Introduction: Trinidadian street food
Trinidadian street food has earned a reputation for being flavorful, diverse and quite unique. This Caribbean island is known for its fusion of Indian, African, Spanish, and indigenous flavors that have been passed down through generations of culinary traditions. Street food is an integral part of Trinidadian culture and is an excellent way to explore the island’s cuisine. From savory snacks to comfort foods, there is something for everyone’s taste buds.
Doubles: A popular street food
Doubles is Trinidad’s most popular street food, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a sandwich made of two small, fried flatbreads (bara) filled with chickpea curry (channa). Doubles are typically topped with various chutneys, including tamarind, mango, and cucumber. It’s a quick, cheap, and filling snack that’s perfect for breakfast or lunch. The best place to try doubles is at any roadside vendor, especially in Port of Spain, Trinidad’s capital city.
Bake and Shark: A favorite among locals
Bake and shark is a national favorite street food in Trinidad. It’s a sandwich made of deep-fried shark fillet stuffed in a fried dough called ‘bake.’ The sandwich is then topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a variety of sauces like tamarind, garlic, and pepper. Bake and shark can be found at Maracas Bay beach in the North Coast of Trinidad, where you can enjoy your sandwich with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea.
Corn Soup: A must-try comfort food
Corn soup is a staple comfort food in Trinidad. It’s a hearty soup made of corn, chicken, dumplings, and sometimes vegetables like pumpkin and carrots. Corn soup is traditionally served late at night or early in the morning on the weekends after a night out. You can find corn soup being sold at any night market or street food stall around the island.
Pholourie: An addictive snack
Pholourie is a popular snack in Trinidad, made from spiced chickpea flour dough that is deep-fried. These small, round balls of dough are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Typically served with sweet and spicy tamarind chutney, pholourie is an addictive snack that’s hard to resist. You can find it being sold at almost any street vendor in Trinidad.
Conclusion: Explore the diverse street food scene in Trinidad
Trinidadian street food is a must-try part of any visit to the island. With its unique blend of flavors and cultures, the street food scene offers a diverse range of dishes. From savory snacks like doubles and pholourie to comfort foods like corn soup and bake and shark, there is something for every taste bud. So, go ahead and explore the streets of Trinidad and indulge in the flavors of the Caribbean.
