Triniroti Virginia — Restaurant in Midlothian

I went to the restaurant, having been there in 2024, with my entire family. There were over 8 of us there and the food was good and the owner was friendly. This time, I treated my son to a meal. The restaurant is small and a bit austere but it is clean and well lit. The place is clean. I ordered 2 orders of doubles, 2 orders of chicken curry s/red beans and bottled water…I forget what my son drank. (No rice) What I want to talk about is the experience. There is one person in the restaurant, I guess she owns it. This lady did not greet us, just asked what we wanted to order, in clipped and dry tones. Once she got the order and collected the money, she said nothing further. She didn’t offer other drinks, she did not engage with us at all. As a matter of fact, she stood near the back, staring at something - I assume she was reading. Not a thank you or a pleasantry to be had. Just a sour expression and zero service. I really felt unwelcome and put upon, which probably made the meal unpleasant. I asked for hot sauce, she said she’d already added hot sauce to the doubles. I didn’t ask her what she’d done - I asked for hot sauce. Chicken curry was swimming in broth. I got her attention and got more towels, then asked for a knife. She offered me another fork! I don’t like to swim in food with gravy, up to my elbows. It would be nice to have both good customer service and knives, forks and spoons. Please realize, if you are the owner, paying $67 for a meal is nothing to sneeze at. Be as nice to a large party (where you made lots of money and a good tip) as you are to a small one. We felt unwelcome and neglected, as customers. Having to summon you, from the back to get things we need, is an imposition. I didn’t feel like a guest. I won’t be back to your restaurant. I hate rude, arrogant treatment. Do better! We try to buy in the black community and this is abhorrent treatment. As you can see in the photo, she had no concern about our welfare. My son had to ask for the key to the restroom to get hand towels and there was no soap. She offered him hand sanitizer. If you don’t like your work, go find something you like!! My experience was totally...

I heard about Trini Roti on Yelp & IG and finally stopped by for lunch Saturday. Although we didn’t dine the restaurant was cozy, clean, and inviting. We were able to talk with Kathleen for a good while. This was my first time having Trinidadian cuisine and she answered all my questions and described her menu & meals to us. There was also a gentleman who was dining in who shared one of his doubles with us as Kathleen had sold out for the day. It was so unexpected but such a nice gesture and it really gave family atmosphere. I did have my mind set on a couple of items that were sold out so I would recommend going when she opens and calling ahead to see what’s on the menu for the day as it changes. Kathleen told us that she comes to cook and prep before opening and once things sell out she’s out for the day.

The double was so delicious I thought it was meat inside. But it’s actually made with chickpeas and Kathleen thought we’d be worried about the spice but I love spicy food and would absolutely get those again. My boyfriend and his sister had the curry chicken and roti and it was good and I’d recommend to anyone as it wasn’t spicy. I had the stew fish & roti and it was so good. There were carrots & celery in my mixture so it made it super hearty and the fish was cooked perfectly as it wasn’t dry. I loved eating it with the roti and I still had some left.

Before we left she let us try some of the shark and I was regretting not ordering some of that as well. It was fried and it kind of reminded me of a salmon patty/croquette. I’m coming for those and the meat pies next visit. Lastly, I wanted to try one of the drinks and asked Kathleen her favorite and she recommended the Sorrel. I got it with ice and loved it!! It reminded me of a cranberry juice with spice (not spicy hot but like there was cinnamon or all spice in it) … so good! Please go check them out as you surely won’t be...

It is not a problem for me to spend money on meals or, at the very least, to give my money to local shops and restaurants, but this establishment will not get any of my coins again. I can say the atmosphere is warm and inviting, as are the furnishings, and it is spotlessly clean. After reading the reviews, I was convinced to give this eatery a shot. Oh, I won't let myself be bullied into nonsense ever again! This food is not at all reminiscent of the lunch served at primary schools in Trinidad, nor of a Baptist thanksgiving in Trinidad, nor of a Hindu wedding in your neighborhood, nor of a family's holiday meal. If this meal reminded me of home I would surely migrate and start over somewhere else. This food is complete and utter waste. This location is superior to the worst place in Brooklyn, Florida, and even the entire island of Trinidad & Tobago. I'm really confused as to the source of all of these five star ratings. It's possible that today wasn't her best and that I just happened to sample her dish at a bad time. I can say the only good thing about the meal was the soda I purchased to wash it down with. The paratha was good not the best but good. It's possible that you all aren't as knowledgeable as you should be; if that's the case, I recommend that you take the Amtrak or drive the six hours to Queens, New York, to sample the cuisine at Triniciti, Trini Delite, or Singhs, or locate someone who can cook and ask them about the differences in flavor. I am sending you all my...