New York City is a melting pot of cultures, offering a culinary landscape as diverse as its population. For those who long for the rich, bold flavours of the Caribbean, especially the vibrant and distinct tastes of Trinidad & Tobago, NYC is home to a variety of spots where you can satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a fan of doubles, roti, or savoury pelau, you can truly find the best Caribbean food in NYC.
Hereās a guide to some of the best spots in NYC where you can experience the essence of Trinidad & Tobago.
A guide to the best spots for Caribbean food in NYC
1. Trini Delite Roti Shop
Location: Flatbush, Brooklyn
Flatbush is often seen as the heart of Caribbean culture in NYC, and Trini Delite Roti Shop captures that spirit with its authentic offerings. This cosy spot is known for its pillowy-soft buss-up-shot (paratha roti) served with a variety of curries, from chicken to goat to shrimp. Their doubles, a beloved street food of Trinidad, is a must-try: fluffy fried bara filled with channa (curried chickpeas) and drizzled with tamarind or pepper sauce.
2. Ali’s Trinidad Roti Shop
Location: Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
If youāre looking for a no-fuss, hole-in-the-wall joint with some of the best roti and pelau in NYC, Aliās Trinidad Roti Shop is the place to go. Aliās offers perfectly spiced curry goat and shrimp roti wrapped in soft, warm roti skins. The rich flavours and hefty portions make it one of the top spots for a genuine Trini meal. Donāt forget to grab a pholourie (fried dough balls served with a side of chutney) while you’re there.
3. The Doubles King
Location: Queens, NY (various pop-up locations)
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Doubles enthusiasts need to look no further than The Doubles King. Known for its pop-up locations across Queens, this vendor takes the humble doubles to the next level with an array of toppings like spicy mango chutney and coconut pepper sauce. The Doubles King brings authentic Trini street food to NYC with flair, and the rotating locations keep it exciting.
4. Gloria’s Caribbean Cuisine
Location: Crown Heights, Brooklyn
A staple in Crown Heights, Gloria’s Caribbean Cuisine has been serving up some of the most flavourful Trini-style dishes for years. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the corn soupāa popular street food dish that blends sweet corn, split peas, and dumplings into a hearty, warming meal. Their jerk chicken, curry duck, and oxtail are also highly recommended, making Gloriaās a go-to spot for any lover of Caribbean food in NYC.
5. A&A Bake and Doubles Shop
Location: Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
For nearly two decades, A&A Bake and Doubles Shop has been serving some of the best doubles and bake and shark in the city. Owned by a Trinidadian couple, this tiny but bustling shop attracts a loyal crowd. Their aloo pie and saheena are popular choices for those looking for light, savoury snacks. The fried shark bake, served with an array of sauces, remains one of their standout dishes and a true taste of Maracas Bay right in Brooklyn.
6. Lloydās Carrot Cake
Location: Harlem, Manhattan
Lloyd’s may not be a traditional Trini spot, but no list of Caribbean food in NYC would be complete without mentioning this beloved bakery. Famous for its Trini-style carrot cake, Lloydās brings the sweetness of the islands to Harlem. With its moist texture, hints of cinnamon, and decadent cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect dessert to round off any Caribbean meal.
7. Trinciti Roti Shop and Restaurant
Location: Ozone Park, Queens
Queens may be known for its diverse food scene, but Trinciti Roti Shop is a standout for Trinidadian cuisine. Their curry crab and dumpling is a rich, flavourful dish that’s hard to find in the city. Trinciti is also known for its pepper shrimp, which delivers a spicy kick, and their homemade sorrel (hibiscus drink), which offers a refreshing balance to the hearty meals.
8. Sybil’s Bakery
Location: Richmond Hill, Queens
While Sybil’s is technically a Guyanese bakery, its menu boasts several popular Trinidadian snacks and sweets. Their dhalpuri roti and doubles are excellent, and you canāt leave without trying their sweet treats like currants roll, coconut drops, and pine tarts. Sybil’s is a great fusion spot where Caribbean food in NYC meld into a delightful array of dishes.
9. Caribbean Starr
Location: Park Slope, Brooklyn
In the heart of Park Slope, Caribbean Starr offers a menu that features a mix of both Trini and Jamaican flavours. Their curry goat, callaloo, and macaroni pie hit the spot every time. Known for its friendly service and generous portions, this is a perfect spot for Caribbean food in NYC where people want to sample a wide range of Caribbean cuisine in a more upscale setting.
10. Island Spice Grill
Location: The Bronx
Island Spice Grill is one of the few places in The Bronx where you can find an authentic Trini bake and shark. Their stew chicken, paired with flavourful rice and peas, transports diners straight to the Caribbean. They also offer an array of fresh juices, including mauby and ginger beer, to wash down the bold spices of their dishes.
Honourable mentions:
- Singh’s Roti Shop (Richmond Hill, Queens) ā Known for its massive roti and a wide selection of curries.
- Bake & Things (Canarsie, Brooklyn) ā Perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast with options like saltfish bake and corned beef.
Final thoughts
If the mouthwatering dishes at these NYC spots have you craving an even more authentic experience, why not take it a step further and head directly to Trinidad and Tobago? There’s no better way to truly immerse yourself in the culture than by tasting the food right where it all began. Picture yourself enjoying a hot doubles from a street vendor in Port-of-Spain, savouring fresh bake and shark on the shores of Maracas Bay, or indulging in a flavourful roti from a local roti shop.
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