A Flavor Explosion: A Caribbean Food Crawl Through Guyana and Trinidad in Queens
Looking to spice up your taste buds and embark on a culinary adventure without leaving the Big Apple? Buckle up! We’re hitting the streets of Queens with an exciting Caribbean food crawl that’s as colorful and heartwarming as the communities behind these flavors. Meet Alex, Brian, and Chiani—three chefs who grew up flipping patties and stirring pots in their family-owned eateries, each proudly carrying the torch of their cherished Guyanese food culture and beloved Trinidadian dishes. Spoiler alert: this trip is less of a stroll and more of a mouthwatering marathon.
Ready to dive in?
First Stop: Doubles & Bacon Shark Delight 🥙🐟
Queens, where else? Our tour kicks off at Trin City serving up the legendary Trinidadian flavors classic, doubles. Think of doubles as the Caribbean’s ultimate comfort food: two pieces of soft, fried bara bread sandwiching a spicy channa (chickpea) filling, drizzled with spicy cha chutney and that signature kick of pepper sauce that whispers, "Hello from the islands!" It’s so tasty you'll probably want to double down—pun intended.
But the weekend special is where things get fishy and fantastic: bacon shark. Don’t worry—it’s not bacon made from shark! This beloved Caribbean food beachside treat features crispy, flaky fried shark crowned with zesty sauces that bring the ocean’s best to your plate.
A Family Tradition: Peppa Pot and Grandma’s Legacy 👵🍛
Next, we meander over to Sibles, a restaurant with history as rich as the best curry goat stew. Founded in 1976 by Alex and Brian’s grandma, this place stands as a monument to authentic traditional Guyanese fare and generational kitchens. Peppa pot, the national dish of Guyana, commands the menu with its signature dark color and deep layers of flavor. Slow-cooked beef, a dash of patience, and syrup called kaz r p (made from uka) come together to create a hearty experience that’s more story than just a meal.
Finished off with the perfect "it’s-not-over-yet" snacks—beef patties and pine tarts—because who says dessert can’t come before you head out? Certainly not these food lovers.
Comfort Food & Caribbean Warmth at Sings 🥥🍛
Just a stone’s throw away, Sings welcomes us with a familial embrace. Established by Shani’s parents in 1990 after moving from Trinidad to South Richmond Hill, this gem serves up heartwarming dishes prepared by Shani and her sister, current keepers of the family’s culinary magic.
Prepare your palate for the comforting alo pie—scrumptious and soul-soothing—as well as their amazing doubles (because one round of these delights is never enough) and goat roti, a Trinidadian food favorite where curry goat meets soft, flaky doll purri bread. This dish gets a herbal boost from bunda, a secret Caribbean herb that jazzes up almost every plate it touches (think of it as the Caribbean’s own mic drop).
By this point, our bellies were sending serious ‘please stop’ signals, but guess what? Food adventures wait for no one.
Finale: Guyanese Chinese – Because Why Not? 🍜🍗
Last but definitely not least, we cross over to Kaiu for a dive into some uniquely flavorful Guyanese Chinese food. Here’s a quick vocab lesson: cutters. No, these aren’t hair or nail tools—instead, they’re small snacks perfect for pairing with a cold beer or a cheeky, boozy sip.
Think fried rice so packed with flavor that you’ll want to give the chef a hug, and Lo Mein with lightly battered fried chicken that’s as crispy as a well-timed punchline. It’s a perfect finale to this whirlwind of tastes and a heartfelt tribute to the rich melting pot of authentic Guyanese dishes influenced by generations of families and cultures.
We left full, happy, and just a *little* rounder—in the best possible way.
Food, Family & Flavor: The Heart of the Taste Tour
This journey is more than a simple Caribbean food crawl; it’s a deep dive into the soul of Caribbean communities flourishing in Queens. The true magic? You don’t just get food—you get stories, heritage, and the warmth of family-owned eateries that have been passed down like treasured recipes.
From the lovingly made doubles to the slow-simmered Peppa pot and the perfect harmony of curry goat, these dishes tell stories of rich history and cultural pride that make every bite unforgettable.
Travel Tip 🧳:
- Visiting Queens for the first time? Go hungry, and don’t forget your stretchy pants—you’ll want to try it all.
- If you enjoy a good story with your meal, ask about the families behind the recipes. Guyanese recipes often carry secrets and love passed through generations.
- Try pairing your Guyanese Chinese appetizers (cutters) with local beers to elevate the full tasting experience.
Big Up to the Creators!
Major kudos to Si & Lauren Willis for guiding us through this delicious journey. Their channel, Consuming Couple, is a treasure trove of flavorful explorations into Caribbean culture and cuisine. For more mouthwatering food adventures and inspiring stories, definitely give them a follow.
Who knew Queens could be a gateway to some of the best Caribbean flavors? Now it’s your turn to taste the culture, embrace the stories, and maybe sneak an extra doubles on the side. After all, when it comes to Caribbean influencers like Si & Lauren, there’s always another tasty tale waiting to be devoured.
If you’re curious to explore roots beyond the food, don’t miss the chance to discover this South American gem—a land of incredible natural beauty and vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking to experience guided tours in Guyana or dive into authentic Guyanese cuisine back home, the adventure continues.
Now, who’s ready to say, "Pass the doubles, please!" 🍽️😋
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