Roti (wrap) facts for kids
A roti filled with curried goat and potatoes
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| Region or state | Caribbean |
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| Created by | Sackina Karamath in the mid-1940s in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Main ingredients | Curried meats or vegetables wrapped in a paratha, dhalpuri, or dosti roti |
Roti is a super popular and tasty wrap or flatbread from the Caribbean. It's a bit like a sandwich, but instead of bread, it uses a soft, flat bread called a roti. Inside, you'll find yummy fillings like curried meats or vegetables. People all over the Caribbean love to eat roti, and it's become famous in many other parts of the world too!
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Roti: A Delicious Caribbean Wrap
Roti is a staple food in many Caribbean countries. It's known for being a filling and flavorful meal. You can find it in many different forms, from a simple flatbread to a full meal wrapped up.
What is Roti?
A roti is usually made of two main parts:
- The roti itself: This is a round, flat bread. It's soft and can be used to scoop up food or wrap around it.
- The filling: This is often a delicious curry made with meat, chicken, fish, or vegetables. Sometimes, it can also be a stew.
When the filling is wrapped inside the roti, it's called a "roti wrap" or "roti sandwich." It's a handy way to eat a full meal on the go!
Where Did Roti Come From?
Roti has a cool history! It came to the Caribbean from India. Many years ago, people from India moved to countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname. They brought their food traditions with them, including how to make flatbreads.
Over time, these flatbreads changed a bit in the Caribbean. People started adding local flavors and ingredients. The idea of wrapping curried food inside the roti became very popular.
The Birth of the Roti Wrap
The roti wrap as we know it today was made popular in the mid-1940s. A lady named Sackina Karamath started selling them in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago. She had a shop called Karamath Roti Shop, also known as D' Humming Bird Roti Shop. Her idea of putting the curry inside the roti made it super easy and fun to eat. It quickly became a favorite!
Different Kinds of Roti
There are a few main types of roti flatbreads used for wraps or as a side:
- Dhalpuri: This is a very popular type. It has ground split peas (called dhal) seasoned with spices inside the dough. When cooked, it's soft and flavorful.
- Paratha: Also known as "buss-up shut" in Trinidad, because it looks like a "busted up shirt" when torn apart. It's flaky and layered, often cooked on a griddle with oil.
- Dosti: This means "friendship" in Hindi. It's usually two pieces of roti cooked together, making them soft and easy to pull apart.
Popular Fillings
The fillings for roti are usually curried. Some common and delicious options include:
- Curried chicken
- Curried goat
- Curried beef
- Curried shrimp
- Curried potatoes
- Curried chickpeas (channa)
- Curried vegetables like pumpkin or spinach
You can often mix and match these fillings to create your perfect roti!
How to Eat Roti
Most people eat roti with their hands. If it's a wrap, you just hold it and bite into it like a burrito. If it's a separate flatbread, you tear off pieces and use them to scoop up the curry. It's a fun and sometimes messy way to enjoy a meal!
Roti Around the World
As people from the Caribbean moved to other countries, they took their love for roti with them. You can now find roti shops in places like North America (especially cities with large Caribbean communities like Toronto and New York City) and Europe. These shops help share the delicious taste of the Caribbean with everyone!
Roti is more than just food; it's a part of the culture and history of the Caribbean. It brings people together and is a symbol of the rich mix of traditions in the region.
