S & A Roti Shop
170-16 Hillside Ave.
523-1877 or 739-5555

Cuisine: Indian

Hours: Mon. – Sat. 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sun.: 7 a.m. to p.m.

S & A Roti Shop was born with a different name than the one it boasts today. I remember when it was "Ram’s," and under that name and management, it became the legend of 168th Street and Hillside. But, not to worry, Mr. Ram’s niece, Savy Samsair is continuing the family tradition.

Founded in 1983, by Ram, an Indo-Trinidadian immigrant, the restaurant was a hit from the start, serving home foods to people from all over the Caribbean. Dishes such as curried chicken with rice, curried goat, oxtail stew, shrimp, fish and other mainstream Caribbean dishes were automatic hits with customers. However, in keeping with its name, roti, is the main attraction in this little hot spot.

Roti, for those who may not know, is a staple in Indian cuisine. It resembles pita bread but is far superior in taste and S & A’s roti is superior to all others on the strip. Made from flour and served in place of bread, S & A serves it wrapped over any number of meats or stewed vegetables.

Of all the appetizing entrees they serve, none entices me more than this and it was a perfect choice for me again this past week.

At a cost of only $4.50, I was given a huge overstuffed wrap sprinkled, per my request, with a liquid pepper – definitely not for the faint of palate. Since I was in a hurry I took it to go. However, I could not wait to get back to my office so I took a bite at each stop light – what a treat.

But for those who have time to sit and eat there, Samsair has prepared for them too. A small sink with disinfectant liquid soap stands at the back of the small eatery for those who wish to wash before they eat.

"I changed the whole place," Samsair said. "I changed every thing around and I have no complaints about how business is going."

I too, had no complaints.