We love hearing more about the inspiration and stories behind our fave foodie spots in Oxford and the shire, I chatted to Tete from Spiced Roots, read on to hear all about it!
What’s the story behind Spiced Roots – how did it all start?
It began with a conversation about where Caribbean food sits in comparison to other global cuisines like French or Italian. With all the richness and depth across the islands, we felt it deserved to be right up there.
The same was true for rum, when you look at how it’s made and its complexity, it stands toe-to-toe with things like cognac. We knew we had something special to showcase. That conversation is what sparked the vision for Spiced Roots – to create a space where Caribbean flavours, food and culture are treated with the same recognition and care.
What inspired you to bring Caribbean cuisine to Oxford?
Caribbean food was already present but what we wanted to do was shift how it was seen and experienced. We didn’t bring the cuisine – we reimagined the way it could be presented.
The idea was to serve dishes that hold onto their roots and flavours, while giving them a look and feel that sits confidently in any setting. It’s about elevating Caribbean cuisine without ever diluting it.
You’ve got an impressive rum selection – what’s your personal favourite and why?
Diplomatico Exclusiva. It’s an award-winning rum with a smooth honeyed finish – perfect as an after-dinner sipper. Rich, smooth and full of character.
Tell us a bit about the Spiced Roots team!
The team’s made up of people from across the Caribbean and beyond. Some family, some chosen family, all working with real passion. It’s a blend of personalities and backgrounds but what connects everyone is pride in delivering something meaningful.
That mix has brought us awards but more importantly, it’s created the heart behind everything we do.
What’s your favourite dish on the menu – or what would you recommend to a first timer?
It’s hard to choose just one but for a full experience: start with the croquettes, move to the jerk chicken and end with the rum cake and a glass of Diplomatico. It’s a journey.
Where are your favourite spots to eat in Oxford?
We rate Kibou in Jericho – great presentation, atmosphere and solid food.
How do you balance tradition and innovation in the menu?
We focus first on tradition. We believe our ancestors already perfected a lot of what we now see as “classics”, so we study that deeply first. Once we understand that foundation, we look at how to present it in new ways without losing the spirit of the dish. Innovation comes after understanding.
What’s next for Spiced Roots?
We’re working toward growing the brand across the UK. The long-term vision has always been expansion, bringing this experience to more cities but always staying true to what made it special to begin with.
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