Discover the Best Restaurants in Trinidad: A Foodie’s Travel Guide
Trinidad, the larger island of the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, is a true culinary paradise. The island’s unique history, a blend of African, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and European influences, is reflected in its diverse and delicious cuisine. In this friendly and informative travel guide, we’ll explore the best restaurants in Trinidad, from street food to fine dining.
1. Taste the Island’s Famous Street Food: Doubles and Roti
When in Trinidad, you simply cannot miss out on the island’s street food staples: doubles and roti. Head to the bustling capital city, Port of Spain, to find the best street food vendors.
1.1 Doubles
Start your culinary journey with a visit to Sauce Doubles, a legendary street vendor known for their delicious doubles. Doubles are a savory snack made of two soft, fried bara (flatbread) filled with spicy curried chickpeas. Topped with a variety of condiments like tamarind sauce, chutney, and hot pepper sauce, this tasty treat is perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.
1.2 Roti
Next, indulge in Trinidad’s signature dish, roti. A popular spot to savor this delicious meal is Patraj Roti Shop, where you can enjoy a piping hot roti filled with tender curried meat, vegetables, or shrimp. The roti, a soft and flaky flatbread, is perfect for soaking up the rich curry flavors. Don’t forget to add a side of chutney or hot pepper sauce for an extra kick!
2. Delight in Local Creole Cuisine
Creole cuisine, a delightful fusion of African, Indian, and European influences, is an integral part of Trinidad’s food scene. Two standout restaurants to try local Creole dishes are Richard’s Bake and Shark and Veni Mange.
2.1 Richard’s Bake and Shark
Located at Maracas Beach, Richard’s Bake and Shark is famous for its bake and shark, a scrumptious sandwich made with deep-fried shark and freshly baked bread. Pile on your choice of toppings like pineapple, lettuce, tomatoes, and various sauces to make it your own. Enjoy your meal with a side of refreshing coconut water, all while taking in the beautiful beach surroundings.
2.2 Veni Mange
In the heart of Woodbrook, you’ll find Veni Mange, a charming restaurant offering a range of traditional Creole dishes. Must-tries include the callaloo (a creamy soup made with dasheen leaves, okra, and coconut milk), stewed chicken, and macaroni pie. Finish your meal with their popular homemade rum punch, a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and strong flavors.
3. Experience Indian-Trinidadian Fusion
With a significant population of Indian descent, Trinidad boasts a thriving Indian food scene. Karamath’s Roti and Curry and Chaud Restaurant are two exceptional choices for sampling Indian-Trinidadian fusion cuisine.
3.1 Karamath’s Roti and Curry
Located in central Trinidad, Karamath’s Roti and Curry is a must-visit for those craving authentic Indian-Trinidadian flavors. This casual eatery offers a wide selection of curries, including goat, chicken, shrimp, and channa (chickpeas). Pair your curry with a fluffy dhalpuri roti (flatbread filled with seasoned ground split peas) or a flaky paratha, also known as “buss-up-shut.”
3.2 Chaud Restaurant
For a more upscale dining experience, head to Chaud Restaurant in St. Ann’s. This fine dining establishment combines Indian flavors with local ingredients to create innovative dishes. Start your meal with the spicy shrimp saffron risotto and savor entrees like the tamarind-glazed salmon or the curry leaf-crusted grouper. End your culinary journey on a sweet note with their signature coconut crème brûlée or the pineapple chow with chili and mint.
4. Dive into Trinidad’s Chinese Food Scene
Chinese immigrants have also left their mark on Trinidad’s culinary landscape. Visit Yee’s Chinese Restaurant and More Vino to get a taste of Trinidad’s Chinese food offerings.
4.1 Yee’s Chinese Restaurant
Established in 1958, Yee’s Chinese Restaurant in San Juan is one of Trinidad’s oldest and most beloved Chinese eateries. Enjoy classic dishes like sweet and sour chicken, chow mein, and fried rice. Be sure to try their “pepper shrimp,” a local adaptation that infuses Chinese flavors with Trinidadian heat.
4.2 More Vino
Though primarily a wine bar, More Vino in Port of Spain offers a delightful mix of Asian fusion dishes. Their Chinese-inspired menu features items like the crispy duck wonton tacos and the “Trini” style chow mein. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list, and enjoy the relaxed, trendy atmosphere.
5. Embrace the Flavors of the Middle East
Last but not least, explore the flavors of the Middle East at Ali’s Doubles and Roti and Joseph’s Lebanese and Syrian Cuisine.
5.1 Ali’s Doubles and Roti
While known for their delicious doubles and roti, Ali’s Doubles and Roti in Curepe also offers a small but satisfying selection of Middle Eastern dishes. Don’t miss their tasty shawarma wraps, made with juicy, well-seasoned chicken or beef and wrapped in soft, fresh pita bread.
5.2 Joseph’s Lebanese and Syrian Cuisine
For a more extensive Middle Eastern menu, visit Joseph’s Lebanese and Syrian Cuisine in Port of Spain. Feast on dishes like baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, kibbeh, and shish taouk. End your meal with a sweet treat like baklava or a fragrant rosewater-scented rice pudding.
Trinidad’s culinary scene is a true melting pot of flavors and cultures, making it a foodie’s paradise. From street food to fine dining, there’s a dish to suit every palate.