Recently, the popular Trinidadian street food, doubles, has been a point of discussion among Jamaicans, especially after reggae artist Beenie Man made comments about it. This has sparked curiosity and debate about the dish and its place in Caribbean cuisine.
For those unfamiliar, doubles is a beloved Trinidadian dish made of two soft, fried bara (flatbreads) filled with flavorful, curried channa (chickpeas). It’s often topped with chutneys, pepper sauce, and tamarind sauce, creating a delicious blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.
While doubles is a staple in Trinidad and Tobago, it has gained popularity across the Caribbean and among the diaspora. If you’re a Jamaican living abroad—especially in cities with large Caribbean communities like London, New York, South Florida, Toronto, or Atlanta—you can likely find doubles at a Trinidadian restaurant nearby.
Jamaicans, known for their rich culinary traditions, have been comparing doubles to local favorites like patty and coco bread or even roast breadfruit and ackee. Some embrace the flavors, while others remain loyal to Jamaican classics. Regardless, this discussion highlights the shared culinary heritage of the Caribbean and how food continues to bring people together, even sparking friendly rivalries.
The Origins of Doubles
Doubles is a popular street food from Trinidad and Tobago with roots in Indo-Trinidadian cuisine. It consists of curried chickpeas (channa) served between two pieces of fried flatbread called bara. While traditionally eaten for breakfast, doubles is also enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or even late-night comfort food.
Doubles was created in 1936 by Emamool “Mamoodeen” Deen and his wife Raheman Rasulan Deen in Princes Town, Trinidad. Initially, they sold curried chickpeas on a single piece of bara, but when customers started asking for double the bread, the name “doubles” was born.
The dish is believed to be inspired by the Indian dish chole bhature, which also features curried chickpeas and fried bread. Over time, doubles evolved into a uniquely Trinidadian street food, incorporating local flavors and spices.
How Doubles is Made
Doubles is made using simple yet flavorful ingredients. The chickpeas are cooked with onions, garlic, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric until soft and flavorful. The bara, a soft, fried dough, is made from a spiced flour mixture. The dish is usually topped with various condiments such as:
- Pepper sauce (often made with Scotch bonnet peppers)
- Tamarind sauce (a sweet and tangy addition)
- Cucumber chutney
- Kuchela (a spicy green mango chutney)
As Lystra Sharp, a Trinidadian living in Jamaica and a real estate agent, explains, “When looking for authentic Trini food, important ingredients for me are ‘chadon beni’ and pimento peppers. I have to have that chadon beni taste.”
Can You Get Doubles in Jamaica?
Yes, you can find doubles in Jamaica! With the island’s vibrant Caribbean culture, it’s no surprise that this Trinidadian favorite has made its way to local food spots. Whether you’re a Trinidadian craving a taste of home or a Jamaican looking to try something new, there are places in Jamaica that serve authentic doubles.
Where to Find Doubles in Jamaica
Here are a few places where you can get doubles in Jamaica:
- Super Spicy Doubles – Market Place, The Court Yard, 67 Constant Spring Road Kingston Jamaica
- Ali’s Roti – 25 Annette Cres, Kingston, Jamaica
- TriniYaad – 82 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston, Jamaica
Doubles is a must-try street food that delivers a delicious mix of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a quick snack or a satisfying meal, it’s a Caribbean dish worth experiencing!
Photo – TriniYaad
