Ali's Roti — Restaurant in Toronto

Ali's West Indian Roti Shop would have definitely received a 5 star rating, because I have been a loyal customer for over 20 years.The food is delicious and authentic, the staffs are beyond exceptional and are more like family. The atmosphere gives off a Caribbean vibe and makes you feel at home. However, my experience today left me in shocked, hence the reason for 3 stars and my review.

Firstly, as a small business owner, having respect for your employees should be your number 1 priority, PERIOD. I was very uncomfortable and beyond embarrassed for both myself, and the employee who was screamed at by the owner, whose name is Ali.

As a regular customer I have build relationships with most of the staffs. One of the employee was only saying a brief hello to me, despite not seeing me for a while because of Covid. Keep in mind, we were more than 2 meters apart, both wearing masks and gloves; following proper protocols and procedures in regard to the Covid-19 guidelines. I do respect and understand, if there were other guidelines set in place between the owner and his employees. However, there are many respectful ways to communicate and be civil with your employees in a professional manner. Example; Pardon your interruption, pull your employee aside and remind them about the personal guideline for the restaurants in a respectful way. Embarrassing them in front of other employees and guests in the restaurant was a giant NO for me.

Secondly, an apology should be administered to that employee right away. When respect is given, your employees respects you. It is important that you first show them the respect they deserved. It's a matter of mutual respect. Your employees should always feel comfortable in your presence and know that they too have a voice of their own. You are grown and your employees are grown too, even older if you please.I support and empathize with all the small business owners and restaurants that remained opened in this trying time. I also sincerely understand the frustration of making sure that no employees contract the virus, which might cause the business to closed. However, that was not the correct way to address an employee in any given situation.

Lastly, Respect is a key requirement for a healthy work environment. It lets employees know that they are valued and appreciated. You should definitely try it...

My friend Ali, of the famous Ali’s Roti is someone you have to meet. He’s worked hard his entire life and is incredibly proud of all that he’s accomplished. He immigrated from Trinidad to Canada in 1971, when he was 19 years old. He worked as a welder in a factory, but four years later, he injured his back and had to leave factory work behind him. With no formal education, Ali was worried about finding a new job. But in 1976, he came across someone in Parkdale who wanted to sell a very small roti shop with only a four burner stove, which had only been running for a year. He saw the opportunity to start a new life, so he bought the shop and changed its name to Ali’s Roti.

“We started back when people in Toronto didn’t know what roti was,” Ali says. His customers were mostly from the Caribbean: Guyana, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, who grew up with roti. The word gradually spread about his roti and his customer base quickly expanded.

Ali starts work at 7 in the morning by preparing ingredients and mixing dough for the roti, which is made from scratch. He says that cooking with heart is the reason why his roti is so delicious.

Another popular offering at Ali’s Roti is doubles, which Ali describes as a chickpea sandwich. “It was a poor man’s food,” he says. Legend has it that the dish started off as curried chickpeas served on a round of fried dough. Customers then asked to ‘double up’ the dough, turning it into a sandwich, which is how the name of this Trinidadian specialty came about.

Don’t forget to say hello and give Ali a wave of congratulations for his 45 years of deliciousness...

From start to finish, our experience at Ali's Roti was absolutely remarkable. I went with my kids (their suggestion because they always crave it - they got lamb dhalpouri roti and chicken stew dhalpouri roti), and we were blown away. You also really can't beat getting a doubles (with chickpeas and tamarind) for $4! So fluffy, so delicious, and so affordable.

We were served by Shane, who was patient, friendly, and so great with the kids. His customer service truly stood out and made us feel at home. While we were waiting for our food, we saw another customer walk in and ask to personally thank the chef. She said the daal was better than her own and that it brought her back to childhood memories. Watching that heartfelt moment assured me of how special this place is.

When our food arrived, we not only enjoyed every bite, but we also had the chance to connect personally with both Shane and the chef, Dechen. They came out to greet us, and that personal touch meant a lot. To top it off, the kids were treated to free ice cream samples, and we were introduced to their peanut punch—something I wouldn’t have thought to try on my own but am so glad they brought to our attention. It was absolutely delicious!

This place is more than just a restaurant—it’s a community experience filled with heart, authenticity, and truly nourishing food. You don’t get that at chain restaurants/in the suburbs. Ali's Roti is unique, memorable, and full of flavour, and we will absolutely be coming back many times in...