Debbie's Roy Shop — Review by Eating With Tod
Brixton, United Kingdom — Caribbean
A heartwarming visit to Debbie's Roy Shop in Brixton, where the owner has been struggling after council-installed telegram boxes blocked her storefront view. Despite hardships, Debbie continues serving exceptional homemade codfish fritters, 12 fresh daily curries, and perfectly crafted roti that she has been perfecting since age 9.
What was great: Codfish fritters with perfect saltiness and sponginess, homemade curries made fresh daily, homemade roti perfected since childhood, authentic flavors
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The meal began with huge codfish fritters that delivered an absolute perfection of flavors - the saltiness of the fish combined beautifully with the sponginess of the fritter. The standout feature of the meal was Debbie's homemade curries, of which she prepares 12 fresh varieties each day. These curries were paired with homemade roti that Debbie has been perfecting since she was just 9 years old. The roti served as an excellent vehicle for mopping up all the rich curry flavors, creating an authentic and satisfying eating experience.
The Experience
The visit was deeply personal and emotional, showcasing Debbie's dedication to her craft despite significant challenges. The reviewer captured the intimate nature of a street food operation where there are no scales - just experience and taste testing to get the recipes just right. Debbie's warm personality and resilience shone through despite her struggles with the business.
Value & Pricing
The shop operates on a minimal budget, with Debbie having earned as little as £20 a day after the council installed five huge telegram boxes that blocked the view from passing traffic. The reviewer highlighted how the community came together to support the business during difficult months like December, January, and February.
Notable Moments
The saltiness of the fish and the sponginess of the fritter. Absolute perfection.
I love how you use the roti as a vehicle just to mop up all that flavor.
Despite her struggles Debbie keeps smiling.
The Verdict
This is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates authentic, homemade street food and wants to support a family business fighting to survive. Debbie's Roy Shop represents the heart and soul of Brixton's food culture, offering genuine Caribbean flavors made with passion and tradition. The community support shown through initiatives like Flat Pay buying meals for the next 30 customers demonstrates the impact of small acts of kindness.