The Caribbean is known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine. When it comes to Caribbean food, Trinidad and Tobago is one of the top destinations to explore. Port of Spain, the capital city, is a melting pot of cultures, and you can taste it in the food. From street vendors to high-end restaurants, Trinidad offers a unique culinary experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
I traveled to Trinidad and Tobago in the spring of 2022. There, I teamed up with my good friend, Chef Jason Peru, for an unforgettable 10-day food tour across both islands, including several days in the capital, Port of Spain. My time there awakened my taste buds to the sensational flavors of Trini cuisine and how it’s been influenced by Indian, West African, Chinese, European, and Amerindian flavors.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best Trinidad food in Port of Spain. Get ready to savor the island’s irresistible flavors, from savory roti to mouthwatering doubles. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, Trinidadian cuisine will surely satisfy you. So, grab a cold Carib beer, and let’s explore the delicious world of Caribbean food in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Surprisingly, Caribbean food has a lot of Chinese influences, which you’ll find in Trinidad food across the island. One of the best places to try Trini Chinese food is Wing Hua in Port of Spain. There, my friends Quincy and David and I ordered pepper shrimp, beef in black bean sauce and vegetables, chunky vegetables, Hong Kong-style pork, Singapore noodles, fried chicken, Chinese-style roasted chicken, and more. All of it contained signature Trinidadian spices.
The fried wontons, chunky vegetables, and Hong Kong-style pork were all excellent. I also loved the texture of the Singapore noodles and the kick of the pepper shrimp. But the tender beef in black bean sauce was my favorite dish, followed closely by the steamed wontons.
The ram-style chicken with peppers and carrots was also delicious, with an almost glazy sauce. Don’t miss their char sui bao, a savory and fluffy pillow-like bun with barbecued pork inside!
While I love all types of food, street food is my real passion. Trying inexpensive dishes on the street, made by local food masters, is one of the best ways to get a taste of a new culture. For the best Trinidad food on the street, head over to Ariapita Avenue after dark. There, you’ll find Doubles Den, where you can try the ultimate Trini street food, doubles.
This Trini take on Indian chole bhature consists of a fried flatbread called a bara topped with chana (curried chickpeas), cucumber, and various sauces. At Doubles Den, they sell gourmet doubles with various meats!
I also recommend Yousef Gyros for a lamb and beef gyro with multiple toppings and sides, including garlic sauce and pita chips. I’m a huge lover of fresh, tender lamb, so I highly recommend it for a nice change of pace!
One of Port of Spain’s top outdoor recreation areas is Queen’s Park Savannah. This 260-acre park is known for its Open Air Food Court, a local night market where you can try pickled chicken feet with culantro sauce and chow, pickled fruits and vegetables with savory spices. You can also sample fresh fruit juices like pineapple, orange, passionfruit, and grapefruit
Elsewhere in the park is a legendary oyster vendor, who has a flame at his stand to signal his presence. He serves them with several sauces and a drink made from tree bark called mauby. His spicy and briny oyster soup has a sweet and sour kick, and come with sweet, tiny shrimp. Nearby, you can also find coconut vendors if you want a cool and refreshing snack!
If you’re out very late (or up super early), one of the best foods spots you cand visit is Cassie’s Creations, formerly known as Sharida’s Place. It’s a grab-and-go spot offering a wide range of Trinidad food and Caribbean food such as rotis, aloo pies, vegetable choka, and more.
The sheer number of incredible foods to try there is mind-blowing, so I recommend visiting when you have a big appetite! I got to watch Chef Sharaz demonstrat how to make rotis on a griddle with ghee and stuffed flatbread with dal to make dal puri.
The restaurant also serves fritters called pholourie and salted cod fish. The kitchen is open for dining where customers can enjoy pholourie with mango chutney and hot sauce. They’re soft and chewy, and the mango chutney is divine! The pepper roti is a flaky layered dish filled with cheese, carrots, and potatoes.
Their wrapped roti with potatoes and chicken inside is massive. I’m not much of a soda drinker, but the cherry flavor of a red Solo soda complements the thick, heavy roti well. You also should not miss their flaky and herbal beef pie, which is both delicious and filling!
Another late night/early morning Trinidad food spot you must hit up in Port of Spain is Donkee and Audie’s Doubles and Pies. There, I watched the cooks prepare traditional lamb pies and bara, the fried flatbread that serves as a base for doubles. The staff fries bara nonstop from 3 am to 7 am before shipping them to vendors throughout the city.
I tried several pies and doubles with various sauces and chutneys. The chunky texture of the chickpeas with the soft but slightly crispy bara blew my mind. The warming spices in the chana, coupled with the tart and sweet tamarind and earthy chadon beni, is something everyone should experience. Don’t miss other Caribbean food like their cheese pie and creamy eggplant pie as well!
You might be surprised to see KFC in a food guide about Trinidad food and Caribbean food. I promise, there’s a good reason why! KFC in Trinidad holds the distinction of the best KFC on Earth. Their original recipe with 11 herbs and spices is juicy and crispy, but it’s the hot and spicy version that’s exclusive to Trinidad.
The hot and spicy version has a kick for sure, but it has a doable level of spice. The secret is to combine some ketchup, mustard, and pepper sauce, which adds some heat and sweetness to the chicken.
Their phenomenal Zinger sandwich is a spicy, fried breast meat filet with mayo and lettuce. Try it with their unique Trini coleslaw, fries, corn on the cob, and buttermilk biscuits on the side! All of the sides are just as tasty as they are elsewhere in the world, so there’s a familiarity with them that I enjoyed!
The city of Port of Spain is a true foodie paradise in the Caribbean. With its wealth of options and delightful mix of flavors from around the world, it’s a diverse adventure for your taste buds. Whether you’re craving doubles at three in the morning, some spicy fried chicken with a Trini kick, or a taste of China with a twist, you’ll find it all there.
The ten days I spent in Trinidad and Tobago made Trinidad food one of my favorite cuisines on the planet. The fresh ingredients and savory, sweet, and spicy flavors are exactly what I crave. After you visit, I think you will, too! Book a trip to Port of Spain to experience this incredible Caribbean food for yourself!
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