Indian indenture workers came to Trinidad in great numbers after the slavery system ended in 1838.

[3] They brought recipes for various roti variations with them that today still are a staple in Trinidadian cuisine as a side dish.

In 1937, South Trinidadian businessman ran a snack bar in San Fernando.

The "invention" spread over Trinidad and subsequently over Guyana, Suriname, and Jamaica.

The filling usually contains a concentrated curry based on any kind of meat or seafood, the most established one being chicken.