NYC foodies: Here’s why you need to try Trinidad & Tobago’s best street foods

If you’re one of those NYC foodies who are always on the hunt for the next best bite, it’s time to expand your palate and dive into the vibrant, flavourful world of Trinidad and Tobago’s street foods.

These delectable eats are a tantalising mix of African, Indian, Creole, and Middle Eastern influences, resulting in dishes that are both unique and mouth-wateringly delicious. Even better, you can recreate these dishes at home with Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes, the ultimate guide for bringing the Caribbean to your kitchen.

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Tasty dishes in Trinidad and Tobago for NYC foodies to try

1. Doubles: The ultimate street food staple

No street food tour of Trinidad and Tobago would be complete without doubles. This classic street food consists of two pieces of fried bara bread, stuffed with channa (curried chickpeas) and topped with tamarind, pepper sauce, and other chutneys. The flavours are a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savoury.

In NYC, you might find something similar, but nothing beats the authentic taste of a freshly made doubles in Trinidad. Want to try making it at home? Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes has a step-by-step guide that’ll have you savouring this dish in no time.

International Doubles Day. T&T street food for NYC foodies to try. — *Doubles.* Photo: Sham Mahabir.

2. Bake and shark: A beachside favourite

Bake and shark is a beloved street food, especially popular along the coast. It’s a sandwich featuring fried shark meat stuffed into a fried dough called “bake”. Add toppings like pineapple, lettuce, and a variety of sauces for a flavour explosion.

New Yorkers might be familiar with seafood sandwiches, but bake and shark brings a new twist with its tropical, zesty flavours. This is a must-try dish perfect for a summer cookout or beach picnic.

Richard's Bake and Shark, Uncle Sam & Son's Bake and Shark at Maracas. — *Line at Richard’s Bake and Shark at Maracas Beach, Trinidad.*

3. Aloo pie: The perfect snack anytime

This deep-fried pastry is stuffed with seasoned mashed potatoes and sometimes peas, then served with a sweet or spicy chutney. Think of it as Trinidad and Tobago’s take on the empanada, but with a spicier, more aromatic kick.

You can find aloo pie sold by street vendors all over Trinidad and Tobago, and it makes for an incredible on-the-go snack.

Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes

Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes is your kitchen guide to cooking in the Caribbean. Add flavour to your pot and put a smile on everyone’s faces with the right amount of seasonings, spices and stories about the foods you prepare. This cookbook contains 100 tantalising recipes and full colour photographs of home-cooked meals, street foods, treats and drinks that are known in the West Indies for having particular names, ingredients and preparations. The 10 sections are Breads, Fillings, Chutneys and Sauces, Soups, Main Dishes, Salads, Drinks, Desserts, Sweet Snacks and Savoury Snacks. • Kindle – US$4.99 • Paperback – US$29.91

4. Pholourie: Golden fritters with a spicy twist

Pholourie are bite-sized fritters made from a spiced split-pea batter, fried to golden perfection and served with chutney. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—a comforting treat that’ll keep you coming back for more.

While NYC has plenty of fritter varieties, none compare to the flavours of pholourie. Why not bring some island flavour to your next gathering? The recipe in Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes will guide you through the process.

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5. Corn soup: A hearty and flavourful bowl

Trinidad and Tobago’s corn soup is a warm, comforting dish made from split peas, corn, and provisions (root vegetables) simmered with fresh herbs and spices. It’s a common late-night street food, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

If you’re an NYC foodie who loves ramen and chowder, you’ll appreciate the heartiness of this soup. With Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes, you can bring this comforting dish to your table and enjoy a taste of Trinidadian warmth.

6. Roti: Wrap your hands around this deliciousness

Roti, specifically buss up shut (paratha) or dhalpuri, is a soft, flaky flatbread served with curried meats, channa, and veggies. It’s a hands-on meal that requires you to tear off pieces of the roti to scoop up the fillings—a true cultural experience!

Roti might remind NYC foodies of naan or tortilla wraps, but the rich, aromatic flavours make it stand apart. Make your own roti experience at home with Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes, which includes both the roti and curry recipes.

Winta loving Trinidad roti. — *Winta, visiting Trinidad from Africa, enjoys a roti dish, 2016.*

7. Saheena: A spinach fritter you’ll crave

Saheena are fritters made from dasheen (taro) leaves and chickpea flour, spiced and fried to crispy perfection. They’re the ultimate savoury snack, especially when dipped in a tamarind or mango chutney.

If you love falafel, then Saheena will quickly become a favourite. The recipe for saheena in Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes will walk you through every step, making it easy to bring a taste of Trinidad to your NYC kitchen.

Bringing Trinidad & Tobago home with Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes

While these street foods are best experienced fresh from the streets of Trinidad and Tobago, you don’t have to travel all the way to the Caribbean to enjoy them. With Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes, you can recreate these mouth-watering dishes right at home. This cookbook covers all of the iconic recipes mentioned here, along with many other delicious West Indian dishes.

So, NYC foodies, get ready to add a little Caribbean flair to your home kitchen. Grab a copy of Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes and start cooking up some island magic today!

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