Roti Roll – Cheap, Delicious, and Fun Indian Food

If you’ve ever  passed by Roti Roll, you’ve definitely noticed the electric blue and green awning, and have hopefully stopped in to try their “Bombay Frankies.” If you haven’t, it’s totally worth the trip to 110th & Amsterdam Avenue.

Roti refers to the type of bread used to wrap up these tasty Indian-inspired morsels, – it’s unleavened and simultaneously chewy and flaky. The menu isn’t extensive, but that’s one of the great things about Roti Roll, if you go back enough you can try everything. The price of frankies goes from $3.50 – $7 for one, or you can get a pair from $5-$10. Shrimp and lamb are the more expensive options, but if you’re in the mood for a vegetarian meal, the egg and potato or potato and pea or cheap, delicious and filling. Plus, there’s usually an okra special that’s yummy and not too oozy. All Frankies come rolled up with tomatoes, onions, and an herby green sauce. If you’re like me and prefer everything spicey, get a splash of hot sauce on there, too.

The food is the main draw here, but the little quirks make Roti Roll a special place. The guys behind the counter are always super nice, and there’s a fridge with lassi and beer for purchase. Choose the lassi during the day and take your meal to Morningside Park, but if you’re looking for a little nighttime adventure, finish your brew and head over to the bar next door. Suite is a cute gay bar, perfect for a night of hitting the floor without a care, and seeing some talented drag queens (here’s looking at you Ru Paul’s drag race alum, Miss Sahara Davenport). There are cheap (and sometimes gratis) shots to be had, and the karaoke is always FREE, so you won’t embarrass yourself (by spending lots of money. I’m sure you’re great at karaoke). Roti Roll and Suite are so tight that they have a window through which you can order food to soak up your boozy night.

So bring a friend wit you to Morningside and check out the singular experience that is Roti Roll.

Roti Roll
994 Amsterdam (between 110th & 111th St.)
[Morningside Heights]

 Photo Credit: www.bombayfrankie.com