Introduction
If you’ve ever been to Trinidad and Tobago, you’ve likely encountered one of the island’s most beloved street foods: doubles. This simple yet flavorful dish holds a special place in Trinbagonians’ hearts (and stomachs). From breakfast to late-night snacks, doubles are enjoyed at any time of the day. In this post, we’ll dive into this popular delicacy’s magic, ingredients, cultural significance, and why it reigns as the number one fast food in Trinidad and Tobago.
What Are Doubles?
The word “doubles” is a noun in Trinidad. Referring to a mouthwatering street food made with two fried flatbreads called bara, filled with curried chickpeas, also known as channa. The channa is cooked in a flavorful, spiced curry that’s often wet, making it the perfect filling for the soft, pillowy bara. It’s typically served with tamarind sauce, pepper sauce, sweet sauce, chandon beni (culantro) and kuchela, adding sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
A Brief History of Trinidad Doubles
“It’s generally accepted that doubles were the 1930s creation of a family of Muslim Indians descended from indentured labourers in the city of Princes Town in Trinidad’s south” . Source BBC
The dish reflects the Indian culinary traditions brought by indentured labourers in the 19th century.
Why “Doubles”?
The name “doubles” comes from the two pieces of bara sandwiching the channa filling. Initially, vendors sold the dish with a single piece of bara, but as demand grew, so did the portion size, hence the name “doubles.”
The Ubiquity of Doubles
In Trinidad and Tobago, doubles are more than just a snack; they’re a cultural staple. This humble dish can be found on almost every street corner. Sold by vendors who start their day as early as dawn to meet the demands of hungry customers. Thousands of these tasty treats are sold daily, making doubles the number one fast food across the islands. Whether grabbing a quick breakfast on your way to work or indulging in a late-night bite after a fete, doubles are always an option.
Doubles: A True Trinidadian Fast Food
While Trinidad and Tobago has a diverse array of culinary delights, nothing compares to doubles’ popularity in fast food. It’s inexpensive, portable, and bursting with flavour, making it the go-to meal for people from all walks of life. What sets it apart from other fast foods worldwide is its simplicity and the way it reflects the islands’ rich cultural heritage, with influences from Indian, African, and Caribbean cooking.
The Doubles Experience
Part of the charm of doubles is the experience of buying it from a vendor. Often, you’ll find a long line of customers eagerly waiting their turn, chatting and catching up while the vendor skillfully assembles each doubles with a speed and precision that only comes with years of practice.
My favorite doubles vendor in Trinidad is Sauce Doubles. Sauce is located next to Smokey and Bunty’s at 76 Ariapita Ave, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Many mornings, Alice prepares fresh doubles for customers.
The bara is usually made fresh. The channa is kept piping hot, so you’re in for a treat by the time it’s served. It’s a dish best eaten fresh, right on the spot, with the perfect balance of heat, spice, and tang.
Conclusion: A National Treasure
Doubles are more than just a meal; they symbolise the island’s vibrant street food culture. Affordable, accessible, and utterly delicious. It’s no wonder this simple combination of bara and channa has become Trinidad and Tobago’s number one fast food. So, the next time you visit the islands, try a doubles (or two!) and enjoy this authentic taste of Trinbagonian life.