Trini Vybez: Elevating the Flavors of Trinidad and Tobago in the Heart of DC

Natalia Kalloo, a government employee turned entrepreneur, has brought the vibrant tastes of her Caribbean homeland to the nation's capital with the opening of Trini Vybez, a modern Caribbean eatery in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Blending traditional Trinidadian street food with a refined, sit-down dining experience, Kalloo's venture is poised to introduce a new generation of diners to the rich culinary heritage of the twin-island republic.

Bringing the Flavors of Trinidad and Tobago to the Nation's Capital

From Government Bureaucrat to Culinary Trailblazer

Natalia Kalloo's journey to becoming a successful restaurateur is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Born in St. James, Trinidad, Kalloo learned the art of cooking from her parents, honing her skills in the kitchen from a young age. After moving to D.C. at the age of five, Kalloo pursued a career in the District's government, working as a veteran employee in the Office of Administrative Hearings. However, her true calling lay in the culinary world, and she began to devote more and more of her time to a side hustle: selling spices and seasonings at local farmers markets.

The Birth of Trini Vybez

Kalloo's customers were captivated by the dishes she cooked, using her own homemade seasonings, and her business eventually evolved into a Trini food truck. Recognizing the growing demand for authentic Caribbean cuisine in the nation's capital, Kalloo decided to take the next step and establish a brick-and-mortar presence. In October 2022, Trini Vybez opened its doors, a bi-level modern Caribbean eatery that combines the vibrant flavors of Trinidad and Tobago with a sophisticated dining experience.

Elevating Trinidadian Street Food

While the upper reaches of Georgia Avenue are dotted with traditional Trinidadian carryout spots specializing in roti wraps, curry chicken, and the beloved Indo-Caribbean dish known as doubles, Trini Vybez offers a unique twist on these beloved classics. Kalloo's menu showcases a diverse array of dishes that showcase the depth and complexity of Trinidadian cuisine, from mango salad and cumin-scented geera pork to aloo curry with chickpeas and Trini-Chinese-style wings.

A Dining Experience that Celebrates Caribbean Culture

The upstairs dining room at Trini Vybez is designed to transport diners to the Caribbean, with tropical plants, a full bar, and the eye-catching red, white, and black color scheme of the Trinibagonian flag. Kalloo's vision was to take the vibrant street food of Trinidad and Tobago and elevate it into a full-service dining experience, allowing customers to savor the flavors of her homeland in a sophisticated setting.

Embracing the Diversity of Trinidadian Cuisine

At Trini Vybez, fans of Indo-Caribbean street foods can indulge in classic dishes like pholourie, fried dough balls made from split-pea flour, served with a selection of chutneys. Doubles, the beloved street food staple, are also available as a starter, with the option to add proteins like shrimp or chicken. The menu also features a range of curried meats and vegetables, served over rice or as part of a traditional Trinidadian roti, with the choice of either bussupshut (torn-up, flaky roti for dipping) or dhalpuri (a roti filled with a dusting of seasoned split peas).

A Hybrid Dining Experience: Soca Cafe and Trini Vybez

Trini Vybez is not just a restaurant; it's a hybrid dining experience that also includes Soca Cafe, a wine bar and Trinidadian pastry shop located on the ground floor. Kalloo envisioned this space as a place where customers can enjoy a currant roll with an espresso on a weekend morning or pair a glass of California pinot with oxtail sliders in the evening, all while immersing themselves in the vibrant sights and sounds of Trinidadian culture.

Embracing the Support of the District of Columbia

Kalloo is grateful for the support she has received from the District of Columbia in bringing her vision to life. She relied on the city's Great Streets and "Keeping it Cool" grant programs for small businesses, which she believes have been instrumental in the successful launch of Trini Vybez. Kalloo is proud to be a part of the city's thriving culinary scene and is committed to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago to the nation's capital.