Caribbean Street Food: Trinidad

There are no recipes in these books. Occasionally, in a fit of passion for a particular food, the author may foist upon the reader a version of how the thing might be prepared. This has not been encouraged in the writing of this series because, by consensus and common sense, street food is not - indeed, should not - be attempted at home. As with street food everywhere else, we move towards it because it's usually fast, cheap and easy to eat on the go. Usually. In the Caribbean it's not extraordinary to find a long, sluggish line or a seemingly impenetrable mob to get to your favourite vendor. But in so many ways, it's worth it. Street food is some of the best food you can get in these islands. Most of the famous Caribbean foods are street foods. Even if you can get them at restaurants, the best ones are usually roadside. Doubles and roti in Trinidad; jerk and pepper shrimp in Jamaica; everything you could want of and from a fish in Barbados. Expect crowds, accept less than pristine surroundings, be intrepid and you'll treat yourself to the best the Caribbean has to offer. The ambiance comes for free.