Master Trinidadian Cooking with These 10 Spices

Master Trinidadian Cooking with These 10 Spices

If you’ve ever tasted a Trinidadian dish and wondered, “How do they get so much flavor into one bite?”—you’re not alone. Our cuisine is a bold, mouthwatering mix of African, Indian, Chinese, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, and European influences, and at the heart of it all? Spices. 

Master Caribbean Cooking With Ease!

Master Caribbean Cooking With Ease!

You want to master Caribbean cooking, but there’s this pressure, isn’t there? The fear of ruining a dish that’s been passed down for generations. Worrying about what Granny will say. Hoping the flavors hit that sweet spot between “This tastes just like home” and “Wow, 

How Container Gardening Has Transformed My My Life

How Container Gardening Has Transformed My My Life

During the lockdown, like many of you, I found myself with more time on my hands and a desire to be more self-sufficient. As an epicurean home cook with a love for Caribbean cuisine, I saw an opportunity to not only reduce my food budget 

Friday Night Buffet at the Hyatt Trinidad: Feast Without Breaking The Bank!

The Friday Night Buffet has returned to the Hyatt Trinidad! Cost is $325TT per person (exc. vat & service charge). For reservations call 821-6550.

Coconut Bake (recipe)

Coconut Bake (recipe)

I’m not gonna lie to you. When I logged in to update this post I did a double take when I saw it had last been updated in 2010, then I teared up when I saw it was originally written in 2008. Twelve years ago… 

Punch de Crème: The Heart of a Trini Christmas

Punch de Crème: The Heart of a Trini Christmas

I can’t imagine a Trinidadian Christmas without Punch de Crème. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a symbol of our culture, our warmth, and our love for sharing good times with family and friends. Every year, as December rolls in, I find myself gathering my 

Trinidad Paime: A Sweet Holiday Tradition

Trinidad Paime: A Sweet Holiday Tradition

I’ve always believed that food is one of the most powerful ways we preserve and pass on our culture. It carries stories, memories, and identities—especially in a place as richly layered as Trinidad & Tobago. And yet, some dishes, despite their deep roots and unique 

Trinidad Pastelles (recipe) now with Delicious Vegan Option!

Trinidad Pastelles (recipe) now with Delicious Vegan Option!

One of Trinidad’s seasonal delights, pastelles are a steamed cornmeal pie wrapped in banana leaves and filled with stewed meat, olives, and raisins. I’ve been told that they are very similar to Latin American tamales, and indeed Venezualan foodblogger Tomasnomas has a link to the 

Sorrel Drink (recipe & video)

Sorrel Drink (recipe & video)

Christmas in Trinidad is a diverse multicultural affair. Not just for the Christian population, but also through the secular participation of the nation at large through the enjoyment of our local christmas songs (called parang) and especially the creation and consumption of our traditional Christmas 

Trinidad Black Cake: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Trinidad Black Cake: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction: The Legacy of Trinidad Black Cake If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting a slice of Trinidad Black Cake, you know it’s not just a dessert – it’s a slice of history, tradition, and love, all baked into one deliciously rich, moist treat. 

In Trinidad, Christmas is Parang! (video & holiday recipe roundup)

In Trinidad, Christmas is Parang! (video & holiday recipe roundup)

What is Parang? Well Parang is the soundtrack to Christmas here in Trinidad. More than that however Parang is also a culture, a way of life that sweeps through my island after the lights of Eid and Divali have been put away. The What is 

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 7 – Carnival Bands

  I was talking to a Brazilian friend a few years ago and she was surprised at some of the differences between our Carnival and theirs. You see it was a few weeks prior when she decided to look and see what costume/band she should 

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 6 – J’Ouvert & Ole Time Mas

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 6 – J’Ouvert & Ole Time Mas

  J’ouvert (joo-VAY) is the start to the Carnival celebrations. It begins in the pre-dawn hours of Carnival Monday and lasts until daybreak. J’ouvert (which is a Creole corruption of the French Jour Ouvert – day opening) is also known as ‘dirty mas’. It seems 

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 5 – Dimanche Gras

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival: Part 5 – Dimanche Gras

Dimanche Gras takes place on the Sunday night before Ash Wednesday. Here the Calypso Monarch is chosen (after competition) and prize money and a vehicle bestowed. Also the King and Queen of the bands are crowned, where each band to parade costumes for the next