Famous Recipe — Restaurant in Hamilton

Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Hamilton, a stone's throw from the artistic pulse of the gallery, lies a culinary gem that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Trinidad: Famous Recipe. More than just a restaurant, it's an experience, a warm embrace of authentic Trini flavours and hospitality, lovingly curated by the incredibly helpful and accommodating owner, Kevin Moh. Stepping inside Famous Recipe is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of aromas that dance and mingle, promising a feast for the senses. The air hums with a gentle energy, a welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. And then there's Kevin, a beacon of warmth and genuine care, guiding you through the menu with a passion that is truly infectious. His attentiveness elevates the dining experience from a simple meal to a personalized journey of taste. The food itself? Oh, the food! It's a symphony of spices, a vibrant tapestry of textures that sings on the palate. The dhalpouri roti is a revelation – soft and yielding, a perfect canvas for the rich and flavourful fillings. Each bite is a comforting hug, a testament to time-honoured recipes passed down through generations. And then there's the legendary jerk chicken, a masterpiece of smoky, spicy perfection. The tender meat, infused with the fiery kiss of scotch bonnet and the fragrant embrace of pimento, leaves a lingering warmth that is both exhilarating and deeply satisfying. The cutty chicken, too, is a triumph – succulent pieces bursting with flavour, a delightful dance of sweet and savoury notes that leaves you craving more. Knowing that the tantalizing doubles are next on the horizon only fuels the anticipation. If the dishes already savoured are anything to go by, these fluffy baras cradling spiced chickpeas and tangy sauces will undoubtedly be another exquisite testament to the authenticity and quality that Famous Recipe so proudly upholds. For anyone seeking a genuine taste of Trinidad in Hamilton, a culinary escape that nourishes both body and soul, look no further than Famous Recipe. It’s not just a meal; it’s a vibrant cultural immersion, a testament to the power of good food and the warmth of exceptional hospitality, all thanks to the dedication of Kevin Moh. This is more than a restaurant; it's a little slice of Trini paradise right here in downtown Hamilton. Go. Experience it. You won't be...

original review date: march 1, 2018; edit add-on november 10, 2021 picture add-on: july 9, 2021. november 10, 2021

march 1, 2018:

i've been going to famous recipe (FR) since 2009-10. i really appreciate the passion owners kevin and his wife christine have for providing a quality product. they have been treating me good.

when you're in the mood for west indian food, best thing is to give then a call first. as a heads-up, when you are getting later into their hours of business, they may be running low on items.

that's because the food preparation (esp curry, roti and doubles) is time and labour intensive. this is not mcdonald's. FR has a personal commitment in that they will only serve same-day, not leftover food as their pledge of quality to the customer, and that is something that should be respected.

one star knocked off for their sometimes inconsistent and unposted hours. if you're unsure, phone in to confirm the store is open, that's what i always do.

november 10, 2021: updated review add-on

-FR continues to show why imo they are the heavyweight champions (along with caribbean-canadian restaurant on the mountain) of the city of hamilton, when it comes to price relative to value, quality and portion size, and menu options for the caribbean food segment.

-my favorite (and recommended) items are the chicken/beef curry rotis, jerk chicken with rice, doubles, and the patties are fantastic also. 🔥 the way FR makes their food, it feels like they are cooking directly in your kitchen.

you can also pick curry chicken or beef with rice and not go wrong either. 💯

-nicholas (son of kevin/christine) is doing a fantastic job helping in the store. he is warm, welcoming and on point with the customers. 💙

-drawback of the FR is very limited parking as the store is located on a very busy street.

bottom line: i will continue to support FR and would recommend it to others. they are honest, hard working passionate people. great food, portions, quality. keep up the...

I have been here a few times because I sometimes get cravings for some food from my homeland. Before today, I would have rated this place systematically 3/5 for being just OK. The food is VERY reasonably priced given the amount of food you get. However, I did notice that is not not the freshest. I can tell that the roti and the doubles are more often than not, microwaved. I often wondered if the curry was not fresh.

Today I got the curry special for lunch and bit into a chunk of my food after taking a few bites and it tasted like some component of the dish had spoiled, so I stopped eatng. Now I have an upset stomach and have been throwing up lunch I ate more than 4 hours ago - this leaves me to conclude that the food was definitely off. I am really disappointed with this experience as this was the only place to sell lunch in the area at an affordable price. I...