The World in NYC: Trinidad and Tobago

New York City is known as the window to the world for a reason, it’s one of the few places in the world where an international resident can find a little slice of home just by catching the right train and getting off at the right stop. It’s no different for those of Trinbagonian heritage who are craving a bit of the twin-island vibe to spice up their daily hustle and bustle in NYC.While Trinbagonians have been coming to America sporadically since the 17th century as indentured laborers, the first significant wave of Trinbagonians came to America during the 1960’s when members of the educated upper class, as well as the poorer rural class of the island legally migrated to the United States, mostly settling along the East Coast in search of opportunity. The influx or Trinbagonians continued at a steady pace between 1966 and 1980 until the Reagan administration placed greater restrictions on America’s immigration policy.Trinbagonians can be found throughout the city, but their presence is mostly felt in the Flatbush and Crown Heights neighborhoods of Brooklyn where they make up roughly 2.1% of the population. Though the area was originally dominated by the Irish, Italians, and Jews during the first half of the 20th century, a steady influx of Trinbagonian immigrants over the years has greatly influenced by the culture of the neighborhood. The area is now home to thousands of Trinbagonian restaurants, Trinbagonian owned businesses, and Trinbagonian flags waving in the wind. While Brooklyn may have the highest concentration of Trinbagonians in NYC, it is common to hear the distinct sing-song Trinbagonian accent and dialect, and smell the sweet aroma of island cooking in various Queens and Harlem neighborhoods where they make up roughly 1.2% and 1.1% of the population respectively.

Trinibagonian Food In NYC

From Roti to Doubles to Pelau, there is no shortage of authentic Trinbagonian cuisine to be found around NYC. From the dedicated Trinbagonian menus of mom and pop shops found in Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem to the larger establishments in Manhattan that combine numerous Caribbean flavors, it’s only a matter of how far you’re willing to travel.Trinidad Roti Shop2702 Church Avenue Brooklyn, NY  - between Nostrand Avenue and Rogers Avenue.This modest store front operation is known as one of best locations in NYC for authentic Trinbagonian comfort food. Known for their exquisite Roti selections, quality Doubles, and delectable Currants Rolls, it’s a land mark along Church Avenue. Not in the mood for Comfort Food? No worries, their steam trays are always stocked with traditional Trinbagonian lunch options.Bake & Things1489 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, NY - between Glenwood Road and 29th Street.Another mainstay found in Brooklyn, Bake & Things is easily recognizable with its red, white and black color scheme and interior mural. Literally known for their bake and things, their breakfast menu offers such delights as bake and shark, bake and salt-fish, bake and veggies, and bake and accra. As with any self-respecting Trinbagonian restaurant, this establishment also offers an extensive Roti selection ranging from traditional bone-less curry chicken to curry tofu and everything in between to go along with favorites like stew chicken and Pelau.Sugarcane238 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn, NY 11217 between Bergen St. and Dean St.If you’re in the mood for a more trendy setting to go along with Trinbagonian dining, Sugarcane just may be the spot for you. Located in posh downtown Brooklyn near Barkclays Center, Sugarcane combines the atmosphere of an upscale NYC restaurant with the distinct flavor of Trinbagonian cuisine. This restaurant serves many island favorites such as palori, callaloo, macaroni pie, and mango-pineapple chow to go along with their Calypso Steak, Jambalasi Buttered Shrimp and Mango Barbecue Spare Ribs. Mouthwatering isn’t it?

Trinbagonian Culture In NYC

Though food is no doubt an important factor in Trinbagonian culture, it is only part of what Trinbagonians brought to NYC. To go along with delectable food, Trinbagonians also brought their unique music and celebrations to the city.Labor Day Parade / West Indian Day Parade1st Monday in SeptemberLiving in NYC, this is the closest you can get to experiencing an authentic Carnival celebration without booking a flight to Trinidad and Tobago. The parade originated in Harlem in the 1920’s when Ms. Jessie Waddel and her friends hosted grand costume parties to correlate with the pre-Lenten Carnival celebration in Trinidad and Tobago. It later evolved into an actual parade which first took place on September 1, 1947 along Seventh Avenue, starting at 110th Street. It later moved to Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights five years after the Harlem permit to host the event was revoked in 1964. Though the celebration is at its core a Trinbagonian inspired event, it has grown to include participants from the larger Caribbean community.Steel Pan BandsInvented in Trinidad and Tobago, the Steel Pan is known as the twin-island’s national instrument for good reason. From the sweet and unique sound of its notes, the melodies it is capable of producing, and the feeling it instills, the steel pan is truly a thing of beauty. There is no shortage of options in NYC for those who appreciate the sound of this unique instrument, from train station performers to larger bands such as Tropical Beat and Panorama champions Pantonic Steel Orchestra, getting your steel fix is as simple as keeping an ear open.