10 Best Must-Try Trinidadian Dishes & Where to Find Them

Trinidad is a paradise for food lovers, offering a mix of African, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Creole influences that create a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Trinidadian Dishes Whether you’re visiting the island for the first time or you’re a returning foodie, there are certain dishes you simply must try.

Here’s a guide to the 10 must-try Trinidadian dishes and the best places to find them.

1. Doubles – The Ultimate Trinidadian Street Food

What is it?

Doubles is Trinidad’s most famous street food—soft, fried barra (flatbread) filled with spicy, curried channa (chickpeas) and topped with pepper sauce, tamarind sauce, and kuchela (spicy mango chutney).

Where to find it:

Sauce Doubles (Curepe & Port of Spain) – Trinidadian dishes One of the most well-known spots for fresh, flavorful doubles.

Ali’s Doubles (San Fernando & Port of Spain) – A local favorite with a balance of spice and flavor.

Nanan’s Doubles (Curepe) – Famous for its consistency and great condiments.

2. Bake and Shark – A Beachside Classic

What is it?

Crispy fried shark fillets served in a fluffy fried bake (bread), topped with your choice of chutneys, garlic sauce, pepper sauce, coleslaw, lettuce, and pineapple.

Where to find it:

Richard’s Bake & Shark (Maracas Beach) – The most Trinidadian dishes famous bake and shark vendor, located right by the sea.

Asha’s Bake & Shark (Las Cuevas Beach) – A great alternative to Maracas, with a slightly milder take on the dish.

Uncle Sam’s Bake & Shark (Maracas Beach) – Another top-rated option with a wide selection of sauces.

3. Roti (Dhalpuri or Paratha/Buss-Up-Shut) – Indian-Trinidadian Comfort Food

What is it?

Soft, flaky dhalpuri (split-pea stuffed roti) or buss-up-shut (torn paratha roti) served with curried meats (chicken, goat, shrimp) and sides like pumpkin, bodi (long beans), and mango chutney. Trinidadian dishes

Where to find it:

D’Roti Hut (Woodbrook, Port of Spain) – Known for their flavorful curry and soft dhalpuri.

Patraj Roti Shop (St. James) – A local institution famous for its big portions.

Singh’s Roti Shop (San Fernando & St. James) – One of the best spots for authentic roti.

4. Pelau – A One-Pot Caribbean Classic

What is it?

A savory dish made with rice, pigeon peas, caramelized chicken or beef, coconut milk, and fresh seasonings, giving it a slightly sweet and smoky taste.

Where to find it:

Luce (Port of Spain) – A stylish spot that serves an upscale version of pelau.

Trini Flavors (Chaguanas) – Great home-cooked pelau with a traditional taste.

Local Street Vendors – Pelau is often sold at festivals, markets, and events. Trinidadian dishes

5. Callaloo – A Hearty, Flavorful Soup

What is it?

A rich, creamy soup made from dasheen (taro) leaves, coconut milk, crab, pumpkin, ochro (okra), and local spices. It’s often served as a side with Sunday lunch.

Where to find it:

Veni Mange (Port of Spain) – A popular restaurant serving authentic Trinidadian dishes.

The Blue Crab Restaurant (Scarborough, Tobago) – Although in Tobago, this spot serves one of the best callaloos around.

Local Homes on Sundays – If you’re lucky enough to get invited to a local home, Sunday callaloo is a must!

6. Corn Soup – The Ultimate Late-Night Snack

What is it?

A thick, creamy soup made with corn, split peas, dumplings, pumpkin, and coconut milk, often sold by street vendors.

Where to find it:

Independence Square (Port of Spain, near the taxi stands) – A famous late-night spot for corn soup.

Queen’s Park Savannah Vendors (Port of Spain) – Great after a night out.

The Soup Man (Curepe Junction) – Well-known for rich, flavorful corn soup. Trinidadian dishes

7. Crab and Dumpling – Tobago’s Signature Dish

What is it?

A spicy curry dish with blue crab, thick dumplings, and coconut-based curry sauce, mostly found in Tobago.

Where to find it:

Miss Trim’s (Store Bay, Tobago) – The best place for authentic crab and dumpling.

Jemma’s Treehouse (Speyside, Tobago) – A great spot for seafood lovers.

Shore Things Café (Tobago) – A cozy café serving traditional Tobagonian dishes.

8. Pastelle – A Christmas Favorite

What is it?

A Trinidadian version of tamales, made with cornmeal, stuffed with seasoned meat (beef, chicken, pork, or vegetarian fillings), capers, olives, and wrapped in banana leaves.

Where to find it:

Pastelle House (San Juan) – Specializes in this festive dish, available year-round.

Local Christmas Markets (Port of Spain, San Fernando, Chaguanas) – Best places to find homemade pastelles in December. Trinidadian dishes

9. Souse – A Pickled Delight

What is it?

A spicy, tangy dish made with pickled pig’s feet or chicken feet, served cold with cucumbers, lime, and hot peppers.

Where to find it:

Linda’s Souse (Diego Martin) – Famous for well-seasoned souse.

Aranguez Savannah (Friday & Saturday Nights) – A hotspot for souse vendors.

Street Food Vendors (Throughout Trinidad) – Often found at markets and local bars.

10. Black Pudding – A Spicy Blood Sausage

What is it?

A flavorful sausage made from pig’s blood, rice, seasonings, and hot peppers, served in slices with a side of spicy sauce.

Where to find it:

Debbie’s Black Pudding (St. James & San Fernando) – A favorite among locals.

Curepe Junction Vendors (Friday Nights) – A great late-night snack spot.

Sunday Market Stalls (Tunapuna & Chaguanas) – Often sold at weekend markets.

Final Thoughts: Savor the Flavors of Trinidad

Trinidad’s food scene is vibrant, diverse, and full of bold flavors that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re indulging in a spicy doubles, savoring the sweetness of a pastelle, or enjoying the warmth of a bowl of callaloo, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try.

So, next time you’re in Trinidad, be sure to taste your way through this list—and don’t forget to let me know your favorite dish!