T. ROOTS — Restaurant in Northampton

Scant Rice for a High Price: As a regular guest, I have been disappointed a few times by the not-even-half-portion of brown rice in the takeout containers. Tonight, I’d ordered two $15-dishes, and both of the small rice boxes were barely half-full. I politely told a server at the front that I happened to notice the meager portions of rice before leaving, and they agreed that it was inadequate and took the containers back to the kitchen to be filled. Returning a few moments later, the kind server explained that the manager (who remained in the kitchen) said brown rice portions are always that amount, whereas white rice portions are bigger. I considered asking to speak with the manager directly, but as this issue has occurred repeatedly, I opted to post publicly about it here so others can be aware. (The accompanying picture shows the minimal amount of rice given in the containers.) I hope that T. Roots management will reconsider its practice of cheating guests on something as simple as a fair serving of brown rice, especially since I quite like the food and am grateful for the multiple vegan options. Until that may happen, I hope that when future paying guests request a bit more rice, the manager themself gladly and freely offers it, perhaps with a gracious, in-person interaction. Leaving one star for a place I often enjoy doesn’t feel great, but having worked for nearly two decades in the restaurant industry in NYC, I felt this experience was the opposite of elementary...

This is the second time we visited T. Roots and it was such a pleasant surprise. We loved all the dishes we ordered and we ordered a lot! We tried T. Roots last summer and the food was ok. Nothing that would entice me to drive 45 minutes all the way from our farmhouse to Northampton. But my favorite Korean restaurant was closed today so we decided to give it another try and I was so glad we did. I know Taiwanese food and it would rank among my top three Taiwanese restaurants in the east coast. The flavors are subtle but authentic (You shouldn’t be looking for strong in-your-face flavors anyway in Taiwanese food. It’s about subtlety, simplicity, freshness, and a touch of comfort food feel). I had a chat with the owner and learned that last year was a learning process for them during the pandemic. They have since made some changes in the kitchen. I can definitely taste the difference this time! Our favorite was Taiwanese hamburgers. Most these similar pork belly buns are always way too sweet or fatty. Theirs has just the right amount of complexity without the sweetness that overwhelmed the whole bun. I also enjoyed the congee, scallion pancakes, and turnip cake (again simplicity trumps the saltiness many other places have). I am so glad we came back for it. If you have tried it before but were not impressed, give it another try. You will be a happier person after finishing the simple, flavorful, and...

I frequently go to T-Roots and for the most part I love it! The food is good and usually the service is friendly and polite.

Occasionally, though, the owner - older man will treat me weird. I think he may have a bias towards black people. Once I was there he yelled at me about my mask and it just felt extra because there isn't consistent rules/guidelines that he upholds in the restaurant since I've been in there. Also, I dine in sometimes with my friend and he just gives off an unwelcoming vibe to us sometimes - she's black too. I guess two black people eating in there is just too much. Lol!

I've gotten an attitude from him sometimes when he's brought out food - when I've asked questions that are not threatening at all. I ordered a dish that hadn't come out yet and politely asked about it and he got upset and told me to wait which I was happy to do. I just wanted to politely make sure they didn't forget it since they were busy.

Sir, take a break if you're stressed or don't go into the restaurant business. Also realize that black people are keeping you in business so take some inclusion...