Doubles cart

- 161-20 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers who understand that the city’s best food often comes from the most unassuming places, the Doubles cart located on Jamaica Avenue represents a true culinary treasure. Though it may be categorized under the broad "bakery" type in some directories due to its primary carbohydrate component—a unique fried flatbread—this establishment is, in reality, a beloved street vendor specializing in one of the most iconic and essential foods of Trinidad and Tobago: Doubles. It is a mandatory stop for anyone in the Jamaica, Queens area seeking authentic, affordable, and incredibly flavorful Caribbean street cuisine.

A "Doubles cart" is not a traditional Western bakery selling croissants and loaves; rather, it is a specialist vendor whose entire operation revolves around making and serving this specific dish. Doubles consist of two pieces of soft, fried flatbread called bara, which serves as a shell, cradling a savory filling of curried chickpeas (channa). It is typically topped with various condiments such as mango, cucumber, tamarind, and hot pepper sauce, allowing for a personalized level of heat and flavor. For many Queens residents, this cart is an important cultural touchstone, delivering a taste of the Caribbean right to the streets of New York, providing a quick breakfast, lunch, or snack that is truly unparalleled in its delicious simplicity.

Location and Accessibility

The location of the Doubles cart is key to its success and accessibility for the New York public. It is situated right in the center of the action in Jamaica, Queens, at 161-20 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA. Jamaica Avenue is one of Queens' most significant and bustling commercial corridors, known for its high foot traffic, shopping, and proximity to major transit lines.

For New Yorkers, this location is incredibly convenient. The cart is positioned in the 11432 zip code, directly along a heavily trafficked street that is served by the elevated subway lines—specifically the J and Z trains—and multiple MTA bus routes. Being right on Jamaica Avenue means it is easily reachable for locals working or shopping in the area, as well as for commuters passing through the nearby transit hubs. Its status as a street vendor ensures it is often found right where the public needs a quick bite. The highly visible spot along Jamaica Avenue means a spontaneous and satisfying meal is always just steps away, cementing its role as a key part of the local food ecosystem.

Services Offered

The Doubles cart focuses on a highly specialized menu, which allows it to maintain exceptional speed and quality. While its services are simple and direct, they are perfectly tailored to the fast-moving, grab-and-go demands of the New York street food scene.

• Specialized Street Food Service: The core service is the preparation and sale of Trinidadian Doubles, served quickly and hot to customers.
• Takeout / Grab-and-Go: As a street cart, all transactions are naturally Takeout. This model is ideal for New Yorkers needing a fast and affordable meal on the run.
• Customized Spice Levels: Customers are always given the option to customize their order with various hot sauces and chutneys (e.g., pepper sauce, mango, tamarind) to achieve their desired level of flavor and heat.
• Preparation of Bara (The "Bakery" Component): The defining component of the doubles, the soft, yeast-leavened fried flatbread known as bara, is prepared fresh, which is why the business may be classified as a 'bakery' type.
• Focus on Channa (Curried Chickpeas): The essential filling, curried chickpeas, is served warm and seasoned to perfection, making up the bulk of the meal.

Features / Highlights

The Doubles cart, despite its simple setup, boasts several key features and highlights that make it a standout and memorable food destination for Queens residents and visitors alike:

• Authenticity: The cart is a highly-regarded source for truly authentic Trinidadian Doubles, offering a genuine Caribbean flavor experience that is difficult to find outside of dedicated ethnic enclaves.
• Exceptional Value: Doubles are notoriously affordable. For New Yorkers seeking a filling, satisfying, and delicious meal that won't break the bank, the Doubles cart offers one of the best value propositions in the area.
• Speed and Efficiency: Street food is defined by its speed. The cart’s highly focused menu ensures that service is incredibly fast, allowing busy locals to grab a hot, fresh meal in minutes.
• Cultural Icon in Queens: In Jamaica, a neighborhood with a large and vibrant Caribbean population, the Doubles cart is more than a food vendor; it's a cultural fixture and a symbol of Caribbean cuisine's strong presence in Queens.
• The Freshness of the Bara: While it’s street food, the fresh preparation of the bara bread is critical. This soft, slightly chewy base is the reason for the 'bakery' classification and is a major highlight that defines the quality of the Doubles.

Contact Information

As an operational street food vendor, a fixed phone line is typically not available, and operating hours can sometimes vary based on weather or supply. However, the most reliable and direct way to connect with the Doubles cart is by visiting its fixed street address during standard operating hours, which are generally focused on peak meal times.

Address: 161-20 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA

Phone: (Specific phone number is not available; customers are encouraged to visit the location directly.)

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers, the Doubles cart on Jamaica Avenue is absolutely worth choosing—it offers an experience and a taste sensation that encapsulates the city's diverse street food scene. It is worth choosing over a conventional bakery or fast-food chain for several reasons rooted in local culture and culinary quality.

Firstly, it offers a distinct, deep dive into one of the most beloved regional foods represented in New York City. For food enthusiasts, or for those seeking to expand their palate beyond typical NYC fare, tasting authentic Doubles prepared by specialists is a must-do. You are not just buying a snack; you are experiencing a small, perfect piece of Trinidadian culinary culture.

Secondly, it is an unbeatable combination of affordability and satisfaction. In a city where quick meals can often be expensive or lackluster, the Doubles cart consistently provides a hot, savory, and filling option at a price point that appeals to everyone, from students to workers on a lunch break. The quality of the curried channa, combined with the soft, fresh bara, makes it a superior choice for an on-the-go meal.

Finally, by choosing the Doubles cart, New Yorkers are supporting the independent, often family-run, micro-businesses that give Queens its vibrant, multicultural character. Its location on Jamaica Avenue is a testament to the area’s rich tapestry of cultures. When you visit this unique 'bakery'—specializing in the beloved bara—you are not just satisfying a craving; you are engaging with the authentic, street-level heartbeat of Jamaica, Queens.

Doubles cart

161-20 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432, USA