Ep 8. Trinidad and Tobago

In the eighth episode of the first season of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels to the island nations of Trinidad and Tobago, located in the southern Caribbean. Zimmern's mission is to explore the unique food cultures of these islands, which are home to a diverse mix of ethnicities and culinary traditions.

Zimmern begins his journey in Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad. He visits a bustling food market, where he samples a variety of local delicacies, including spicy curried crab and dumplings known as "doubles." He also tries a drink made from sorrel, a hibiscus plant that is popular during the Christmas season.

Next, Zimmern visits a restaurant in the city's Chinatown district, where he tries Chinese-style wonton soup and stir-fried frog legs. He also stops by a street vendor selling "corn soup," a popular snack made from corn, coconut milk, and spices.

In Tobago, Zimmern meets with a local fisherman who takes him out to sea to catch some fresh fish. They then head to a beach where Zimmern helps prepare a "loo-loo," a dish made from grated root vegetables and salted codfish. The dish is wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on a fire.

Zimmern also visits a rum distillery in Tobago, where he learns about the history of rum production on the island. He tries several different varieties of rum and meets with locals who explain the cultural significance of the spirit in Trinidad and Tobago.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern highlights the unique blend of African, Indian, Chinese, and European influences that have shaped the food culture of Trinidad and Tobago. He also explores the ways in which food serves as a social and cultural connector for the diverse communities on these islands. By the end of his journey, Zimmern is left with a deep appreciation for the vibrant and varied food traditions of Trinidad and Tobago.