to this. The roti at Ali's is DELICIOUS! You are very likely to wait in line for a LONG time which sucks. I really wish they would create a Chipotle type of ordering system, so that things would flow more easily.
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Ahmad A.

Yelp
I'm only used to finding good roti in NYC so I was very happy to find a good spot in Boston... roti was great and you can pick your sides... got some bust up shot to go with curry and was happy all day
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Jay W.

Yelp
Carnival is how I'll always remember this hearty, som spicy Trinidadian treat growing up. Ali's has some of the best Roti I've ever tasted. The flavor not only lives in the fillings, but in the roti skin as well. They start running out of things towards the early evening so make sure you get there early to get what you want. I usually get a boneless chicken and shrimp roti with potatoes, cabbage and chick peas. Delicious!!

Tamara S.

Yelp
First of all the food is ok...they give you a little for the ridiculous prices.... They feed you what they want you to have... and get mad when you correct them..then say I was starting a fuss...‍‍The ladies are so rude and they slow.. and they don't care...to apologize or smile. ALI'S ROTI OVERRATED!!!! I'm going to JP Roti!!!!

Kayla R.

Yelp
Reminds me of my grandmas roti but then takes it to the next level. I've never seen a roti so big. Since eating here, I have had literal dreams about going back. The options are bountiful and there are many ways to mix your order up including potatoes, chana, cabbage, delicious hot sauce and more. This meal is nutritious and comforting and one roti can easily feed 2 and is so cheap! I highly recommend this place and plan on going back very frequently. Not to mention how nice everyone who works there is!
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Jacinta W.

Yelp
The 2 women (the older Indian woman who should know better and the women with long eyelashes) serving the food were rude to all the customers, additionally the service is always slow. I am a Trinidadian and was embarrassed by their customer service skills, my intent was to support the Caribbean businesses in the hood during COVID-19 but their attitudes are intolerable. I am not paying to be abused and will take my money to other small businesses who are thankful for the support. The customer behind me told them all how disgraceful they are treating their customers and pointed out their lack of customer service skills. I will not be patronizing this establishment in the future. By the way, the roti is not the best; will patronize D Coal Pot on Hyde Park Ave going forward.

Robert K.

Yelp
Been on a Roti kick lately and the boneless chicken roti with vegetables is the best I have had so far. So succulent and savory. Already planning my next trip
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Nia M.

Yelp
It's been so long since I've been here. My friend and I took my boyfriend, it was his first time here & his first time having a roti. The food is so good!
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Meghan C.

Yelp
We got vegetable roti's to-go from here a couple years ago and to this day I remember it as one of the most delicious meals I've ever had. I don't live close by but I dream of getting back to Ali's.
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Jacklyn L.

Yelp
I love this place ..if you know about trinitarian culture you should understand that being polite isn't their priority but having, but cooking well, treating you into a spice and variety if meals it's definitely their goal. I love the pelau and my mom always enjoy the ox tail dish, but my family favorite has always been the Roti.. it's part of our culture the spicier the better. But it has options for everyone to enjoy. Sure it's always pack it's terrible to find a parking spot .. but it worth the effort just to enjoy a savory and fulfilling meal. I can tell for other people reviews, my experience here has been always good and I have almost 5 years visiting this place.
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Jemima E.

Yelp
I don't know... I guess after reading all the reviews I expected magic and fireworks and theme music to play when I had my first bite. but honestly? it was just okay. It was good, but not great. I've had great. that wasn't it. there was a certain umph missing from the food. and customer service usually isn't A1 at foreign establishments so... & I also tasted Sorrel for the first time. it was bottled though... so probably not the best stuff. I'd still come back though.
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Jaidee M.

Yelp
You all can rest assured that Ali's goat roti are amazing! I have to be sure to stop in early to make sure they don't run out of anything (yes, it's THAT good!)
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Jeanie N.

