A taste of Trinidad and Tobago is making history in China.
From the streets of San Fernando to the bustling city of Xiamen in southern China, Maverick Restaurant, opened by T&T nationals Cherrese De Abreau and Marlon Ransome, is being hailed as the first Trini restaurant in China.
According to Cherrese, customers have been introduced to everything from doubles and macaroni pie to soca, calypso, and Caribbean hospitality.
“There was never a place where I think people could have gone to really experience at least a bit of what the Caribbean has to offer in a holistic way or in a wholesome way. Where you get the music, the vibes, the food, the drinks, and you know, just having generally a good time the way we do back home.”
The restaurant opened in April 2026, and Marlon said the response was immediate.
“We just opened the doors. We thought we were ready to open. People just started coming. And well, we’re from the Caribbean. We’re from San Fernando. We don’t turn anybody away. They came to the doors. We opened the doors. Everybody came in. We rushed. Macaroni pie, potato salad, pholourie.”
Just weeks after opening, the restaurant has already built a loyal following, with plans underway to expand to additional locations.
But for its owners, the real success lies in seeing a once unfamiliar culture embraced by people on the other side of the world.