8 Trinidadian Christmas Foods / Drinks You Will Enjoy

Trini Christmas Foods

Trinidadians are known around the world for our festive energy, fun-loving and love for food. There are two times each year these qualities are emphasised; Christmas and Carnival. Although Christmas is traditionally observed by Christians, in Trinidad and Tobago it is a joyful time when Trinis and Tobagonians from different religions and races come together under the sound of parang and soca parang to celebrate Christmas. Below are popular Trini Christmas foods we wish we could share with you through the internet but we are still waiting for the new software feature that will allow this to be reality (jokes). When visiting Trinidad and Tobago during the Christmas season make sure to try out these foods below. 

Pastelles 

This popular dish was introduced to Trinidad and Tobago by the Latin Americans. It is mostly eaten at Christmas time. Pastelles are pie crusts made stuffed with delicious fillings like beef, chicken, pork and other meats, and soy for vegetarians. The meats are spiced with seasonings such as chadon beni, thyme and chive, then wrapped in banana leaves and boiled or steamed until cooked.

Ham and Hops with Chow chow 

Regardless if you eat your glazed/smoked ham on a plate or with bread, the ham is loved at Christmas time (especially on Christmas morning). For most Trinis ham and hops is not consumed as the regular Christmas meal but can be eaten as an appetizer. Most people enjoy ham and hops with the delicious condiments of chow chow, ketchup and pepper. “Chow chow” is a yellow relish that brings out the tangy and tasty side of the ham and hops.

Drinks

Sorrel

If there is no sorrel juice, then yo are not really having a Trini Christmas! The sweet sorrel drink is made by boiling the red sepals of the sorrel plant and adding cinnamon, sugar and cloves. Some people leave the sorrel to soak for days or hours, depending on the desired potency of the drink. For an adult version, rum is added to some mixtures. The sorrel stains though so be mindful when drinking. There are also medicinal uses of sorrel, it has cancer fighting properties among other medicinal properties. Sorrel is also a popular juice drink throughout the english speaking Caribbean.

Ponche de crème (Punch with cream)

This alcoholic drink, sometimes locally referred to as “grog”, is the Trini version of eggnog. The milk drink is served with crushed ice and is light and thick in taste. The punch is made with raw egg, milk, rum, bitters and may include various flavours. In recent years, Trinbagonians are experimenting with ponche de crème with flavours like barbadine, soursop and peanut.

Ginger beer

This is another local favourite juice at Christmas time. It has a taste that first has to be captured. But after you capture it you won't be able to get enough.  Keep in mind there is a difference between ginger ale and ginger beer! Ginger ale is a non-alcoholic, sweetened ginger-flavoured soft drink but ginger beer is a less-carbonated, stronger-tasting and spicier drink than ginger ale. Some ginger beer may or may not include alcohol so ensure you ask your host. A mix of ginger, lime, water and cloves gives the kick that makes the drink unique and enjoyable. 

Desert

Paime

Pronounced “pay-me”. The delicacy is made of flour, cornmeal, raisins, coconut and sugar among other ingredients. It's wrapped in banana leaf and steamed until cooked. Don’t be disappointed if you take a bite and then realise it is a pastelle as the sweet treat can sometimes be mistaken for its main course cousin.

Black cake

This is a special Caribbean Christmas fruitcake enjoyed throughout the islands. It is eaten in most homes during the Christmas season. It's called black cake for its rich dark colour which comes from the added colouring  of browning and molasses. Dried fruits (such as raisins, prunes and currants) are major ingredients in this popular Christmas cake. It's flavoured by being soaked in sherry, brandy or rum for several months before Christmas.

Fruit Cake

With every bite into this cake you will enjoy a fruity flavour. The moist chunks of fruit from currants, cherries, sultanas and raisins that create spots on the cake make this pastry one of the most popular around the holiday time. This non-alcoholic desert inspired the creation of the rum cake. Similar in creation but with added rum in true Caribbean style.

Jason Diaz (StarBoy)