February 2024: On what was my second visit to Trinidad, what was supposed to be a full day and night was unfortunately reduced to just one night due to a flight delay from Saint Lucia. This disrupted my plans to camp overnight in an abandoned Cold War-era military radar station hidden deep in the jungle—an adventure I had been looking forward to.
Instead, my nephew and friend Jimmie and I made the most of our time by hiring an airport taxi to take us around the city. We explored Trinidad’s vibrant street food scene, sampling local flavors, and visited one of the many pan yards where musicians rehearse for the island’s renowned steel drum competitions. In this case, the performers were preparing for the upcoming Carnival, just days away, filling the night with the rhythmic, hypnotic sounds of Trinidad’s most iconic music.
About Trinidad
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean, thanks to its thriving oil and gas industry. However, this prosperity also makes it one of the more expensive destinations in the region.
As a former British colony, Trinidad retains English as its official language, setting it apart from many other Caribbean islands. The population is predominantly descended from African slaves, who were brought to the island to work on plantation farms during British rule.
Despite its wealth, Trinidad faces significant social challenges. Poverty remains widespread, particularly in Port of Spain, which has one of the highest crime rates in the Caribbean. Our taxi driver pointed out that certain neighborhoods are considered “no-go” zones for tourists due to safety concerns, a stark contrast to the island’s economic success.
Trinidad and Tobago
Street Food Scene
Despite its wealth and vibrant culture, Trinidad and Tobago is also home to a thriving American fast-food scene, with chains like McDonald’s and KFC prominent throughout the island. This proliferation of familiar brands sometimes made me feel like I was in Florida rather than the Caribbean. However, this commercial influence is balanced by the island’s incredible street food scene—rich, diverse, and influenced by a fusion of global cuisines.
Due to Trinidad’s long history of immigration, especially from South Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East, the island boasts an eclectic blend of culinary traditions. These immigrant communities have merged their traditional dishes with Caribbean and African flavors, creating unique, distinct dishes that reflect Trinidad’s melting pot of cultures.
Eager to experience this side of Trinidad, my nephew Jimmie and I asked our taxi driver to take us to the best street food spots. We sampled an array of unexpected and delightful dishes—from Indian-influenced rotis and curries to flavorful Chinese stir-fries. The variety was astounding, each bite offering a new taste of the island’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Of course, no visit to Trinidad would be complete without a taste of the local rum, which we eagerly sampled as we wandered from one food stand to another. The combination of the rich street food culture, the lively atmosphere, and the vibrant nightlife made for an unforgettable experience.
Dylan trying some street food
South Asian street food
Steel Drum Music
Steel drum music is the heartbeat of the Caribbean, and no place is more renowned for its mastery and innovation of this instrument than Trinidad. The sound of the steel pan is both soothing and rhythmic, carrying with it a deep cultural legacy. Born on the island, it has since become an internationally recognized symbol of Caribbean identity.
Before our trip, I had read about pan yards—the community hubs where local musicians hone their craft and prepare for performances. Often located in poorer neighborhoods, these pan yards are more than just music schools; they are places of pride and unity, where entire communities gather to support their musicians.
Eager to experience this firsthand, I asked our taxi driver to take us to a pan yard. We arrived at one where a live practice session was underway for the upcoming Carnival. The scene was humble yet vibrant, with a small group of locals sitting on the bleachers, watching intently. The energy was electric—the musicians played with incredible skill, their hands moving in rapid, precise motions as they struck the steel drums, producing the unmistakable, hypnotic rhythms of Trinidad’s musical soul.
But this was more than just a practice session—it was a community gathering. People chatted, ate, drank, and laughed, all while enjoying the live music. It was clear that these pan yards were not just about the music; they were a cultural heartbeat, a place where tradition, community, and celebration intertwined.
It was a rare, authentic experience, one that truly captured the essence of Trinidad, and I felt incredibly fortunate to have witnessed it firsthand.
Pan yard practice
Pan yard full of local spectators
Steel drum band practice for carnival
We spent the night in a local apartment rental, soaking in the final moments of our time in Trinidad. The next morning, we departed for what would be a milestone journey—heading to Saint Kitts and Nevis, my final country on a journey spanning 197/197 nations-Visiting My Last Country of the World 197/197 & My 6-Month-Old Daughter’s First Country-Saint Kitts & Nevis | Venture The Planet.