What is "Doubles"
- MASX
- Aug 4, 2025
- 2 min read
Doubles is a popular street food originating from Trinidad and Tobago, and it has become a staple in many parts of the Caribbean. It consists of two soft, fluffy pieces of bara (a type of fried flatbread) filled with channa (curried chickpeas). The dish is typically served with a variety of condiments and sauces, making it a delicious, flavorful snack or meal.
🥙 Components of Doubles:
Bara (Flatbread):
Bara is the base of a doubles. It is a lightly fried, soft, and doughy flatbread that is golden on the outside with a slightly crispy texture.
The dough is made from flour, water, turmeric, and a bit of baking powder to give it its signature texture and color.
Channa (Curried Chickpeas):
The filling of doubles is made from channa (chickpeas) cooked in a savory curry sauce, which is a mix of spices like cumin, turmeric, garlic, and sometimes, a bit of scotch bonnet pepper for heat. The chickpeas are simmered until tender and absorb the flavorful spices, creating a rich and satisfying taste.
Condiments and Sauces:
Chadon beni/Bandania (culantro) 🍃: A herb similar to cilantro, used as a garnish that adds fresh, citrusy notes.
Sweet sauce ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍒ɞ˚‧: Depending on the vendor, this can range from Tamarind sauce to other tangy and spicy sauces to enhance the flavor.
Pepper sauce 🌶️ : For those who like heat, a spicy pepper sauce made from scotch bonnet peppers is a must.
Cucumber 🥒: A tangy chutney made from grated cucumber, sugar, vinegar, and spices.
Chutney 🥭: a spicy or sweet topping commonly made from a variety of fruits such as mango and pommecythere.
🍽️How It’s Served:
Doubles are often served in a folded piece of paper or in a plastic bag for easy eating on the go. It’s a popular breakfast dish, snack, or lunch for many locals and visitors in Trinidad and Tobago, but you can find it at street stalls and food trucks throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
🛍️Why Is It So Popular?
Affordable and Filling: Doubles are a cheap and filling food, perfect for anyone looking for a quick meal that packs a punch in terms of flavor.
Versatile: It can be eaten at any time of the day, from breakfast to late-night snacks.
Cultural Icon: Doubles is so iconic to Trinidad and Tobago that it’s seen as a symbol of the island’s multicultural heritage, combining influences from East Indian (specifically from the Indo-Trinidadian community) and Afro-Trinidadian cuisines.
In summary, doubles is a beloved, delicious street food that’s simple yet bursting with flavor. Whether you're enjoying it with the classic chickpeas or experimenting with variations, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the Caribbean!
Want to see what the craze is about? Come to Trinidad and try it for yourself! Check out our Trinidad Carnival 2026 packages to experience the MAGIC that is Doubles AND CARNIVAL!!!
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