Although it's probably been around for decades, I finally visited Ali's Roti on Tremont St in Lower Roxbury yesterday. It looks like nothing special on the outside and the inside is showing its age, but the delicious aroma helped me see past the scruff and drew me from the front door to the counter. Moments after opening the door, I was enveloped by the scent of warm roti bread and various meats stewing in curries. Upon reaching the counter I was greeted pleasantly by the shop's employee and an assortment of colorful rice mixes, vegetable curries, and meat curries. My simple order - a chicken roti with potatoes, chick peas, and yellow rice - was both substantial and satisfying. The chicken was tender and plentiful, the vegetables were cooked perfectly, and everything, including the bread, had just the right seasoning and was neither too dry nor too moist. The meal was also a bargain at $5.02 (it was probably under $5 before the sales tax increase).
I don't do many food reviews, but I thought Ali's deserved a shout out. It's one of those hole-in-the-wall places that I've passed by dozens of times, even when hungry, because the outside doesn't look particularly appetizing or inviting. Fortunately, a friend recommended it recently and I happened to be passing by. I'll definitely go back and am now passing on the recommendation.
****
Also: reviews of Ali's Roti from the Boston Globe and the Boston Phoenix.
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