Yelp
Came here on a Saturday at 3pm. There was a long line that wrapped around, maybe 8 people in front of me. It took 20-25 minutes for me to order and pay. Most of the lag seemed due to their payment system. Multiple people were making your order, but only one person was processing payments so it was congested at the register. This was my first time here so I thought the vibe was just slow, no worries, casual, but the regulars in the line around me said they're normally slow, but not this slow! Everyone was really friendly though, even people in line with me. The girl making my food spoke really quietly and maybe really quickly? Literally no one in line could understand her. Someone in line told me she was new Think trinidad-inspired chipotle, where they have everything in front of you and you can pick and choose what you want. Even though things are in front of you, this doesn't mean you know what they are! Eg, they have a lot of different types of rice and I had no idea what the difference was Ordered large goat roti (per enthusiastic yelp suggestion). Def 2 meals for anyone, maybe 3. I was asked what I wanted inside it and I said everything bc I didn't know what the options were. It came with stewed potatoes, chickpeas and cabbage. The roti skin was made really well -- think the spongey base of ethiopian food, but more yummy seasoning to it. The goat was good, but it comes with all the bones and was not the best to eat. It looked like they gave me a lot of goat which I was happy about, but most of it was bones / fat. I'd come back to try something else -- like the fish roti looked SUPER good

James D.

Yelp
Cultural icon of Boston. Protect at all costs. For beginner gringos like me get the roti wrap with goat or beef. Roti bread is so good you can eat on your own. Buss up shot bread too
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Gina A.

Yelp
I decided to try this place immediately after landing in Boston. Straight from the airport to this place. So many food options but I always wanted to see what a 'roti' was about. I original came in wanting oxtails but it is not available on Wednesdays. I tried the chicken roti. I told the young lady who made the order that it was my first time as she asked me what I wanted inside. She stated the traditional way its made and I told her go for it. It was so big that I asked her how she was gonna close it. When I picked up the bag from the counter, it was so heavy, totally unexpected (They may want to put a disclaimer so you don't drop it as that would be a tragedy). When I got home and opened it up, the presentation was beautiful and when I took the first bite, it was so flavorful. I'm not even halfway through and I'm really full. I would definitely try this again and again but maybe one day, I'll try the shrimp too.

Thao N.

Yelp
Ali's food will always be amazing comfort food for me. I've been going there for years, and they never disappoint. I always get the small boneless chicken roti with pumpkin, potatoes, and chana. Definitely recommend.
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Roshan R.

Yelp
Please don't get fooled by the 4 stars. The food is very bland. It is also kinda stale. The only thing positive is the quantity. But what's the point when it is so tasteless. Ambience is very very bad. It's more like a take out place. But I strongly suggest not to try this place simple because the food tastes very bland and stale.

Stacia S.

Yelp
Their rotis are pretty good consideribg they havesome competition out there. But uf youre looking for agoodroti dont hesitate to stop by and get one. Nice portion size too

Kleba S.

Yelp
I always use to hear about this place from friends and they did not disappoint. Food tasted really good. I'd recommend the veggie roti only $8 and so many flavors.
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George M.

Yelp
I got the small boneless chicken roti with cabbage and potato. More than enough food. Friendly staff. Very filling. I parked on the street but apparently there's a parking lot behind the store. I'll be going again. There are a lot of options for vegetarians/vegans as well.
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Tangi C.

Yelp
Absolutely love this place. Always get the shrimp roti or curry chicken. I have been going there for years now and never have been disappointed by the service or food.
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Doris N.

Yelp
I am ordering the Stewed Chicken. Will update when complete. I am adding the list of sides here since they are NOWHERE TO BE FOUND online. If you order roti, then you have a choice in SIDES: potato chickpeas squash stringbean cabbage rice If no roti, then it is rice, potato & cabbage.
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Linda D.

Yelp
First time here had a curry goat roti . So big you can share if you want . Eat in or takeout both good . Good basic menu but well worth it . Will be back to try some of the other menu items soon

Ashley E.

Yelp
Delicious roti and curry! Ali's hits the spot every time and us always fresh. Make sure you go early for the most options cause they WILL sell out if things but you can't go wrong with anything in their menu!
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Demetrius S.

Yelp
A true diamond in the ruff. Looks like a hole in the wall. The food is excellent. The line is always out the door. Very simple menu and either $9 or $10 plate or roti. Best curry around hands down.
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Luv T.

Yelp
I absolutely love this place and have been coming here for years great food good prices my favorite is the curry goat & shrimp over rice and potatoes wrapped in a roti definitely one of my favorite restaurants
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chris d.

Yelp
I heart roti. I heart goat(s) both to pet and to eat. Ordered a chix roti, and a goat/rice & peas dish. Ali's roti was alright, I wouldn't kick it out of bed, but I wouldn't invite it home to meet the parent either. I think that the roti and I just didn't make a love connection- this is peculiar because again, I heart roti. The goat was fantastic. Every forkful of goat-cabbage-rice & peas made me want more. In fact, I'm going to go get some leftovers out of the fridge right now. I think that I could taste how cute it was.