【Souvenirs from Trinidad and Tobago】From Steel Pans to Extra-Spicy Peppers
Trinidad and Tobago is an island country in the Caribbean Sea. It is a land blessed with rich natural beauty, including stunning beaches, untouched wilderness, and bird sanctuaries that feel like paradise. The nation is also well-known for the Trinidad Carnival, one of the world’s three great carnivals. Here, I’d like to introduce some recommended souvenirs from Trinidad and Tobago.
table of contents
[x] close
【Souvenirs from Trinidad and Tobago】From Steel Pans to Extra-Spicy Peppers
1. Steel Pan
One of the best souvenirs from Trinidad and Tobago is the steel pan. This percussion instrument, made from oil drums and tuned to produce scales, is known for its distinctive sound rich in overtones. Invented in Trinidad and Tobago, it has been called “the last and greatest acoustic instrument invention of the 20th century.” Today, it is officially recognized by the government as the “national instrument.”
At the Trinidad Carnival held annually in the capital, Port of Spain—one of the three largest carnivals in the world—the steel pan plays a major role. During this period, contests are held for steel pan bands, drawing more than 100 groups from around the world.
Of course, it would be amazing to take a real steel pan home, but that’s difficult, so miniature versions that also work as décor make perfect souvenirs. Music and CDs featuring the steel pan’s unique sound are also specialties of Trinidad and Tobago—definitely worth checking out!
2. Cacao Products
Cacao beans are one of Trinidad and Tobago’s specialties. They were first brought in by settlers in the 16th century, leading to the creation of plantations. Compared to beans from other regions, those from Trinidad and Tobago are known for their rich aroma and flavor. Because production is limited, they are highly valued and fetch high prices in the market. As such, chocolate made with local cacao is rare to find even in souvenir shops and markets, but if you do spot some, be sure to buy it!
Cocoa is a staple everyday drink for Trinidadians, making it easy to find and a great souvenir. Shaved chocolate is melted in hot water and mixed with sugar for a drink that tastes quite different from the cocoa.
Cocoa butter made from natural cacao is also recommended! It comes in a solid, soap-like form and leaves skin soft and moisturized when applied after a bath.
3. Rum
Another famous souvenir from Trinidad and Tobago is the world-renowned rum “Angostura.” “Angostura 1919,” which has won awards in Germany twice, is an amber-colored rum aged for at least eight years. “Angostura 1824” is a premium blend made from carefully selected portions of rums aged for at least twelve years. With its honey-like sweetness and rich flavor, it is a very popular rum.
4. Angostura Bitters
As the name suggests, Angostura Bitters is a strongly bitter alcoholic product, usually added in drops to cakes and drinks for flavor. It’s easy to buy in supermarkets, making it a perfect souvenir. Locally, people dilute it with water to use as a gargle when they have a cold, or drink it for digestive issues. Be sure to pick some up as a souvenir when visiting Trinidad and Tobago!
5. Pepper Sauce
Trinidad and Tobago is home to some of the world’s spiciest peppers—even recorded in the Guinness World Records! While it’s difficult to bring back the peppers themselves, sauces made with them make excellent souvenirs. These sauces are not only fiery hot but also flavored with shadow beni (Trinidadian coriander) and garlic, giving them a distinctive taste. Nearly every household keeps a bottle on hand, so they’re a perfect way to recreate the flavors of Trinidad and Tobago back at home!
◎ Summary
Besides the items introduced here, Trinidad and Tobago also offers steel pan–shaped accessories, locally made crackers, peppered nuts, and T-shirts with Trinidad and Tobago designs. In addition to sightseeing, shopping is sure to be an enjoyable part of your trip!
Hotel
