Wicked Carob — Review by Luke Martin
Toronto, Canada — Trinidadian
Wicked Carob in Toronto serves authentic Trinidadian nostalgic foods with exceptional quality. The fluffy bara is like a pillow, the doubles are perfectly spiced with layered chutneys, and the curry goat and oxtail are incredibly tender after hours of preparation. The cheese pepper pie and fried fish sandwich are standout items that showcase the restaurant's dedication to traditional flavors.
What was great: Fluffy, golden fried bara, flavorful doubles with perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, tender oxtail and curry goat, crispy fried fish sandwich, cheese pepper pie with strong pepper flavor and well-balanced taste
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Wicked Carob offers a spectacular introduction to authentic Trinidadian cuisine. The doubles arrive fresh and hot from the kitchen, featuring a beautifully fried bara paired with seasoned chickpeas and generous amounts of pepper sauce. The bara itself is remarkably thin and fluffy, described as pillowy and heavenly, with a texture unlike fried bread found in any other cuisine. The reviewer notes it perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements.
The curries are standout items. The oxtail is phenomenal with numerous seasonings packed throughout, while the curry goat is equally impressive, incredibly tender with no discernible goat flavor. These proteins come served with ground provisions including kallaloo, pumpkin, and chana, all swimming in perfectly seasoned gravy. The fried fish sandwich emerges as a mess of crispy, crunchy goodness with lettuce and sauce, comparable to a Trinidadian sloppy joe. Annie's own creation, the cheese pepper pie, steals the show with its perfectly balanced pepper flavor that isn't too spicy, complemented by melted cheese and a thin, light batter.
The Experience
The atmosphere is welcoming and educational. Chef Annie and her husband Aif are incredibly friendly owners who take pride in their craft. The reviewer gets a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour where he watches the ladies prepare the bara for doubles, tossing it in oil with a practiced spin. Annie's husband conducts daily quality control tastings, noting that spice levels vary daily. The kitchen experience is transportive, making visitors feel as though they've been transported to Trinidad itself.
Value & Pricing
No specific prices are mentioned in the transcript, though the reviewer notes they're getting multiple dishes and generous portions. The value appears excellent given the quality and authenticity of the food, plus the restaurant offers both halal and vegetarian options to accommodate different dietary needs.
Notable Moments
I only had one double when I was in in Trinidad. I don't know how that happened. Super disappointing, but luckily here in Toronto, we got some legit doubles.
The bar, it's an interesting texture. There's no other country I've went to that has their fried bara quite like the Trinidad bar which is such a fluffy like a pillow. It's like heavenly. It's amazing.
The reviewer also learns that Wicked Carob operates a stall inside the Scotiabank Arena, allowing Toronto sports fans to enjoy Trinidadian food while watching Leafs or Raptors games.
The Verdict
Wicked Carob is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Trinidadian food in Toronto. The combination of expert preparation, fresh ingredients, friendly ownership, and transportive atmosphere makes it exceptional. The cheese pepper pie alone is worth the visit. This restaurant is perfect for those seeking genuine Caribbean flavors and homestyle cooking that rivals what you'd find in Trinidad itself.