My First Roti Run

The ‘Roti Run’ is something of a tradition among my girlfriend’s family. Some months back I had my first roti – a delicious flatbread roll filled with stewed curried – they can contain, meat, fish and vegetables – although Indian in origin they’re massively popular in the West Indies, particular the Island of Trinidad, where my girlfriend’s mum is from.

The usual destination for the roti run is a place called the Roti Hut all the way down in Shepherd’s Bush – it’s quite a trek from the home base of Canning Town and the last time my girlfriend’s mum tried it they were shut. We had arrived home ready to make food, but there was a note saying ‘Gone on the roti run’. I’d only ever had one before (well two actually – but both in one sitting) and our mouths were salivating at the thought of tasty these delcious curried morsels – so you can imagine our disappointment when a very tired mum returned with news that the prized establishment was shut.

Any way fast forward a few months and it seems that the Roti Hut has been deposed, a recent tip from a fellow Trinidadian has directed my mum and my girlfriend to a new establishment – The Roti Joupa in Clapham North. Being on the Northern Line, I have decided to do the Roti Run myself on my way in from Portsmouth. I’ll get off at Waterloo, head up to Clapham and then return with the juicy morsels. I’m actually smiling right now, just thinking about it. It’s going to be hard to resist eating one of them on the way home, but knowing that I’ll be arriving at my girlfriends lovely warm home, laden down with roti from my first roti run brings a big foodie grin to my face.

The big question is, what filling do I get – goat, chicken, fish or shrimp?

Hmm choices, choices.