Sonny’s Roti Shop
“They also have doubles for $1.25 and $2 if you want chicken with your doubles or is it inside the doubles?”
“Never had roti before despite living in Richmond Hill since before Obama's inauguration.”
“Aloo pies are a bit soggy, but that makes them even more delicious, just be careful when getting takeout.”
Sonny’s Roti Shop
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
5 reviews
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Well, say you are on the way to the airport. Preferably JFK terminals. This is a great lunch spot or brunch if you wake early to head to. It's right near the A train stop and they have great prices. I had the Chicken Roti which is $6, but it might be more to have it boneless…not sure perhaps a dollar more? I got two other sodas and my total came out $9 and change. The roti itself is served separately, so that way your chicken meat and juices do not sog up the bread. The roti is light and crisp with crushed yellow lentils inside the bread. The chicken roti comes in a curry sauce which is flavorful. I do know they have variety for the interior of your roti: conch, duck, beef, oxtail, shrimp, goat and of course chicken. They also have doubles for $1.25 and $2 if you want chicken with your doubles or is it inside the doubles? Not sure. I have only been here twice, but if only it were closer, I would visit it every week. When inquiring for the doubles, they will ask you what sauces you want. Tamarind, spicy, and something else which I forgot. My apologies. Did I mention that they have pumpkin? currant cake? aloo? and other yummies for your tummies?
With about 8 tables and plenty of seating, I find that I never had to fight anyone for a seat or hunt and peck for one. I sure like this place. =) And best of all, they do have a sink located on the same floor (sinks come in handy since people usually eat roti with their hands) and I should mention that there is a bathroom located downstairs. There is a sign that mentions not to run down these flight of stairs.
I came here a few times on route to the City from JFK (the Q10 stops off right by the entrance to the A-line), so I figured to explore the area. I was looking through the shop windows in this area of Richmond Hill, and noticed that Sonny's Roti Shop had quite a number of people in there. I saw people ordering "doubles" (I didn't know what they were until recently) so I decided to follow suit. They were pretty tasty with all their chutneys and sauces that come along with this Indian-Trinidadian infused concept–the double. The first time I got it, it was pretty good since it had all the sauces to go with the channa (chickpeas), and the bara ('bread') was not too soggy. But the second time I came here, the bara was a bit cold and soggy for my taste, and the channa didn't have enough seasoning. The guy that did my order failed to put in any of the chutneys after I had asked to make sure that there was enough sauce in it. From what I understood, doubles should be piping hot, but in both experiences they weren't piping hot. Perhaps I came during an off-time, but hey, it was only $1 for each double, so I can't really complain. They definitely are a quick bite to stave any bouts of hunger.
When the constant nagging of a craving for Oxtail gets you, you make them happen. A visit to the animal hospital in Richmond Hill had me thinking that the only thing that would cheer me up other than my dogs health, would be some oxtail. Sonny's was exactly one mile away and the day was perfect for walkin. So, me and my pup walked the mile to Sonny's.
As with all food establishments, no dogs allowed. I left My pup outside with my boyfriend and proceeded towards Nirvana. The staff are clearly carribean. The menu is easy to order from and the craving for all things carribean can be satisfied here.
Doubles.
Roti.
Stews.
at $9 and change a pop, i ordered one for me and one for the Mister. Dont have cash? no worries. They take credit card.
There are some tables to sit and enjoy your food but with doggy outside waiting for me, i took the goods home.
With this place being kinda far from home (40 min train ride), it wasnt hard to get home from so i imagine if that nagging craving for oxtail strikes, i can easily hop on a train.
When i arrived home, i wasted no time and dug into the oxtail. Aside from the obvious difference in the amount of oxtail in each dish, (he had 6 pieces, i had 4), the oxtail was delicious. Tender. little heat. great dish to saitsfy the craving.
I did not like the rice. They use parboiled rice which left the rice too soft. If i could have it any other way, i would like long grain rice. But other than that- wonderful.
DO NOT TAKE PICTURES IN THIS SHOP!
As I'm sure a lot of (Caribbean) people do, even if you can make dhalpuri roti (that's the one with split/chic peas in the dough), we order it saving a ton load of time and mess.
My family found Sonny's to do a really nice roti skin so we ordered and was given a pick up time of 6:30 Saturday morning.
On arriving at the shop I was pleased to see they promoted home (T&T) by way of menu and decor. I gave the lady at the counter the pick up name and proceeded to snapping pictures for yelp purposes.
Click, check photo, click, changed angle, click click click. Out of nowhere I heard "YOU CAN'T TAKE PICTURES HERE!" You know caps signifies shouting right?
I turned to the voice, "excuse me?"
"Ah say yuh cah take pictures here"
"Why is that?" I asked, I thought maybe it was for religious reasons and I will always respect that whether I understand it or not.
"No reason de boss man just doh want anybody taking pictures in he shop"
Well blow me down with an air kiss. I retorted: "well tell your boss man to sue me or take them off my phone". I will admit (with some degree of shame), I myself was a tad rude. The order just seemed so unnecessary. What was more upsetting was up to this point I had taken pictures of the restaurant and menu board with foods that as a Trini I'm constantly asked about so my pictures were to promote this shop/restaurant in a positive light.
I don't know if "boss man" was hurt in the past by someone taking pictures in his establishment with a negative outcome, but I'm a strong advocate of it isn't what you do/say but how you do/say it. The aggression was uncalled for. It left a bad taste in my mouth. (Which isn't good for a place that sells food).
As I waited for my roti skins (the order was late), I vowed never to come here again and when I finally left their shop, we drove a few blocks down, 'round a corner and stopped at Singh's Roti Shop where we made further purchases of doubles (yummmmy) and other Indian/Trini sweets like jalebi, current rolls etc.
I took pictures AND videos at Singh's to my heart's content and wondered why we didn't order our skins from them in the first place.
You live, get chastised THEN you learn.
One star because I will not lie, the skins tasted okay……alright good.
The End.
Never had roti before despite living in Richmond Hill since before Obama's inauguration. I ordered the chicken roti (I did not know about the boneless option) which costs $6. It was flavorful especially with the extra kick when you add the spicy green sauce but the portion was smaller than I expected. The actually roti had a dryer taste han I expected but it did have flavor and it was soft and VERY fresh. In addition, I ordered an Aloo pie with peas and a Double. Both were exceptional even as a roti shop amateur eater. Sonny's is also located conveniently right next to where you would get off the last stop on the A train going towards Leffert's Boulevard. If you are in the area, give Sonny's visit.