During Trinidad Carnival, the energy is high, and street food vendors provide delicious, portable meals to fuel the revelers and spectators. Here are some popular foods commonly eaten during the Carnival season:
1. Doubles
The most iconic street food of Trinidad, doubles are made with two soft baras (fried flatbreads) filled with chickpeas (channa), and topped with an array of condiments like tamarind sauce, cucumber chutney, and pepper sauce. Doubles is a quick and affordable snack, perfect for anyone on the go during Carnival.
2. Bake and Shark
A favorite among locals and tourists, bake and shark consists of fried shark fillets served inside a fried bake(fried dough). It’s typically topped with a variety of sauces, including but limited to garlic sauce, tamarind or bandhania (culantro) chutney, and pepper, and garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, pineapple chow, and cucumbers. This sandwich is especially popular at Maracas Beach but can be found around Carnival events.
3. Pholourie
Pholourie are small, spiced fried dough balls made with flour, turmeric powder, and seasonings. It is traditionally served with tamarind or mango chutney. These are light, flavorful, and easy to carry around while enjoying the festivities.
4. Corn Soup
Carnival-goers often need something to help sustain their energy through the day and night, and corn soup is a perfect option. This hearty soup is made with corn, dumplings, and split peas (dhal), sometimes with pieces of chicken or saltfish, all cooked in a flavorful broth seasoned with green seasonings, garlic, and spices.
5. Souse
Souse is a pickled dish usually made from pig feet, chicken feet, or cow heels. The meat is soaked in a mixture which includes lime juice, cucumber, hot peppers, and seasonings, resulting in a tangy and spicy snack.
6. Pelau
This is a popular one-pot meal made with rice, pigeon peas, and meat (often chicken, beef, or pork), all flavored with caramelized sugar and a variety of seasonings, including coconut milk. Pelau is a go-to dish for gatherings during Carnival, offering something filling and comforting.
7. Geera Pork
For those who love something with a bit of spice, geera pork (cumin-seasoned pork) is a popular Carnival snack. The pork is heavily seasoned with roasted ground cumin, garlic, bandhania(culantro) and hot peppers, then slow-cooked until tender. It’s perfect for eating on the go.
8. Roti
Roti is a beloved staple in Trinidadian cuisine and a popular street food during Carnival. There are different types like paratha (buss up shut) or dhalpuri, both filled with curried meats like chicken, beef, goat, or shrimp, along with potatoes and vegetables. It’s hearty and portable, making it ideal for a quick meal between the festivities.
9. Pastelles
Though more common during Christmas, pastelles are still enjoyed during Carnival season. These are cornflour pies stuffed with seasoned meat, fish, or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
10. Black Pudding
Black pudding is a savory blood sausage made with rice, seasoned with herbs and spices. It’s typically served on hops bread with hot sauce
11. Aloo Pies
Aloo pies are deep-fried pastries stuffed with seasoned mashed potatoes. They’re often served with chutneys, such as tamarind or mango, and are another easy-to-eat snack for revelers.
12. Fry Bake
Often enjoyed for breakfast during Carnival season, fry bake is a fried dough that can be filled with saltfish, smoked herring, saltfish and tomatoes or buljol (salted cod mixed with onions, tomatoes, and peppers). It’s a satisfying meal that gives revelers energy for the day’s activities.
13. Ice Cream
Carnival can get hot, and many people cool off with local ice creams made from tropical fruits like soursop, mango, coconut, or passion fruit or ‘likks sticks” (ice pops). These are sold by street vendors or mobile ice cream carts (“ice cream man”) during the event.
14. Coconut Water
This isn’t a food per se, but fresh coconut water is essential during Carnival. Coconut vendors sell fresh, green coconuts that are cut open on the spot, providing a refreshing and hydrating drink that helps replenish energy levels. If the coconuts are mature enough, the coconut is cut in half and the jelly is scooped out using a spoon made from the exterior of the coconut.
15. Trinidadian Beverages
You’ll find a wide variety of beverages during Carnival, including Mauby (a bittersweet drink made from mauby bark), Sea moss, Sorrell (a spiced hibiscus drink), and Carib beer—a favorite local beer.
Trinidad Carnival is not only a feast for the senses with its vibrant music and colorful costumes but also a culinary journey, with street food vendors offering a wide range of dishes that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage. From spicy and savory snacks to hearty meals, these foods fuel the revelers through long days and nights of celebration. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, sampling these foods is an essential part of the Carnival experience.
