Welcome to the Ackee Tree, the home of the 1 pound roti. Finally, after months of promising this review, here it is! Vex not dearies, I say better late than never. Actually, looking at the photos, I can’t believe it was so long ago we went! I want to go back now!
I’ll be honest, food wasn’t on my mind when we decided to travel across 5 time zones to Barbados but I did expect to eat decently and that we did. Secretly though, I wished and longed for something outstanding, something memorable, a meal, a dish worth tagging as ‘Bajan’ to me.
You know I didn’t find it, enjoyable as it was but I found something else….and fell in love – Trinidadian food. A friend said to me ‘You had to go to Barbados to discover Trini cuisine’!
And discover and do did we at the Ackee Tree, a fantastic restaurant located on Hastings High Street in Christ Church. It is owned by a Bajan husband and his Trini wife to whom I doff my heart, big time. As does Zagat, the US counterpart to Mr Michelin star describes them as ‘the best value on the island’ or something similar. The dishes they serve up bear no resemblance to anything else we ate on the island. Instead, it was very reminiscent of Indian Kitchens as a lot of Trinidadian cuisine is.
Now, I know I’m lauding them big time and don’t get me wrong, like all human establishments they must have their flaws but…..I draw my conclusions, hasty or not on what we ate, the fact that my kids ate there without complaint and that we got good service – perhaps due to the fact that everyone took a liking to my cute son (like his Momma!).
The entrance is has viewing spots, overlooking the main road so you can sit down with your lunch and watch Bajans walk on by.
The interior of furnished with the basics = tables, chairs, light brown walls and bright green doors.
Each table is adorned with a little ethnic doll – quite pretty and a tribute to local craftsmanship.
I spent a while taking photos of the dolls from all angles possible.
To the amusement of the staff. By now I’m used to being laughed at so I explain/ignore and carry on.
The first meal I sampled was San Juan chicken – creamy chicken chunks in a very light sauce, fragrant with curry and other Indian spices, served with a tomato choka and mint topped basmati. Fantastic.
The husband opted for curried goat which he gave the 5 stars. We both had clean plates.
I also tried their Rotis – soft wraps, filled with meats and/or vegetables, chili sauce and whatever else.
They were delicious. The bread was pillow soft – full of chicken and chili sauce, I enjoyed bite after bite of spiced meat. And to wash it down? Fruit Punch.
We sampled various other curries with tasty sides of potatoes, pumpkin and aubergines.
And even though the food was spiced, it wasn’t accompanied by the heat of peppers. Not at all.
The pot of hot sauce was served on the side…….
Thankfully the chokas provided something to cool the tempo if it got too ‘hot’! I loved the fresh liquidness of ‘West-Indian salsa’.
We considered the prices reasonable for the quality and quantity – it tasted of ‘home-cooked’, the staff were friendly, the weather was hot, you got ice in your drinks (like everywhere else on the island….). If you ever make it to Barbados, give the Ackee Tree a go. Enjoy their lunchtime rotis or their meal platters. I’m sure you’ll find something you like. In the meantime, I continue on my journey….to discover new places, where I’ve been and where I’m headed to.
Up Trinidad, up.
Do you have any Trini recipes to share? Enjoy the weekend.
[wpurp-searchable-recipe]The Ackee Tree Restaurant, Barbados – – – [/wpurp-searchable-recipe]
I’ve been visiting Rockley Beach for over twenty years and have my favorite places to eat. This place has, hands down, the best tasting rotis I have ever tasted. Huge! Was able to get two meals out of it. I don’t normally order veggie anything, but my brother suggested I try the Veggie roti. I thought it was called the Deluxe, but that may have changed . It had puréed squash, chick peas, spinach and more. Amazing ! Can’t wait to go back. Although at that time there were only two women always working , never saw a man.
Sue Jenne, I loved it and I’m looking forward to going back to Barbados soon to visit the Ackee tree again
I visited the Ackee Tree today with the owner’s mum for a get together lunch time meal with another friend, as we have not seen each other for a few years.
Well best Roti I have have since I have been in Barbados for the five days I was here it was so awesommoe!!!!!!!!!!!!. I am going back there tonight for more this I will recommend this restaurant to my friends when I get back to London, and boy it will be my hang out next time I am in town.
I live in Barbados and Ackee Tree is my favourite roti restaurant. First option for lunch any day. The roti is a full meal so I’m not hungry into the evening after I leave work. As its often packed with meat, potato and some kind of vegetable, it’s the same as having it open on a plate.
Love it! Love it!
Me too Sue – I’m considering a return visit to the island…just for more of Ackee Tree
I’m bookmarking this post so when we go to Barbados we know where to eat. This place sounds amazing. Isn’t it fun to look back and pictures from a recent trip and have all the wonderful memories come flooding back.
We stopped in Barbados in March. Wish I would have known about this place. Sounds delicious.
Aww, we were there in March too! I love Barbados…
This is going to sound strange, but I love ordering homecooked-like meals at restaurants. There is nothing better than consuming something that has been perfected over generations and shared. yummy!
Amy, I agree – its heart and soul food we need sometimes, and we definitely got it here!
I adore rotis! This looks like such a unique restaurant and experience. I only wish I could jump on a plane and be there tomorrow!
And I would go with you…in a flash. I love Barbados!
I love a place with loads of quirky stuff to photograph and even better when the food is good too. Those rotis look good. I also like lime green a lot!!
I took am a lime green fan 🙂
What a great restaurant and you tell a great story. Next time I am there will go visit an dgive them regards from you.
Thanks Norma, I loved it – we went there everyday (from the day of discovery) till we left!
I am quite jealous! I love roti and make it occasionaly at home. I take it you have your camera back? You are a photographer and foodie after my own heart! Enjoy your time in Barbados!
Yes Rhonda, camera’s back in my arms……………and Barbados was so long ago (thanks for reminding me to make a reference to the fact that this was an overdue review!)