Harry Singh's Original Caribbean Restaurant

The Twin Cities area is filled with grossly under-appreciated, truly authentic ethnic restaurants serving up perfect food, albeit in run-down, dingy looking spaces. Harry Singh's Original Caribbean Restaurant is another one.

I've been to Harry Singh's twice, and both times have spent some time afterwards in pain. This is a good thing.

As stated, the space is small and really not very nice looking. There is not a double door where there should be one, so every time the door is opened cold winter air rushes in and freezes all the patrons who are otherwise sweating due to the heat of the food. The wall on one side is a large mural of Minneapolis which then flows into some sort of country scene. The other wall has two smaller murals with pictures, newspaper articles, and well-deserved awards beside. The tables are glass topped with menus placed beneath the glass. The chairs look like they might have came from the overflow seating of a church.

The food and the feel make it all worth it. Robyn makes sure everyone has plenty of water and is friendly, making everyone feel at home. Harry comes out on occasion and is very gracious and appreciative of all customers. He also gently pokes fun at people who challenge how spicy he can make a meal.

Yes, the food, the main reason why I will keep going back to Harry Singh's. The food inspires masochism to an unparalleled level. Food can be ordered to whatever spice level a person wants, except the jerk dishes, which simply cannot come mild. Follow this guideline: order your food average. Harry makes and bottles a homemade sauce with which you can add spice if desired.

The menu is intimidating until Robyn explains the menu items and/or you look at the large sign in front of the kitchen window explaining what "Roti" is. I'm not going to explain it, other than it is delicious and should be the first thing you try when you go there. Most people will be able to share one and leave moderately full. I finish them in one sitting because they are delicious. There are a few homemade drinks which are all unique to the city and wonderful in their own ways.

Harry also makes some rice dishes which are incredibly good and very colorful, with various protein options. Taye Povs ordered one of these and requested it be made as spicy hot as possible. Robyn looked at me, and asked "really?" I affirmed Taye's request and chuckled as I ordered an average spice Roti with a bottle of hot sauce.

Taye challenged Harry, and Harry kicked Taye around the block for the next few days. I took one bite of Taye's meal and did not feel good until later the next afternoon. This is where the masochism comes in though. Harry's meals are not just straight heat, one can still taste the wonderful flavors, so one keeps going.

This is the part where I implore you to support genuine food made by people who really want to deliver a proper ethnic meal. So, go to Harry Singh's.

Website: http://www.harrysinghs.com/