The best trinidadian food near me in New York City
The History of the trinidadian double
I was looking for the best Trinidadian food near me as I wandered the streets of Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. I picked up my phone, did a searched, and stumbled upon a hidden gem that's serving up an incredible Trinidadian delicacy: doubles. At A&A Doubles on Fulton Street, they're crafting what I consider to be the most underrated quick bite in the city. But what's the story behind this delicious dish, and how did it make its way from the sunny shores of Trinidad to the bustling urban landscape of New York City? I decided to investigate.
Doubles, a staple of Trinidadian food, have a rich food history that dates back to the 19th century. Originally brought to Trinidad by Indian laborers, this dish was conceived as a hearty breakfast to fuel long hours of work on the sugar plantations. These laborers combined roti with curried chickpeas to create a fulfilling and nutritious meal. Over time, due to the availability of local ingredients, the original roti evolved into "bara," and the chickpeas became "channa." This gave birth to giving birth to Trinidadian food and the doubles we know and love today.
Post World War II, as immigration laws softened and economic opportunities beckoned, Trinidadians began to make their way to New York. They brought with them their vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, including doubles. As Trinidadian communities grew in New York, eateries started offering doubles, catering to expatriates yearning for a taste of home and New Yorkers curious about Trini food. A&A in Bed Stuy stands out as a premier destination for those seeking authentic Trinidadian doubles.
A&A starts each day starts with the fresh preparation of bara, shaping the dough by hand before frying in oil. As they assemble the doubles, a generous amount of channa is layered between two baras, followed by scoops of tamarind sauce, mango chutney, and spicy pepper sauce. This combination results in a dish that reminds of me of a more flavorful falafel sandwich but with a distinct Trinidadian twist. I ate mine with an Apple J soda, which complimented the rich double very well.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie, an adventurer in culinary exploration, or simply curious about Trinidadian cuisine, A&A's doubles are a must-try. They represent a fusion of cultures, a history of migration, and the culinary ingenuity of the Trinidadian people. It's stories and food like this that make New York city such a culinary mecca. So, the next time you're in Brooklyn and wondering where to find the best Trinidadian food near you, remember that A&A's doubles are just around the corner, waiting to take you on culinary journey through time and space.
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