Trinidadian Macaroni Pie
There are certain dishes that have a way of bringing people together, and for my family, Trinidadian Macaroni Pie has always been one of them.
Growing up, family gatherings were never just about the food. They were about laughter, storytelling, welcoming friends who quickly became family, and making sure no one ever left hungry. If someone walked through our door, they were offered a plate. It didn’t matter whether you came for five minutes or five hours—you were eating.
One gathering still makes me laugh every time I think about it.
A close family friend of ours, who happened to be a lawyer, loved my macaroni pie so much that when there wasn’t any left, he picked up the container and started licking every last bit that was stuck to it.
He wasn’t joking.
My mother looked over at him and, completely serious, said,
“He’s a lawyer… doesn’t he eat?”
To this day, it still makes me laugh.
That same evening, my cousin was at work and wasn’t able to join us. Before anyone realized there might not be anything left, we quietly hid a portion of the food in the oven so there would be some waiting for her when she got home.
It’s such a simple memory, but it has stayed with me all these years.
What I remember just as much as the meal itself was what happened afterward.
Friends, relatives, and even people who had come as guests stayed behind to help wash dishes, pack leftovers, wipe down tables, and clean the kitchen. No one was keeping score. Everyone simply pitched in.
Looking back, I realize the macaroni pie wasn’t what made those moments special.
It was the people gathered around it.
At Becka’s Blue Nomad, I hope every dish carries a little of that same feeling—the warmth of being welcomed, the joy of sharing a meal, and the reminder that some of life’s greatest blessings are found around a table filled with family, friends, and even strangers who leave as something more.
From my kitchen to your table, with love, in shā’ Allāh.
Trinidadian Doubles
Few street foods are as beloved as Trinidadian Doubles.
Born in Trinidad and Tobago and enjoyed by people from all walks of life, Doubles has become one of the Caribbean’s most recognizable and cherished foods. Traditionally served as a handheld street food, it is made with two soft bara (fried flatbreads), curried chana, fresh chutneys, and pepper sauce. Simple, flavorful, affordable, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether enjoyed on a busy street corner or around the family table.
Growing up in a Trinidadian family, Doubles was always a special treat. More often than not, they were made at home by family members, many of whom were incredible cooks. Every once in a while, we would visit a few particular street vendors in Trinidad whose Doubles we especially enjoyed, but some of my favorite memories were simply sharing them together as a family.
At Becka’s Blue Nomad, I have remained faithful to the heart of this Trinidadian classic while offering a few of my own variations.
Each order is served with homemade mango chutney and my signature Becka’s Trini Peppa Sauce, made with Scotch bonnet peppers for those who enjoy a little extra heat.
Our traditional Doubles can be enjoyed with curried chana, potatoes, and sweet pumpkin—a combination that is absolutely divine—or customized with additions such as curry shrimp, curry chicken, or stewed beef, all paired with the curried chana, potatoes, and pumpkin. For those looking for a lighter option or wishing to reduce their starch intake, we also offer a vegetable-filled version featuring seasonal vegetables alongside the curried chana, creating a meal that is both hearty and well balanced.
One of the beautiful things about Doubles is that although it is often thought of as a simple finger food or snack, it has always been much more than that. Prepared with fresh ingredients and generous fillings, it becomes a complete, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Like so many of the dishes at Becka’s Blue Nomad, Doubles remind us that some of the world’s most memorable meals are often the simplest. A humble street food prepared with care has the remarkable ability to nourish both body and soul while bringing people together through shared traditions, conversation, and culture.
From my kitchen to your table, with love, in shā’ Allāh. 🤲🏽❤️