July 31, 2026
Late last month, the Taste the Caribbean USA event brought together Caribbean communities in Brooklyn through food, music, and culture.
Vendors from across the region served traditional dishes while attendees explored the different flavors, traditions, and histories that connect the Caribbean diaspora.
Sassy Ramoutar, founder and executive director of the OMSA Foundation and organizer of the event, said the festival was created to recognize the diversity within the Caribbean community.
When asked how long she had been involved in this type of work, Ramoutar responded, “My whole life.”
This marked the first year of the festival, which Ramoutar said came from her passion for seeing Caribbean communities represented throughout New York City.
“Because I really enjoy seeing the diversity of Caribbean people in New York City,” she said.
Ramoutar, whose family is from Trinidad, said the event was designed to introduce people to the many cultures represented throughout the Caribbean.
“We think it’s really important, and that’s why we held this event,” Ramoutar said. “A lot of people think Caribbeans are just one people, but within the Caribbean diaspora there are so many different cultures and races.”
Ramoutar pointed to the many communities that make up the Caribbean, including Afro-Caribbean, Indo-Caribbean, and Asian Caribbean populations.
She said food, music, and community gatherings provide an opportunity for people to learn about those different backgrounds.
Ramoutar estimated that approximately 3,000 people attended the festival the previous day, with the event running from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mark Persaud, an attorney with Mallilo & Grossman, attended the festival while supporting the OMSA Foundation.
Persaud, whose parents are from Guyana, said events like the festival provide a way for people to connect with Caribbean heritage.
“So, I’m out here for Caribbean Heritage with the OMSA Foundation,” Persaud said.
He said he has participated in similar community events over the past three years, using them as opportunities to engage with residents and make legal resources more accessible.
“Food is like a language, I think, right?” Persaud said.
He discussed how Caribbean islands often share similar dishes while adding their own regional influences, including the differences between Guyanese “chicken curry” and Trinidadian “curry chicken.”
“I’d say just come together and have a good time, right?” Persaud said. He described the festival as an opportunity for New Yorkers to slow down, enjoy different foods, and experience Caribbean culture.
Alexandra Dennis represented Cocoa Bean Juice and Salad Bar, a Haitian-owned business that combines Caribbean flavors with healthier food options.
“For Cocoa Bean, we represent Cocoa Bean Juice and Salad Bar, which is really trying to bring in Caribbean flavors while promoting healthy eating,” Dennis said.
Dennis, who was born in Haiti, said the business serves customers from across the Caribbean community.
“Food is a very huge source of energy,” she said, explaining that food plays a role in both nourishment and bringing families together.
“We keep the healthy aspect in there,” Dennis said, describing the company’s use of alternatives such as oat milk, almond milk, hemp milk, and coconut milk in its drinks. Her message to attendees was simple: “Welcome to the Caribbean. Brooklyn is the Caribbean.”
Amber Ho-Shing, owner of Delicious Snacks and Things, brought a fusion of flavors influenced by her Jamaican, Panamanian, and Chinese heritage. “It’s like part of our DNA, who we are as a people,” Ho-Shing said about the role food plays in culture.
Ho-Shing said her business sold out the previous day, forcing her to reorganize her menu and prepare new items within hours.
“That we bring delicious food made from the heart, and it’s a cultural blend,” she said, describing her approach to combining Caribbean, Asian, Mediterranean, and other culinary influences.
Karen Cooper brought Trinidad-inspired cinnamon rolls featuring traditional spices and flavors.
She said Caribbean food reflects the region’s creativity and encouraged attendees to explore cuisines beyond their own backgrounds.
“The Caribbean has a lot of flavor, taste, and spices,” Cooper said.
Trisha Davidson represented Guyana at the festival and spoke about how food connects people across cultures.
“They must come out and support the different cultures,” Davidson said, encouraging attendees to experience the different traditions represented at the event.
Derek Bahadur, a Queens resident originally from Guyana, attended the festival for the first time to explore the different cuisines available.
“Caribbean food is healthy food,” Bahadur said while discussing his appreciation for the region’s cooking traditions.
Tamika Smith, who represented Jamaica, said the spices used in Caribbean cooking were what attracted her most to the festival.
“Being open to different types of dishes,” Smith said when describing what she hoped visitors would take away from the event.
Keisha Graham, a former neighborhood resident, attended to reconnect with familiar Caribbean flavors.
She said she hoped visitors would discover local restaurants and businesses they had not previously known about.
“Finding restaurants they didn’t know existed,” Graham said.