“Better belly buss than good food waste”—a trini proverb that you’ll surely adopt when you arrive to this country. I took this quote so serious, I left a lot fluffier than I arrived—and it was a thousand percent worth it.
What I Ate
I didn’t even scratch the surface of everything I wanted to try, but I put together a list of some of my favorites.
- Callaloo Soup: A creamy, flavorful soup made from dasheen leaves, okra, and a variety of seasonings, often with crab or saltfish.
- Bake and Saltfish: A popular breakfast dish consisting of fried dough (bake) served with salted codfish, tomatoes, and onions. I had one every morning before taking a dip in the secluded Back Bay beach in Tobago.
- Doubles: A street food consisting of two soft flatbreads (bara) filled with curried chickpeas (channa), tamarind sauce, and various chutneys. I had this every morning while I was in Trinidad. I ask for mine sweet with slight pepper.
- Corn Soup: A hearty, spiced soup made with corn, vegetables, and sometimes meat, perfect for cool weather.
- Buss Up Shut: A flaky, paratha-like flatbread, torn into pieces and often served with curry dishes. I got mine with bone chicken 😋
- Roti: A soft, flatbread typically served with curried meats or vegetables, often wrapped around the filling for a complete meal. I choose goat always 🐐
- Bake and Shark: Fried shark fillet served in a soft, slightly sweet fried dough with various toppings and sauces. This one is a staple that you absolutely can’t skip.
- Aloo Pie: A deep-fried pastry filled with spiced mashed potatoes, often served with tamarind or chutney for added flavor. I had mine filled with pork seasoned to perfection.
Where I Ate
As a self proclaimed street-foodie, Trinidad and Tobago was one of my favorite countries to eat. While there are tons of restaurants here, I always found myself eating outside 😆
Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain
Located in Port of Spain, Queen’s Park Savannah turns into a street food haven on the weekends after 6pm. I couldn’t wait to get here and pick up all my favorites! There’s a ton of food vendors, including several options for fresh juices and ice cream. Fresh soursop juice and ice cream? Yes please!
@whereslilz the park transforms into a food fair at night, perfect for a big back like me. I got: – bake and shark – aloo pie w/ pork and cheese – fresh soursop juice – doubles #queensparksavannah #trinidad #trinbago ♬ Morocco vibes – 9DAYS
Saint James Parish, Port of Spain
Along Western Main Road, you’ll find Ali’s roti shop and several outdoor vendors selling doubles and coconut water during the day. I would frequent this road in the mornings and tried the doubles from a few outdoor vendors, but the truck near the Royal Castle was my favorite. Hott Shoppe is another roti shop by the cometary. B&M ice cream shop on Panka St. is also a great choice, I got the soursop ice cream, of course!
Ariapata Avenue is one of the most popular places, filled with bars and restaurants, and usually becomes lively during the night. If you’re here during Trinidad & Tobago’s Independence day on August 31st, you’ll find steel pan bands and the parade going through here.
Mount Irvine, Tobago
The time spent in this neighborhood was nothing short of amazing. My morning routine consisted of bake n’ saltfish with a dip at the secluded Back Bay beach! Much smaller than the main towns Crown Point and Scarborough—but still packed with flavor—Mt Irvine did not disappoint. Right along Shirvan Road you’ll find food vendors, an ATM, and small grocery store. I went to Leggar’s for daily plates and beautiful views.
