My first introduction to The Hott Shoppe, a curry fast food establishment, was many decades ago when they had a small shop opposite TTT on Maraval Rd., POS. Back then, they always made a good curry, the prices were reasonable and the staff were usually pleasant.
Ever since they moved to Mucurapo Rd., I have found the taste is still the same but the portion they give you is ridiculous for the price of the food. The Hott Shoppe is one of the more expensive roti outlets in Trinidad and there is always many customers in there. However, every time I order a veggie roti I am given a table spoon full of potato, a tablespoon full of channa and if I am lucky I might get a teaspoon of bodi or pumpkin (Sometimes they don't have either) like a garnish. What I do get a lot of is mango as though it is a mango roti. Usually, if I buy a roti at another establishment it is heavy - you can feel the weight but not The Hott Shoppe.
You might think I am mixing myself with their mini-roti - yes they have a mini version of their 'regular' roti. Maybe they have that because they know their prices are steep. The Hott Shoppe veggie roti is like buying a helium balloon. So why do I still go there, most times I have few curry choices when I am out, it is late in the evening and I want a vegan option. That is usually once in a blue moon. Come on Hott Shoppe, when you make a rotiā¦ make it so people can actually taste the channa and the potato and not just the flour and mango. After all, despite rumors, people are actually paying you money when they buy your roti, they are not asking for it for free.
Related: The Best Roti in Trinidad & Tobago
The Hott Shoppe Trinidad - Roti - Curry Fast Food (Hover)
I have never bought a regular roti so cannot say size wise what they give. Usually, when we go there its the family meal and we get a good amount. I did notice their prices increased a bit before the COVID pandemic but haven't seen any changes since. Still the best curry out there.
Too small. You are right, they could put something more in there. The thing is when local business owners feel they can give you whatever and they are still making a profit then there is no reason to improve. Except for on the Western Main Rd. In St. James where you can find roti vendors there isn't a late hour roti shop in the west so they are able to horde in all the clients.
Name: Desha
Comment: Hott Shoppe is nice but I go to the Curry Shop in Long Circular Mall. Its about the same price but they have more variety there. You can see them making it. Can't see nothing about what's going in the back at Hott Shoppe.