Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean will transport you to the West Indies via its rich culture — sounds of soca, reggae dancehall, compas and flavors ranging from curry, to jerk, to rich stews. Conveniently located off numerous subway lines, you'll want to stroll along the corridors of Flatbush, Nostrand, Church and Utica Avenues. Here you'll find first, second, and third generation Afro-Caribbean immigrants from Barbados, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, and other island nations who brought culinary, religious, and cultural traditions such as the annual West Indian American Day Parade and Haitian Flag Day that have made Flatbush home for decades.
For this trip, start at Church Avenue, aka Bob Marley Boulevard, where you are welcomed by colorful mosaic murals depicting Caribpolitan Life in Brooklyn by Louis Delsarte. From there, walk north to Nostrand Health Food Store for a nourishing Irish moss also known as sea moss. Next head to the “Lit Strip'' where you can hop between Lips Cafe for coffee and their Vincy style bake & saltfish, Immaculee for the flakiest Haitian smoked herring patties or Aunts et Uncles for a completely plant-based menu where we recommend mofongo, all green everything or smokey mac & cheese washed down with sorrel.
Up next is African Record Center for vintage African and Caribbean vinyl or head to the back of the store to visit their gift shop for bespoke t-shirts, waist beads and colorful handmade fans to cool you off on the hottest of summer days.
Along the strip you will also notice a larger than life Carnival mural which means you’re at Zanmi, a family-friendly Haitian restaurant where you can sample griot, rizdjondjon or lambi. If healthy is more your style, stop at Rain Eatery for coconut shrimp or salmon served with seasonal vegetables and plantains.
No visit to Little Caribbean is complete without a stop at Labay Market for fresh coconut water and island spices, straight from owner Mac’s estate in Grenada. Plan to wait in line as you are on Little Caribbean’s “Power Block” and another can’t miss is Allan’s, a third generation family owned bakery for the One Love Little Caribbean MTA Deal, a power lineup which includes a mini patty, choice of currant or coconut roll, and any slice of cake.
Next we head to Culpeppers for the best Bajan food in New York City and here we always go for fluffy fish cakes that will transport you to Oistens in Barbados. Our last stop for this edition of Island Hopping is Creme and Cocoa, a family owned ice cream shop with over thirty flavors ranging from soursop to Caribbean cocoa to hibiscus and mango passion.
Whatever you choose, you won’t forget this delectable trip through Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean, home to the largest Caribbean population outside of the region itself and full of plenty vibes!
To book a guided walking tour, visit LittleCaribbean.nyc
Check out all of the Little Caribbean Local Stop Deals!
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