Trinidad and Tobago Culinary Styles

Trinidad and Tobago have international influences in culture and cuisine

Eclectic Eats
Print this Article Bookmark and Share

Trinidad and Tobago have been influenced by cultures from around the world, which lends local cuisine a flavorful blend of international style. "Locals" come from all over, including India, China, Europe, and other parts of the Caribbean. Vacationers will find food on Trinidad and Tobago to be as multi-cultural and diverse as the ethnicity of the people who live here.

When dining on the islands, you will taste that the versatile culinary background is highly influenced by Indian cuisine. Trinidad and Tobago have been influenced by Indian culture more than any other islands in the Caribbean, especially when it comes to food. Spicy curry dishes can be tasted on both islands. Rotis, a fiery Indian dish of breads stuffed with chickpea curry and ground meat, is a favorite lunch meal among locals and tourists. You can cool the fire with ice-cold rum punch.

Spanish culture also has influenced Trinidad and Tobago's cuisine and is seen in tasty Creole dishes such as Pelau, a meal of rice, peas, and meat, bear a Spanish stamp. When African slaves were brought to the islands, their food and cuisine also blended with other styles, bringing root vegetables such as yams and dasheen to the table. You'll also find Chinese food almost everywhere on the islands. Local seafood specials like chip chip, a clam-like shellfish, and stuffed crabs are popular among visitors to the islands. More adventurous eaters try the armadillo and possum stew.

However, travelers should not assume that the only foods will be Spanish or Indian. The African slaves brought their own cuisines to the island. Caribbean style fare (which is usually quite heavily influenced by African foods) is also widely available. No matter what flavors you're looking for, Trinbagonians can offer you incredible flavors.

Food is a major part of the people of Trinidad and Tobago's culture, and Trinbagonians enjoy eating good foods while socializing with friendly people. Visitors can learn a lot about the islands through the cuisine alone, and many are in awe of the smörgåsbord of restaurants that are available. Trinidad and Tobago has some of the widest varieties of dining establishments in the Caribbean, which ranges from upscale restaurants to small family eateries and roadside vendors. Deciding where to dine may be one of the most difficult choices you will make on your island getaway.

Vegetarians may enjoy offerings of roadside vendors. Doubles are a yummy vegetarian sandwich popular among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The sandwich is made up of curried chickpeas surrounded by two rounds of fried dough, which can be enjoyed any time of day.

Traveler will be able to choose from Chinese, Lebanese, French, Italian, Indian, and Thai foods along with many other diverse dishes while on the island, so no matter what kind of food you're craving, Trinidad and Tobago can cater to the most discerning of tastes.

Print   Return to Normal View