Seemor
Baby Dhal Roti ShopB-Worth Trying
2707 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5, Canada
· Caribbean restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (467 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Deeply flavorful Trinidadian roti, doubles, and curries with big portions and real-deal sauces, offset by highly inconsistent hours, stock outages, and uneven service.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Baby Dhal Roti Shop delivers authentic, flavorful Trinidadian cooking with generous portions at fair prices, earning genuine loyalty from diaspora diners who make special trips for the goat and doubles. However, significant operational inconsistency—chronic closures, frequent item outages, and unpredictable hours over years— combined with variable service quality at the counter prevents a higher grade. The no-frills storefront experience is charming but not destination-worthy enough to offset reliability concerns that make planning a visit risky.
Restaurant Summary
Inside this small Commercial Drive shop the vibe is no-frills and lively: bright mural, thumping soca, and the scent of curry and pepper sauce. Staff often feel warm and patient explaining doubles and spice levels, though some report brusque encounters. A regular summed it up: "When they are open, the flavors take me straight home." The cooking leans classic Trinidadian street comfort: buss up puri with saucy curries, bone-in goat with deep savor, and doubles that are pillowy and fragrant. Spice is adjustable and that house hot sauce delivers a real island kick. Expect hearty portions, simple plating, and a focus on authentic flavors rather than chef-y flourishes. For families, the menu offers kid-accessible staples like roti, rice and peas, mild chicken curry, and aloo pie; seating is tight and more geared to takeout. If your crew needs space or quiet, plan a quick bite or take it to go; for adventurous kids, the mild veg curry with buss up is a win.
At a Glance
- Deeply authentic Trinidadian flavors validated by diaspora diners
- Generous portions with fair pricing for most mains
- Highly inconsistent opening hours and sudden closures
- Frequent sellouts and item outages (e.g., shrimp, dhal puri)
- Service can swing from welcoming to brusque at the counter
What Sets It Apart
- authentic_trinidadian_hot_sauce
- buss_up_puri_mastery
- diaspora_validated_flavors
What People Love
- That pepper sauce kick feels legit
- Goat curry depth and buss up flakiness
- Doubles that are soft, saucy, and satisfying
- Value for money on hearty plates
Points of Concern
- Hours and closures are unpredictable; many found the shop closed despite posted times
- Menu availability fluctuates; popular items sell out or go off-menu for stretches
- Waits of 30-60 minutes at peak and occasional order errors
- Noise can be loud and the room chilly in winter
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average CostC$28-C$42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Veg Curry with buss up plus sides of bhaji and channa (about C$23-28).
- Value combo: Chicken curry roti plus a double (about C$22-28).
- Heat lovers: Ask for house hot sauce on the side and go medium or hot.
Perfect For
- Craving doubles and roti with real island heat
- Takeout nights when you want big, comforting portions
- Diaspora diners seeking Trinidadian nostalgia
- Casual meetups before or after a Commercial Drive stroll
Location Insights
Area: Lively, artsy Commercial Drive corridor with indie shops and casual eateries; draws locals and food explorers.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban quirks but active street life.
Nearby: Near SkyTrain and neighborhood retail; mix of cafes, groceries, salons; convenient for takeout runs.
Commercial DriveCommercial Drive, often called 'The Drive,' is a lively neighborhood with a strong Italian heritage that has evolved into a multicultural hotspot. It features a wide range of casual and ethnic dining options, independent shops, and a bohemian social atmosphere popular among locals seeking authentic and affordable food experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday07:00–22:00
Wednesday18:00–22:00
Thursday18:00–22:00
Friday07:00–22:00
Saturday18:00–22:00
Sunday18:00–22:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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