Due to its varied background, Trinidad and Tobago has excellent and varied food options. In particular, the Indian roots have provided for some of the best foods of any country in the world. If you can't tolerate extremely hot and spicy food, be sure to let the cook or waiter know in advance.
Popular throughout T&T are tasty rotis, Indian flatbreads stuffed with chickpea curry, usually some meat, and other items (including green beans, pumpkin, and mangoes). The breads, also known as the skin, can be plain or can have split chickpeas inside. Many stores also sell rotis with skin but shredded up on the side, known as buss-up-shut. Supposedly the origin of this word comes from busted shirt, or old shirt, because the piles of skin resemble an old torn up shirt. Cheap breakfasts of 'sada' roti and 'choka' - vegetables of all kinds are available for about TT$3-4. But the most popular fast snack is a 'doubles'. One Famous spot is "GEORGE DOUBLES" located in Woodbrook outside the ever famous "Brooklyn Bar". Doubles is essentially a type of fried bake with curried chick pea and your choice of condiments. It is a roadside snack, available everywhere at about TT$2-$3. "Ali's Doubles" is a chain that sells doubles. There are a few locations around Trinidad, mostly in San Fernando. Eat hot.
Phoulourie is another roadside snack that is sold, usually in the same places that sell doubles. Basically it is ground up chick peas and flour fried in the shape of little balls. Other dishes that are available are aloo pies (fried potato pies) and saheena (fried eggplant dish). The village of Debe and the town of Penal in south Trinidad are popular places to obtain these dishes.
Another must try in T&T is the infamous Bake and Shark or Shark 'n Bake. Most easily obtained along the north coast near Maracas Bay, pieces of Shark are deep fried, served in cut fried bread called "fried bake", and accompanied by various sauces, including garlic, "shadowbenny" (Shadon Beni-french) also known as bandania, and corriander.
A few American style fast food chains are available including KFC, Subway and Burger King. There are also a few franchised eat in restaurants such as TGI Friday's and Ruby Tuesday. There are a few local chains such as Royal Castle (chicken and chips), Chicken Unlimited. These local fried chicken chains have a different taste from American or European fried chicken chains. Pizza Boys and Mario's are two popular local Pizza chains. The pizza is quite different from American or Italian pizza.
Chinese food is available in many places from Chinese takeout stores. It is cantonese style but the spices are uniquely Trinidadian.
Barbecued chicken is another popular Trinbagonian dish. It is similar to American barbecue, but with local spices. There are roadside barbecue stands that sell a box of barbecued chicken (quarter) with fries, salad and garlic bread. One popular place is "the barbecue hut" which is basically an open air tent where patrons will buy barbecue to sit down and eat or take away. It is located on the South Trunk Road in La Romaine, South Trinidad close to the Gulf City mall. Be aware that it is run by Muslims therefore no alcohol or obscene language is allowed on the compound.
The condiments available in Trinbagonian restaurants are ketchup, plain mustard and hot pepper. Soy sauce is available in Chinese restaurants. If taking hot pepper as a condiment, be warned! It is extremely hot! You may see locals putting a lot of pepper on their food, but remember they have been eating it for years so they are accustomed to it. It is best to try a little and if you feel comfortable add more. If in doubt, avoid it. Salt and black pepper are generally not available as in American restaurants.
Local bakeries sell pastries such as beef and chicken pies and currants rolls. They also sell hops bread which are basically soft buns made with white or whole wheat flour. Hops bread is best eaten hot and can be enjoyed with cheese or butter for a quick snack.