So picture this….
You’re late for work or
school on mornings and you rush out of the house, nary a meal on your stomach.
Fresh out of the traffic hell, you’re now even more anxious looking for
something to get you through till lunchtime…
And then you raise your
head, ever so slightly…
The breakfast of the
masses, the savior of late mornings, the cheapest meal one can buy without
going beyond your means. Yes, I’m talking about doubles. You can buy this very
common roadside treat almost anywhere…from Independence Square, around the Savannah, try along the Avenue or along the main thorough fare of bustling St.
James. If you’re eastbound, stop off in Curepe or St. Augustine for some piping
hot doubles, complete with either kuchela or sweet tamarind sauce. Travel
southwards and you’re sure to come across this roadside fare, whether
Chaguanas, Couva, Debe, Point (doesn’t matter which one!) San Fernando…where
ever there’s a long line queuing at some random corner, just peek over the
heads and you’re sure to stumble across the source.
Typically made by deep
frying two or more ‘bara’, which is essentially flattened bread, made from
baking powder, flour, salt and a dash of ground turmeric which adds the golden
colour of the bara. Then they are filled to overflowing with steamy channa
(chickpeas). Some take it plain, while the more adventurous ask for added
pepper; your choice of “slight” or “heavy”. Incorporate some chadon beni,
mango, cucumber, coconut, tamarind and you’ll bite into more than your doubles, it’s
outright heavenly!
Now, according to gourmet
connoisseurs, this food originated from India but only became popular during
the mid 1900’s. Based in South, this delicacy, traveled steadily northwards as
it became more and more of a consumer delight, with many people buying doubles
at any given time of day. Often considered to be the ‘poster child’ of street
dining here in Trinidad and Tobago, this is one meal that gives you bang for
your buck and almost always leaves you satisfied. Of course, as an advocate for
street food health, I do advise that you buy from reputable vendors who operate
from hygienic surroundings, paying very close attention to where they are
based. Also, observe the rules of the doubles line…wait patiently, make your
order clear and either enjoy at your own leisure or pull to the side and chow
down on golden nirvana.
So whether you opt to buy
just one (really, who can?) or you buy for the crew, as far as street fare
goes, doubles truly deserve their iconic status as the champion of breakfasts
as your wallets’ greatest friend. Enjoy with gusto, readers and don’t forget to
‘big up’ your favorite doubles vendor, regardless of their location.
Image Courtesy www.amazing-trinidad-vacations.com
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