Exploring Port of Spain's Local Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants, and Recipes

Exploring Port of Spain's Local Cuisine: Dishes, Restaurants, and Recipes

Port of Spain, the vibrant capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. If you're visiting this bustling Caribbean city, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine, which is a delicious fusion of African, Indian, and Creole flavors. From street food to fine dining, Port of Spain has something to satisfy every palate. Here's a guide to help you explore the local cuisine of Port of Spain:

Famous Local Dishes

1. Doubles: Doubles is a popular street food made with two pieces of soft, fried bread known as "bara," filled with curried chickpeas (channa). It is often garnished with various flavorful chutneys and sauces. Don't miss out on this iconic local snack!

2. Bake and Shark: A must-try in Port of Spain is bake and shark. It consists of a deep-fried shark fillet served in a fried bread called "bake," along with a variety of toppings and condiments like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and pineapple chow. This dish originated in Maracas Bay but can be found throughout the city.

3. Callaloo: Callaloo is a popular Trinidadian dish made with stewed leafy greens known as dasheen leaves, typically cooked with okra, coconut milk, and various seasonings. It is often served with rice and your choice of meat or seafood.

4. Pelau: Pelau is a hearty one-pot dish made with caramelized meat, usually chicken, mixed with rice, pigeon peas, and vegetables. It has a savory and slightly sweet flavor, thanks to the caramelization process. This is a staple dish in many Trinidadian households.

5. Roti: Roti is a popular Indian-influenced dish that consists of a thin, unleavened flatbread filled with various curried fillings. Some of the most common fillings include potato, chicken, beef, or shrimp. It's a delicious and filling meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Top Restaurants in Port of Spain

If you're looking to experience Port of Spain's local cuisine in a restaurant setting, here are some establishments worth checking out:

1. Chaud Creole: Located in the heart of the city, Chaud Creole offers a delightful fusion of French and Creole cuisine. Don't miss their signature dish, the "Creole Seafood Bisque," which is a flavorful seafood soup.
2. The Lighthouse: Situated on the waterfront, The Lighthouse is known for its stunning views and delicious seafood dishes. Their "Grilled Red Snapper" is a must-try, cooked to perfection with a side of local vegetables.
3. Foodie Nation: This popular food truck serves up tasty local dishes with a modern twist. Try their "Shrimp and Mango Tacos" for a unique flavor combination.
4. Buzo Osteria Italiana: For a break from local cuisine, Buzo Osteria Italiana offers authentic Italian dishes using fresh local ingredients. Their "Homemade Ravioli" filled with ricotta and spinach is a favorite among visitors.
5. Crews Inn Restaurant & Bar: Located in Chaguaramas, Crews Inn offers waterfront dining with a diverse menu. Indulge in their "Curry Goat," a traditional local dish that's cooked to perfection.

Cooking Local Recipes at Home

If you want to recreate the flavors of Port of Spain's local cuisine at home, here are a couple of recipes to get you started:

Recipe 1: Doubles

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup chickpeas (canned or cooked)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Chutneys and sauces for garnish (tamarind sauce, mango chutney, pepper sauce)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water and mix until you have a smooth dough.
2. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into a thin, circular shape.
3. In a separate pan, heat the oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
4. Add the curry powder and cook for a few more minutes.
5. Add the chickpeas and stir to coat them in the curry mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes.
6. Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the dough circles until golden brown and puffed up.
7. Place a spoonful of the curried chickpeas onto one piece of fried dough, then cover it with another fried dough piece.
8. Garnish with your choice of chutneys and sauces.

Recipe 2: Pelau

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 2 cups chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup pigeon peas (canned or cooked)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat some oil and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the thyme, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
4. Add the pigeon peas, rice, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Now you're ready to embark on a culinary adventure in Port of Spain! Enjoy the vibrant flavors and diverse cuisine that make this city a food lover's paradise.