Mel’s Spicy Thyme

100 Mearns Ave #1, Bowmanville, ON L1C 5M3, Canada
$$$ Restaurant
(134 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're seeking authentic West Indian cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the soul, look no further than Mel’s Spicy Thyme located at 100 Mearns Ave #1, Bowmanville, ON. This bustling eatery captures the heart and spirit of Trinidadian flavors with a menu that is both vibrant and comforting.

Upon stepping into Mel’s, you’re greeted not only by the inviting aroma of spices wafting through the air but also by the warm smiles of the staff who are eager to ensure your dining experience is unforgettable. The ambiance offers a casual yet cozy feel, making it the perfect spot for a family outing or a casual meal with friends.

The restaurant specializes in a myriad of mouthwatering dishes that are sure to enchant any palate. Begin your culinary journey with their Doubles, two soft fried dough pieces filled with chickpeas, accompanied by a zesty tamarind and mango chutney that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Priced at just CA$3.25, it’s an appetizer that is as delightful as it is affordable. Want to elevate your taste experience? For a gourmet twist, opt for the Gourmet Doubles featuring curry chicken, goat, shrimp, or jerk chicken for just CA$6.25.

For a heartier experience, dive into the 1/4 Jerk or BBQ Chicken served alongside rice and peas, or indulge in the rich flavors of their Oxtail dish, where tender meat is cooked to perfection together with rice and peas for a mere CA$17.99. Don't skip on the Callaloo or Red Beans, paired with plain rice and macaroni pie — a colorful and satisfying choice perfect for vegetarians.

For patrons with a penchant for seafood, the King Fish dish, available either curried, stewed, or fried, is a splendid pick, capable of transporting your taste buds directly to the shores of the Caribbean. Each meal comes with a choice of coleslaw or the ever-delightful Dhall and rice, ensuring a symphony of flavors with every bite.

Customers rave about their experiences at Mel’s, with one enthusiastic review from Ms. Mac declaring the hot sauce as a standout feature, exclaiming, “It looked and smelled like a meal on its own. 100 out of 10 on the hot sauce!” The reviews highlight the authenticity of the food, with many visitors traveling long distances just to indulge in Mel’s creations.

Don’t just take our word for it — Zara drove nearly an hour just for the taste of the bone-in goat roti, praising its incredible flavor and Mel’s personal touch as she checked in on guests. It’s this level of customer care, combined with expertly crafted dishes, that keeps patrons coming back for more and truly makes Mel’s Spicy Thyme a hidden gem in Bowmanville.

Overall, Mel’s Spicy Thyme is an essential destination for anyone craving genuine West Indian flavors served with heart. Each dish is crafted with love, ensuring that every meal is not just food but a delightful experience. So, grab your friends and family and make your way to this local treasure; your taste buds will thank you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

134 Reviews
Ms Mac

12 Sep 2025

Vegetable (2) roti 10/10 Beef roti 10/10 Double 10/10 Aloo 10/10 Bake and saltfish 9/10 Poon 5/10 Hot sauce 100/10 Great service and great foos. We will be back. ***hot sauce: 100% totally different than I have had anywhere. Looked and smelled like a meal on its own. 100 out of 10 on the hot sauce *** *Took a few pix. Food tasted so good we gmforgot to take pix of the rest*

Zara

25 Aug 2025

We drove almost an hour away because we were craving a good roti and this place blows every other out of the water in terms of authenticity and deliciousness. Mel even came out to personally check on how we liked everything. Pictured is the bone-in goat with rice and peas, and the green curry it’s served in is incredibly flavourful and perfectly salted! Just sumptuous. We also had delightfully tamarindy doubles and the scotch bonnet sauce tasted freshly ground, which added so much brightness to the rich curry. We have found our new favourite place, thank you Mel for the hospitality and the love and passion you put in your food. It really comes through

Kisha P

13 Aug 2025

I stumbled across this restaurant and give it five stars! Bowmanville needed this spot. The staff are wonderful, patient and friendly! I had the king fish meal (stewed) and a double. The food is delicious and a must try. There are seats inside.

DK G

08 Aug 2025

Wow, absolutely amazing! I had order the jerk chicken & rice and peas great portion, tasted great! I really like that they put your potato salad or coleslaw in a separate container. I also got a double and it definitely was the best double I ever had bursting with flavours and just tasted so fresh. I for sure found my new spot!

Daniel

03 Aug 2025

I don’t get Roti often, but I may change that habit because of this new restaurant I was asked by someone to get an opinion of the boneless goat meat Roti, and their regular doubles. Despite it not being my chosen flavour of meat, the roti was fantastic. The portion was large, and it was very authentic. The double was also fantastic and bursting with flavour I believe it was Mel who took our order, and she was very pleasant and enthusiastic as this is her first restaurant. As an additional note, my wife saw an employee drop the double on its way out, and they tossed it and immediately made a new one. This is a trust worthy business putting their love and care into it without cutting corners. Love to see it, and for it to be local

sujata singh

24 Jul 2025

A Hidden Gem for West Indian Flavours! Last Friday, we had the pleasure of dining at Mel Spice Thyme – Spice Island Cuisine, a fantastic West Indian restaurant. We tried the jerk chicken roti and all veg roti and doubles, and both dishes were absolutely delicious, bursting with authentic flavors and perfectly spiced. We also had the chance to meet Mel, the wonderful host behind it all. She was incredibly warm, welcoming, and passionate about the food and the experience she offers. Her hospitality truly added to the charm of the evening. While I did click a few pictures of the food, they didn’t quite do justice to how amazing everything tasted. But trust me, this place is a must-visit if you’re looking for a genuine taste of the Caribbean in the city!

Rob J

05 Jul 2025

Finally a good West Indian restaurant in the Darlington area. It was worth the drive in from Courtice. Nice atmosphere, friendly service and most importantly, authentic Trinidadian and West Indian flavour. I kept it simple for my first try with a Boneless Chicken Roti with medium pepper and it did not disappoint! This is one of the best roti’s I’ve had in a while. So nice, we had to try twice. We went back the next day to try their doubles and aloo pie and both were amazing. Some of the best we’ve tried. Also, if you like spicy, add their roasted pepper sauce/ choka to your meal… you will not be disappointed! We will be back soon to try more of their menu items!

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