Pholourie

Pholourie, also known as phulourie or phoulourie, is a cherished snack in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname. These delightful treats consist of fried, spiced dough balls typically served with chutney, often tamarind or mango.

The dough is prepared from a blend of flour, ground split peas, water, and an array of spices, including green seasoning, garlic, pepper, turmeric, onions, and cumin. Once the ingredients are combined, the dough is shaped into golf ball-sized pieces and fried until golden brown.

Pholourie is commonly sold as street food in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, where vendors offer them from food carts and takeaway spots.

Its origins trace back to Indian cuisine, brought to the Caribbean by Indian migrants who arrived as indentured laborers in the 19th century. These migrants adapted their traditional recipes using local ingredients, creating a fusion that is now a staple of Caribbean cuisine. Pholourie is also closely associated with the Hindu festival of Phagwah. The name "pholourie" likely derives from the Bengali dish "fuluri" which resembles Indian pakoras.

In popular culture, the song "Pholourie Bina Chutney Kaise Bani" by Sundar Popo underscores how integral chutney is to the enjoyment of pholourie.