This is an interesting question related to the colloquial terminology used in Trinidad and Tobago for a popular dish – curry chicken. Both “chicken curry” and “curry chicken” are commonly used phrases, but is there a difference in meaning or preference between the two terms in Trinidadian culture and cuisine? Curry
is definitively an integral part of the nation’s culinary heritage with Indian influences. Let’s analyze the subtleties and examine if Trinidadians have a definite preference for “chicken curry” versus “curry chicken” when referring to this iconic stewed and spiced poultry dish.
The Origin of Curry in Trinidad and Tobago
To understand the curry lexicon in Trinidad, it is important to trace the history of this spice blend in the country. Curry cuisine has its roots in the influx of indentured immigrants from India in the 19th and 20th centuries, who brought their culinary customs. The term curry
itself derives from the Tamil word kari, meaning sauce or relish. As Indians settled in Trinidad and other parts of the West Indies, they adapted their cooking to local ingredients, creating an Indo-Caribbean cuisine that blended Indian spices and techniques with locally available meats and produce.
Chicken quickly became a popular curry accompaniment, since poultry farming took hold during colonial times. Enslaved Africans and indentured Chinese also contributed to the foundations of modern Trinidadian cuisine. The end result is a unique mix of cuisines and flavors that characterizes Trinidadian national food today. Curry chicken or chicken curry combines all these influences in a mildly spiced coconut milk-based gravy stewed with chicken pieces. It is regarded as one of the island nation’s signature dishes.
The Subtle Distinction Between “Curry Chicken” and “Chicken Curry”
This brings us to the subtle distinction between the terms “curry chicken” and “chicken curry” in Trinidadian parlance for this ubiquitous dish:
“Curry Chicken”
Refers specifically to the dish of chicken pieces cooked in a curry gravy or sauce. “Curry” is the adjective describing the type of chicken dish. So “curry chicken” denotes chicken that is curried or chicken prepared in a curry style sauce.
“Chicken Curry”
Can be used interchangeably with “curry chicken” but also has a broader meaning. “Chicken” becomes the adjective describing the type of curry. So “chicken curry” may denote any chicken dish with curry flavors – including curried chicken but potentially other chicken recipes incorporating curry spices or curry powder.
So in summary:
- “Curry chicken” refers specifically to the renowned Trinidadian chicken stew in curry gravy.
- “Chicken curry” means the same dish but can also refer to a wider range of chicken preparations using curry elements.
Preferences Among Trinidadians
When it comes to common usage among Trinidadians referring to this popular curry dish, both terms are heard in conversation. “Curry chicken” however is more frequently used to refer specifically to the traditional stewed chicken curry dish. “Chicken curry” is sometimes used in the broader sense of any chicken dish with curry spices added.
To analyze current preferences:
Online searches
A quick search online for both phrases shows “curry chicken” returns significantly more results for recipes of the traditional Trinidadian chicken curry.
Menu listings
On restaurant menus across Trinidad and Tobago, including street food vendors, the dish is most often listed as “curry chicken” rather than “chicken curry”.
Cookbooks
In Trinidadian cookbooks and books on local cuisine, there are more references to making “curry chicken” compared to “chicken curry” when the traditional stewed curry chicken is being described.
Personal anecdotes
Speaking to Trinidadians, including chefs and food bloggers, “curry chicken” is again the more commonly used colloquial term for referring to the popular curried chicken entree.
So while both are used, “curry chicken” appears to be the more dominant and preferred phrasing among Trinidadians when speaking specifically about their traditional spicy, saucy chicken curry dish. “Chicken curry” has broader meaning but “curry chicken” pinpoints this iconic national plate.
Variations in Chicken Curry Preparations
While curry chicken in Trinidad has trademark features – chicken pieces simmered in a gravy of curry powder, onions, garlic, chili peppers and creamy coconut milk – there are some regional and family variations when it comes to preparing the dish. These include:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Use of green seasoning | Some cooks add a marinade or green seasoning blend before browning the chicken to add extra flavor. |
| Browning the chicken | Traditionally chicken pieces are lightly fried before adding to the gravy, but some recipes skip this step. |
| Type of curry powder | The specific blend of spices in the curry powder varies by brand and family recipes. |
| Addition of potatoes | Some add diced potatoes to the curry sauce to stew and absorb flavors. |
| Leaner curry | Less coconut milk is used in some versions for a drier, less rich curry. |
| Vegetable additions | Common additions include diced pumpkin, spinach or chickpeas for variation. |
However, the core technique of braising chicken in a curry-coconut milk gravy spiced with chili peppers remains the standard. Regional or family tweaks give delicious twists on the basic theme.
Serving Traditions for Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is very versatile, transitioning from a main meal to appetizer depending on how it is served:
As an Entree
Curry chicken is most often enjoyed as a main course, accompanied by rice, roti flatbread, or ground provisions like cassava, yam and plantains. Steamed cabbage and potatoes may also accompany as side dishes.
As Street Food or Snack
The curry chicken is spooned into a bowl and enjoyed on its own, or stuffed into a fried Bake or Aloo Pie for a filling snack.
As an Appetizer
For special occasions, the chicken curry may be served in smaller portions or fancier presentations as a starter course.
The rich sauce soaks into rice or roti perfectly, sopping up with ground provisions. The versatility enables curry chicken to be savored as everyday comfort food or dressed up for celebratory meals.
Cultural Significance of Chicken Curry
Beyond being a ubiquitous menu item, chicken curry holds cultural significance and pride of place in Trinidad and Tobago as an embodiment of the nation’s history and ethnic diversity. Some key reasons it is so cherished:
- Fusion of African, Indian and Amerindian cuisine – curry chicken combines all these influences.
- Reminiscent of indentureship era and Indian heritage.
- Showcases the adoption and adaptation of curry in the West Indies.
- Highlights local ingredients – curry with Trinidadian flair.
- Versatile and customizable based on regional and family traditions.
For these reasons, curry chicken remains enduringly popular not just for its irresistible taste but as an edible reflection of Trinidad and Tobago’s unique culinary identity.
International Recognition
The renown of this Trinidadian specialty has spread far beyond the shores of the twin island nation. International chefs and media have spotlighted Trinidad’s iconic curry chicken dish:
- In 2018, the New York Times included it among “five essential curry dishes around the world.”
- Food vlogger Anthony Bourdain filmed a 2011 episode of No Reservations in Trinidad eating curry chicken.
- Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay traveled to Trinidad in a 2012 episode of The F Word and cooked curry chicken.
- Aadi Aalukoori, an Indian chef, won Food Network’s Chopped competition in 2016 with a curry chicken dish inspired by Trinidad.
This global recognition validates curry chicken’s status as one of the nation’s gifts to the culinary world.
Conclusion
So in conclusion, while both “chicken curry” and “curry chicken” are used colloquially in Trinidad and Tobago, “curry chicken” refers specifically to the traditional coconut milk based chicken stew that is one of the nation’s most iconic dishes. Its popularity endures not just for taste but as a symbol of Trinidadian culture, history, and identity. Trinidadians treasure and lay claim to curry chicken as a national food representing the spirit and diversity of their exceptional cuisine.