Surinamese roti is slightly different from Indian roti. The flatbread here is a little thicker and often flavoured with split peas ground into the dough, making it more filling. You tear off a piece and use it to scoop up the curry — no spoon or fork needed! This way of eating, using bread to scoop sauce, is found in many cultures around the world.
The curry that goes with Surinamese roti is usually Hindustani in style — fragrant with turmeric, cumin, coriander and curry leaves. Chicken is the most common filling, though you can also find roti shops that serve potato-and-egg curry or even pumpkin. Every roti shop in Suriname has its own special sauce recipe, kept a closely guarded secret.
Roti shops are a big part of Surinamese daily life. People queue up at their favourite shop for lunch, and the smell of curry and fresh flatbread drifting from a roti shop is one of the most recognisable smells of Paramaribo. Roti is now so woven into Surinamese food culture that it is considered as Surinamese as any other dish.