Riddim, N'spice - Vancouver

I feel like a jerk for getting the roti. I used to live in Florida, where there are lots of Jamaicans, so I've eaten at some good jerk chicken joints. Riddim Spice would not go over nice in the Sunshine State. There was an OK spice level on the jerk chicken I had there, but it wasn't as hot as what you'd get closer to the Caribbean. The cut of chicken was sub par quality, too. Was the bird on a diet, because it was mostly skin and bones? The roti was awful large and gluggy, too thick to eat. I left part of it behind, and I almost NEVER waste food. I got a side of three fried plantains for $1.50 that were no better than those I used to make at home in Fla. where I had a fingerling banana tree in my back yard. I'm glad I tried this place, because I passed by it many times during the years I lived in Vancoiuver. But I will be in no hurry to come back next time I'm in Rain City.

The vegetable roti is amazing! I've tried veg roti all across Canada and this one is the best so far!

Their lunch specials are a steal. for less than $6 you get a plateful of thoughtfully prepared food. i 've never been to jamaica but all the times i 've been there all the other patrons still have 'the island ' accent which leads me to believe that their food is authentic, if not very close to it!

Riddim n Spice is up next. This is a place that can only be described as a hole-in-the-wall. Lo Pan and Mao Yin love nothing more than a good hole-in-the-wall so we were instantly jovial as we entered and we were “holla-ed at” by a stout black head peering out from the kitchen window. Lo Pan, not quite hip enough wasn’t completely sure if he should “holla back” so to speak. The obligatory Marley was on both the walls and stereo and veggie patties were soon consumed. The patties were about on par with the Lion’s Den’s in that they were good enough to satisfy.

Not a five star restaurant but as a student I was happy with the price and flavour. I'm very familiar with Caribbean food. I'd say it's better than average. They need to work on then presentation of the restaurant and the dishes. I think if they branded the place a little more upscale it would do better. If you're on a budget and want some real food, you won't be disappointed.