You NEED to know about International Doubles Day – the tastiest day of the year
Share
Established in 2019 by chef Sham Mahabir in a mission to showcase the Trinidadian cuisine and its rich cultural heritage, International Doubles Day, which happens on Friday 30th May, is now in its sixth year and the celebrations are going to be bigger, better, and more vibrant than ever.
Dangerously addictive, brightly coloured and boldly flavoured, Doubles are a beloved street food in Trinidad. A thin, hand-stretched flatbread thrown into hot oil for a crisp finish. Pile high with Chana (spiced chickpeas), tailor to your taste with the crunch of fresh cucumber, zesty heat of lime pepper sauce, drizzle of tamarind and finished with scotch bonnet mango jam and green apple chutney. No need for cutlery, just gather round, pick up and enjoy finger-licking goodness.
Now famously known as Trinidad and Tobago’s unofficial national dish, Doubles started as a roadside business in which Mr and Mrs Deen sold channa in brown paper cones in Trinidad in the 1930s. They later decided to serve the channa on bara (flatbreads) instead. The name Doubles came about when the locals would ask the Deens to double up the bara so they could make a sandwich.
Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Sham’s passion for sharing the warmth, flavours and spirit of Caribbean culture have been at the forefront of his mission since moving to London in the 90s. This started with cooking for friends which later turned into the creation of his restaurant LIMIN SOUTHBANK and International Doubles Day coming to life.
Discussing International Doubles Day, Sham said: “Doubles can be found on every corner in Trinidad and Tobago – they’re part of our DNA. It’s been fascinating to see them growing in popularity here in the UK. When I arrived in this part of the world 27 years ago, I searched for them and failed miserably. Today, thanks to the work we do, they are one of our biggest sellers in LIMIN SOUTHBANK and we now have a menu dedicated to Doubles where you can get any type of filling you like from curried chicken and curried goat to masala fish.”
Sham continued: “By establishing International Doubles Day, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about Trinidadian cuisine, its rich cultural heritage and the undiscovered food of the Caribbean. It reminds us that culinary gems are to be found in all corners of the world. In the Trinidad and Tobago national anthem the line “here every creed and race finds an equal place”, words which I feel are brought to life in the queue for doubles. Once you try Doubles, you’ll understand why they deserve a full day each year dedicated to celebrating them”.
Delicious enough for the Trinidadian parliament to take a Doubles break during its longest-ever session (27 hours) of debate, and versatile enough to be everything from a quick breakfast or lunch for school kids and commuters to a Carnival staple and the perfect hangover cure, Doubles are a total crowd pleaser. Make Friday 30th May the day you find out for yourself!
CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DOUBLES DAY
On Friday 30th May, head to LIMIN SOUTHBANK, the UK home of Doubles, at Gabriel’s Wharf for A Taste of Trinidad where the team will be cooking Doubles (and even giving some away for free!) with their Trinidadian style popup – just like they used to on the roadside. Whether you’d like to grab and go, or soak in all the island vibes at the LIMIN beach with bucketloads of rum punch, LIMIN SOUTHBANK, the UK’s Best Caribbean Restaurant as voted by the Caribbean Food Awards, is the perfect place to mark the occasion.
LIMIN SOUTHBANK – Gabriel’s Wharf, 56 Upper Ground SE1 9PP
