4.27.2011

Doubles

Carnival remains both a spectator festival as it is a player's festival, all happening on the streets and mobile for the most part. Food from our diverse ethnic backgrounds in a rage and better still, the portables - Rotis, Wraps, Sandwiches and Burgers (to name a few) all available from vendors on the streets, but holding its own not only at Carnival but all year round is a Trinidad and Tobago favorite - Doubles.

A Doubles - Skillfully Wrapped in Paper 

Doubles is of Indian origin and gets it's name from the two (double) fried dough 'flat breads' called bara each about palm sized, which holds the curried chick peas filling. This messy sandwich of sorts is usually dressed with tangy chutneys, hot pepper sauces and cooling cucumber and coconut preparations. It is eaten with the hands and best when hot (not warm).


Curried Chick Peas (or Garbanzo Beans)


Vendors are all over the country, in most every neighborhood, selling at make shift road side stands or out of car trunks (seriously).  Some have been an established family business for years, perfecting family recipes and gaining loyal followers while putting generations through school.


Wildly Popular - Soft Bara and Delicate
Chickpeas in a Sea of Curry Flavor


To find out where to get the best I thought may have taken time, effort and the fielding of much fierce debate - turns out not. Though the average citizen may enjoy and recommend his neighborhood doubles man's offerings, he will also agree that three vendors rise to the status of Best in all the lands: U-Wee, Medford Boys and Sauce. Don't take my word, poll the forty-six thousand fans of the Facebook page 'I Love Doubles' or the  thirty-six thousand strong of 'I love Doubles by Trinbago' (we did) and see for yourself. The three names topped the list.

U-Wee Doubles & Roti Shop near to the
University of the West Indies (UWI)
Campus in St. Augustine, Trinidad


U-Wee (my favorite) is for those who like a thick bra, filling with body and great condiments (thick too) :)


Medford Doubles: Located on the Main Road
Opposite the Medford Gas Station


The boys near the Medford flyover in have a yellow bara, not too thick not too thin and flavorful curried chick peas (channa as we call it). Their pepper sauce is wicked good. Have it slight if you are not accustomed to spicy foods.


Soft and melt in your mouth fried 
dough called Bara (Medford's)


Sauce (d Original) is at a busy junction in Curepe (North) Trinidad. Theirs is thin bara and slightly 'runny' curried chick peas but really tasty. The hot sauce is nuclear but addictive. Take it ever-so slightly.


Famous 'Sauce' in Curepe, Trinidad

Doubles remains very affordable ($3TT - $4TT) on average, with a few exceptions: D Doubles Den also in Curepe is one such extreme selling larger bara and choices of curried meat and fish to go with the chick peas for around $15TT - something new for the adventurous.

If you want meat....
D Den is the Doubles place for you. 
A Spicy Chicken Doubles

For more on the Best Food available in Trinidad and Tobago visit our Facebook page and our sightings on Foodspotting.

9 comments:

Chris Ragbir said...

I had my first doubles in 4 years a few weeks ago! It was bliss. But after reading this blog I don't know if I can wait so long again!

~Melissa said...

No Chris Don't wait that long again:)
It's quick, it's cheap and its ooh so good!

Hassan Voyeau said...

You know how long I not eat a doubles.

strawberry Princess said...

gosh those are so mouth watering food, can I have some please hehe

PS i'm anew follower please follow back

thanks you

http://thestrawberryprincess.blogspot.com/

Felix said...

I always wanted to taste the goat doubles!!!

~Melissa said...

Felix, it's pretty good. Goat curry like that of a river cook. :)

MsXpat said...

OMG! Absolutely mouth-watering and picks really make you feel to rush out and get a taste.

baidawi said...

meat doubles... sacrilege!

baidawi said...

meat doubles... sacrilege!!!