Caribbean flavors come to Loris

By Kaye Collins

Zabi’s Caribbean Flava will open on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10:30 a.m. for their grand opening to celebrate the taste and flavors offered on their menu. The restaurant is located at the corner of Main Street and Broad Street in Loris.

Zibida Sirdar and her husband, Richard, have spent a little over a month redesigning the restaurant in anticipation of the grand opening of her very first restaurant. Zibida comes from Guyana, while Richard is from Jamaica. She mentioned that opening her own restaurant was a goal on her bucket list, and she enthusiastically expressed her excitement about the opportunity to serve the residents of Loris and nearby areas with the authentic flavors of her hometown in her recipes. She and her husband come from a lineage of cooks, farmers and entrepreneurs.

They will offer genuine Guyanese and Jamaican flavors infused with true island hospitality. Anticipate vibrant spices, tropical ambiance, and the authentic taste of home, ranging from jerk to curry to roti and all that lies in between. The menu features chicken, pork, oxtail, curry beef, shrimp and goat, all seasoned with special spices sourced from her homeland. There is a wide variety of options available, including goat wrapped in roti with potato, tomato roti, fried rice with peas, chow mein, and deep-fried red snapper. “The spices used contain no MSG,” Zibida states. “The robust flavors and aromas of these spices ensure that the dishes are authentically representative of my country.”

She posted her menu and announced her grand opening on the Facebook page What’s Happening in Loris – Original. There were mixed reviews and many questions Zibida responded to with an explanation. Some mentioned the prices are too high. She explained the menu and there are items that are offered that are not as pricy, but guarantees that the patrons will enjoy anything listed on the menu. Numerous comments on Facebook expressed that people are eager to sample the menu offerings and are thrilled about a new flavor in the area.

The first 30 guests who come to the restaurant on Saturday will be given a complimentary juice with their lunch. Throughout the day, she will provide discounts and samples. She mentioned that if a customer prefers not to have two side items with their dinner, they can request an additional scoop of meat or vegetables.

Explore to discover the offerings of the restaurant that are not included on the displayed menu, as well as upcoming menu items.

“This is just the beginning menu, we will be adding more delicious dishes for lunch specials, dinner specials eventually adding desserts to the menu,” said Zibida. They offer refreshing fountain drinks, Coca-Cola products, bottled juices, bottled cola products and of course the southern sweet tea to go with the meal.