I adore Trinidadian food. The flavors, the spices, and the history behind each dish are amazing. To enjoy a whole day of authentic Trini food, I didn’t need to fly to Port of Spain. I just headed to Toronto, Canada, a city filled with Trinidadian culture.
Toronto is a hotspot for Trinidadian cuisine. I spent a day exploring from Scarborough to Etobicoke, tasting everything from fluffy doubles to crispy fried shark. It was a delicious adventure!
First Stop: Wicked Carib in Scarborough
My first stop was Wicked Carib. Chefs Annie and Asif make comforting Trinidadian dishes. I watched them fry bara, the flatbread used for doubles. They drop the dough into hot oil, and it puffs up perfectly.
Annie’s husband checks the spices every morning. That day, he said the heat was a 3.5 out of 5. For me, it was just right. The green pepper sauce gave it a kick, making it a delightful messy meal.
They also served a rich stew oxtail and tender curry goat with paratha roti. The goat was soft and flavorful. But the surprise was Annie’s deep-fried pepper cheese pie, bursting with gooey goodness—a perfect pairing with a cold beer.
Next Stop: Indar’s Roti and Doubles in Etobicoke
Next, I traveled to Indar’s Roti and Doubles. This spot has a loyal local crowd. Here, I tried their doubles, even messier than before. They drenched the chana in a sweet-and-sour tamarind chutney that soaked into the bara. To drink, I had an Apple J soda, packed with sugar but perfectly balanced the spice of the food.
Indar’s also offers a tasty chicken curry wrapped in dhalpuri roti, loaded with seasoned split peas. The earthy curry, with a sharp mango kuchela achar, was incredibly satisfying.
Final Stop: Chadon Beni in Downtown Toronto
My last stop was Chadon Beni on Queen Street West. Owner Ross Milne gives a modern twist to traditional dishes. I started with macaroni pie bites—crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They paired wonderfully with Ross’s house-made callaloo.
Lastly, I had Bake and Shark, a classic favorite. Ross seasons fresh shark meat and fries it until golden. He serves it on warm fried flatbread with garlic sauce, tamarind sauce, and a spicy scotch bonnet sauce. The flavors blended perfectly, making it a standout dish.
In Toronto, you can savor authentic Trinidadian food without crossing the ocean. Just hop on the subway, and let your taste buds explore!
Additional Insights:
Trinidadian cuisine reflects a rich blend of cultures, including African, Indian, and European influences. This mix contributes to its diverse flavors. According to a recent survey by the Food Research Institute, Caribbean cuisine, including Trinidadian dishes, has seen a 25% increase in popularity in North America over the last five years.
The rising popularity can be linked to social media trends, with hashtags like #TriniFood often trending as people share their delicious experiences. It’s a reminder that great food keeps connecting people and cultures everywhere.
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Toronto, Etobicoke, Ross Milne, Scarborough
