Fresh Baked Comfort with Coffee in Coal Harbour
Ten years ago, a unique global food phenom couldn’t be found anywhere in Vancouver. Now, it’s growing across Canada. But it all started on Robson Street, when the first location of PappaRoti opened.
“Roti” means bread in many cultures. A daily source of comfort and sustenance, similar to having toast for breakfast or a sandwich for lunch. In Maylasia, for years, a special roti had taken hold. Using a recipe variation that focused on the perfect balance of ‘sweet and salty,’ the PappaRoti was born.
Warm Buns with Coffee-Caramel Crunch
We spoke with Sherri Zarandooz at PappaRoti’s famous corner location at Robson and Nicola. “It’s true that many Canadians didn’t know what our buns were all about, when we first opened. Now, we have customers who drive from all over Vancouver to come get their roti fix from us. We offer a distinctive and delightful product that sets us apart from the multitude of excellent cafes in Vancouver, making our cafes the exclusive destination for this unique experience,” Zarandooz explained.
“Our Original Bun is our most popular. Paired with our exclusive roasted coffee we developed with jj beans, we have a delicious coffee snack, or a filling breakfast or lunch meal. Our buns are baked every 30 minutes, in-store, so they are always fresh. Every PappaRoti served is warm. That’s what makes us special — fresh warmth, a comforting drink, and exquisite flavours,” Zaradooz said.
Teas Sourced Worldwide and Ice Cream Dessert
“We have a large selection of loose leaf teas from around the world. All organic. Plus, we offer a popular strong black tea — a chai called “Karak Tea.” Alongside a warm bun, Karak is like a comforting hug. PappaRoti buns can be customized with what we call ‘creations.’ We offer toppings and fillings that add savory or sweet flavours. A popular treat is PappaRoti with ice cream filling,” Zaradooz told us.
There are a couple of recipe secrets to PappaRoti’s signature baking. High-quality, salted butter sits inside, while the outer crust forms a sweetened crunch of coffee-caramel topping. Buns can be customized in-house, similar to a savory waffle or crepe, but with the soft warmth of a fresh bun right out of the oven. Or, take some buns home. You can add your own savory filling, such as Denver eggs or meat scramble for a hearty, quick meal.
Come in for the Bun, Stay for the Relaxed Comfort
With budgets stretched tight, PappaRoti offers that ‘third place’ where you can get out, have a nice cup of coffee and a delicious bite, while relaxing with friends. Some customers bring a good book, or their laptop to get some work done.
PappaRoti is a community space in the Robson Street – Coal Harbour – West End neighbourhood. A place where favourite comfort foods combine with a welcoming place where you’re taken care of. Hospitality and great food — stop in for a bun today!