Bajan Food in LA

Rufiena Jones
Jan 20
3 min read

Bridgetown Roti Takes Smorgasbord LA by Storm as Host of its "Very Caribbean Christmas" Market

Bridgetown Roti, Bajan food in Los Angeles, Trinidadian fusion cuisine, Smorgasbord LA, Very Caribbean Christmas, LA foodie scene, Caribbean holiday market, best roti in Los Angeles

Members of the Barbados Association of Southern California (BASC) turned out in force at Smorgasbord LA during the 2024 holiday season to support Bridgetown Roti, the newest (and only) Bajan/Trinidadian-fusion restaurant in Los Angeles. The event was such a smash hit that, within hours, the food was sold out and the menu completely crossed off.

“People came out to get our Rotis, our Doubles, our Tostones—and we sold out!” exclaimed Chef and Owner Rashida Holmes, whose restaurant was chosen to host Smorgasbord LA’s annual Christmas market.

A Taste of the Caribbean: What People Are Saying

Bridgetown Roti's unique twist on Caribbean staples left a lasting impression on attendees. Rico, a long-time BASC supporter, shared his thoughts after sampling several menu items. "The roti is high-fashion, with a different twist. It's good, though," he said, nodding in approval while passing fish cakes around the table to friends.

BASC members had already gotten a sneak peek at Holmes' culinary creations during the 2024 Taste of Barbados Gala in November, where Bridgetown Roti served small bites for the crowd.

BASC President Greg Chase & Family; Sankofa Wellness Project Founder, Rufiena Jones; and some BASC members who came to support Bridgetown Roti at Smorgasbord LA's Caribbean-themed holiday market.

Smorgasbord LA: Showcasing Emerging Foodie Talent

Smorgasbord LA’s monthly open-air market, known for spotlighting Southern California's emerging food businesses, featured over 100 vendors in December. Bridgetown Roti, a clear crowd favorite, headlined the “Very Caribbean Christmas” themed market.

The inclusion of “Roti” in the restaurant's name seemed to spark curiosity and awaken taste buds, drawing a steady stream of Angelenos and tourists who were eager to try this rare Barbadian delight in Los Angeles.

One customer expressed her anticipation to Chef Holmes, saying "I literally left my house to give you money." Holmes and Trinidadian co-owner Malique Smith graciously directed their stream of roti and doubles-hungry fans to their East Hollywood brick-and-mortar location which sits at 858 North Vermont Ave., across from Los Angeles City College. Holmes added, "We're there six days a week from Wednesday through Monday."

More to Explore at Smorgasbord LA

While Bridgetown Roti stole the spotlight, market-goers also enjoyed sampling other Caribbean favorites, including Jamaican patties and oxtails. This writer was so impressed by the vibrant flavors of the holiday market and the festive energy that Holmes and Smith held as hosts, that she immediately began planning a visit to the East Hollywood restaurant to experience the sold out menu firsthand.

Stay Tuned for our Bridgetown Roti Food Review

In our next edition, I'll take you inside Bridgetown Roti's brick-and-mortar location to explore their menu and share my personal favorites (sneek peek - the macaroni and cheese pie was ... phenomenal!).

If Smorgasbord LA was any indication, Bridgetown Roti is on its way to becoming a staple in the LA food scene - and a gok-to destination for anyone craving Caribbean flavors with a Californian twist.

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Visit Bridgetown Roti at 858 North Vermont Ave in East Hollywood and follow them on social media for updates and specials.
To find out about Caribbean events happening in Los Angeles, follow "Bajans in LA" on Facebook or "Barbados Association of Southern California-BASC" on FB and IG.
Don't forget to subscribe to our blog for more stories on where to find the best businesses and events that will give you a "Taste of Barbados" in LA!!