If you’ve never tasted Trinidadian food before, buckle up—this island’s cuisine is like a flavorful carnival on your plate.
Trinidad and Tobago is bursting with rich culinary traditions that blend African, Indian, Chinese, and Creole influences into one mouthwatering mix.
We’re talkin’ spice, bold flavors, and comfort food that hits the soul just right.
These Trinidadian recipes aren’t just meals; they’re edible stories.
Whether you’re craving street eats, stews that stick to your bones, or dreamy desserts, there’s something here that’ll make you wish you’d discovered Trinidadian food way sooner.
Let’s dive into these 11 dishes that deserve a permanent spot on your kitchen radar.
1. Trinidadian Doubles
These handheld, flavor-packed street snacks are basically the GOAT of Trini fast food.
Doubles are made from two fluffy, fried pieces of flatbread (called bara) wrapped around curried chickpeas, a spicy and savory treat that delivers big.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 cups canned or boiled chickpeas
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- Hot pepper sauce, to taste
How to make it: Start with the bara: mix flour, turmeric, salt, and yeast. Add water gradually and knead into a soft dough.
Let it rise for 1 hour. Meanwhile, cook chickpeas with curry powder, onion, garlic, and a splash of water until saucy.
Roll dough into small circles and fry until puffed and golden. Load those bad boys up with the curried channa and drizzle on pepper sauce.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because doubles are the ultimate Trinidadian street food. Cheap, cheerful, and finger-lickin’ good.
You haven’t tasted Trinidad until you’ve grabbed one of these from a street cart at 8 a.m.
2. Trini Pelau
Trini pelau is a one-pot wonder that combines rice, pigeon peas, and chicken in a caramelized pot of glory. It’s the definition of home-style comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken (bone-in, skinless)
- 2 cups rice
- 1 can pigeon peas
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Thyme, salt, and black pepper
How to make it: In a deep pot, melt sugar until dark and bubbly—don’t walk away! Toss in seasoned chicken and stir to coat in that sticky goodness.
Add chopped veggies, peas, rice, and coconut milk. Add water to cover and let it all simmer until rice is tender and the flavors are doing a happy dance.
Why we selected it
Pelau brings the whole family together. That deep caramel flavor? Unmatched.
It’s a signature Trinidadian recipe that shows off how bold and balanced Trini cooking can be.
3. Callaloo
Callaloo is a velvety green soup made from dasheen leaves (or spinach), okra, and coconut milk.
It’s warm, earthy, and perfect as a side or slurped straight from a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped dasheen leaves or spinach
- 1/2 cup sliced okra
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 green onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion
- 1 hot pepper (whole)
- Salt to taste
How to make it: Toss everything into a pot—yes, everything. Bring to a simmer and let the magic happen for 30-40 minutes.
Once the veggies are soft, remove the pepper and blend until smooth and creamy.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because no real Trini meal is complete without a bowl of callaloo. It’s like a warm hug for your insides and brings that island flavor to life.
4. Trini Corn Soup
This soup is street food royalty, often served up late at night. It’s thick, spicy, and full of corn, dumplings, and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, chopped into pieces
- 1 cup yellow split peas
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup flour (for dumplings)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 hot pepper
- Thyme and chives
- Salt and black pepper
How to make it: Boil split peas until soft. Add corn, veggies, herbs, and spices.
Mix flour with a little water to form small dumplings and drop them in. Let everything cook down into a thick, savory soup.
Why we chose it
Corn soup is a Trini classic for a reason. It’s hearty, spicy, and keeps your belly warm and your heart full.
5. Buss Up Shut (Paratha Roti)
This roti is flaky, buttery, and torn into shreds—hence the name “buss up shut,” meaning it looks like a busted-up shirt.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ghee or oil
- Water to mix
How to make it: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add water slowly and knead into a soft dough.
Rest for 30 minutes. Roll out and brush with oil, fold, and roll again. Cook on a hot griddle, smashing and fluffing it up as it cooks.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because this is THE roti for scooping up curry. It’s messy, flaky, and addictive. You’ll be tearing into this like there’s no tomorrow.
6. Curry Chicken
Trini curry chicken hits differently. It’s bold, earthy, and made with green seasoning that brings serious island vibes.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken pieces
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 2 tbsp green seasoning
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Water
How to make it: Marinate chicken in green seasoning. Sauté onion and garlic, add curry powder and let it cook for a bit.
Toss in the chicken and sear, then add water and let it simmer till tender.
Why we selected it
You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted real Trinidadian curry chicken. It’s spicy, juicy, and pairs with everything.
7. Aloo Pie
Think empanada but Trini-style. Aloo pies are stuffed with seasoned mashed potatoes and fried until golden.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 large potatoes
- Garlic, onion, hot pepper
- Green seasoning
- Salt
- Water
How to make it: Mash boiled potatoes with garlic, onion, and seasoning. Mix flour, baking powder, and water to make dough.
Roll out, fill, fold, and fry till golden and puffed.
Why we chose it
Because aloo pie is the unsung hero of Trinidadian snacks. It’s crunchy on the outside, soft and spicy inside.
8. Macaroni Pie
This isn’t your regular mac and cheese. It’s baked, bold, and full of Caribbean flair.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- Mustard, black pepper, and paprika
How to make it: Boil macaroni and mix with eggs, milk, cheese, and seasoning.
Pour into a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because it’s not a Trini Sunday without macaroni pie. Creamy, cheesy, and crave-worthy.
9. Trini Stew Chicken
Rich, dark, and savory, stew chicken is pure island comfort.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Green seasoning
- Onion, garlic
- Tomato paste
- Salt and pepper
How to make it: Caramelize sugar until dark. Add chicken and coat well. Stir in tomato paste, onion, and garlic. Add water and simmer until rich and saucy.
Why we picked it
Stew chicken shows off how Trinis use caramelization like pros. It’s deeply flavorful and straight-up irresistible.
10. Pholourie
Golden, fried balls of split pea dough served with chutney. Light, fluffy, and slightly spiced.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup split pea flour
- Garlic, turmeric, baking powder
- Green seasoning
- Water and salt
How to make it: Mix dry ingredients, add water and seasoning to form thick batter. Rest, then fry by spoonfuls until golden brown. Serve with chutney.
Why did this make it to our list?
Because pholourie is snack perfection. You pop one, then five more. That chutney dip? Next level.
11. Coconut Bake
Soft, fluffy bread made with coconut. Great for breakfast or stuffing with saltfish.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup grated coconut or coconut milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Water
How to make it: Mix everything into a soft dough. Roll out and bake until puffed and golden. Slice and serve warm.
Why we selected it
Coconut bake is a breakfast staple in Trinidad. It’s lightly sweet, warm, and totally comforting.
Conclusion
There you have it—11 of the best Trinidadian recipes you absolutely need to try once in your life.
Each dish tells a story, packs a punch of flavor, and proves why Trinidadian food deserves a spot on every foodie’s radar.
Whether you’re whipping up a pot of pelau or diving into a hot doubles, these recipes are your golden ticket to island-style comfort food.