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The Delights of Haitian Cuisine: 20 Essential DishesHaitian food
The Delights of Haitian Cuisine: 20 Essential Dishes
Haitian food
  • November 24, 2023
  • | 1

The Delights of Haitian Cuisine: 20 Essential Dishes

Haitian cuisine is often considered one of the best in the world, thanks to its spicy flavors and tasty dishes. It reflects the rich history and culture of the country, mixing African, European and Caribbean influences. We invite you to explore 20 must-try Haitian delights, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Haïti : Diri blan, sòs pwa, legimHaïti : Diri blan, sòs pwa, legim

1. Diri blan, sòs pwa, legim

“Mèt afè a”, it is often considered the dish most appreciated by Haitians.
This Haitian classic consists of white rice, pea puree, and stewed vegetables. Flavored with traditional spices, this dish is balanced, nutritious and delicious, often served on special occasions.

Haïti : Pate kòdeHaïti : Pate kòde

2. Pate kòde

Impossible to walk the Haitian streets without encountering a “Pate Kòde” seller. This traditional delicacy, found in alleyways as well as in upscale restaurants, is a tasty blend of dough, spices, and meat, often chicken. Whichever flavor you choose, each bite is an explosion of authentic tastes.

Haïti : Soup joumouHaïti : Soup joumou

3. Soup joumou

“Soup Joumou” is emblematic in Haiti, celebrating the country’s independence on January 1st. Prepared with giraumon, it symbolizes the freedom acquired in 1804 and recalls the ban on this ingredient for slaves under the French colonial regime.

Haïti : Diri ShelaHaïti : Diri Shela

4. Diri Shela, Poul Fri

Haitian Diri Shella Rice is often accompanied by fried chicken sauce, creating a pure delicacy enjoyed during the festivities.

Haïti : Diri a djondjonHaïti : Diri a djondjon

5. Diri a djondjon, sòs poul

“Diri ak Djondjon” is a popular dish with its black rice thanks to the “djondjon” mushroom. Paired with a flavorful chicken sauce, it’s a unique dining experience.

Haïti : Tonmtonm Ak sòs KalalouHaïti : Tonmtonm Ak sòs Kalalou

6. Tonmtonm Ak sòs Kalalou

A traditional dish from the town of Jérémie, “Tonmtonm Ak sòs Kalalou” combines breadfruit with a kalalou, beef, chicken or crab gumbo sauce.

Haïti : GriyoHaïti : Griyo

7. Griyo

Haitian griot is a popular traditional dish, consisting of pieces of pork marinated, boiled and fried to a crispy texture on the outside and tender on the inside.

Haïti : Mayi sòs pwa nwaHaïti : Mayi sòs pwa nwa

8. Mayi sòs pwa, sòs vyann ak Kalalou

A preparation made from corn, black beans and beef or chicken, accompanied by kalalou okra, offering a unique delicacy.

Haïti : RagouHaïti : Ragou

9. Ragou

A classic Haitian stew made with chunks of meat, vegetables and spices, creating a perfect symphony of flavors.

Haïti : Bouyon Tèt KabritHaïti : Bouyon Tèt Kabrit

10. Bouyon Tèt Kabrit

This traditional goat’s head soup is simmered with herbs, root vegetables and plantains, providing a hearty dish for special occasions.

Haïti : Bannann a pwasonHaïti : Bannann a pwason

11. Bannann a pwason

A balanced and energetic dish based on banana and boiled fish sauce, accompanied by salad, constituting a pure delight.

Haïti : FritayHaïti : Fritay

12. Fritay

One of the most popular street foods, fritay, offers a variety of fried foods such as plantains, pate kòde, accra, pickle and others.

Haïti : LaloHaïti : Lalo

13. Lalo

Haitian lalo, made from lalo leaves, is accompanied by white rice, providing a delicious experience.

Haïti : Poulet Aux NoixHaïti : Poulet Aux Noix

14. Poulet Aux Noix

This fusion of chicken in sauce and cashew nuts offers an extraordinary taste, particularly appreciated in the north of the country.

Haïti : TchakaHaïti : Tchaka

15. Tchaka

Originally from Haiti, tchaka is a stew of red beans, corn and pork, associated with a festive and family atmosphere.

Haïti : Diri sòs pwa kongo ak sòs poulHaïti : Diri sòs pwa kongo ak sòs poul

16. Diri sòs pwa kongo ak sòs poul

A blend of white rice, beans and chicken sauce, offering a comforting treat, perfect in winter.

Haïti : Pwason BoukannenHaïti : Pwason Boukannen

17. Pwason Boukannen

Haitian “pwason boukannen”, grilled fish, highlights the freshness of the fish with tasty seasonings.

Haïti : Pen PatatHaïti : Pen Patat

18. Pen Patat

A classic dessert made with sweet potatoes, bananas, butter, eggs and coconut milk, offering unrivaled sweetness.

Haïti : Boulèt lamHaïti : Boulèt lam

19. Boulèt lam

Warm, spicy golden breadfruit croquettes, often served at special events.

Haïti : SaladHaïti : Salad

20. Salad

A creamy and flavorful beet and potato salad made with potatoes, beets, onions, salt, mayonnaise, spices and sometimes corn and other vegetables.

Explore these Haitian delights for a unique culinary experience, delving into the heart of the gastronomic richness of this magnificent Caribbean country.

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About the Author
Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

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Decoste Claufil Godson

C'est vraiment bien et beau le fait de promouvoir notre culture, ou de préférence de rappeler aux haïtiens, nos frères et soeurs que nous avons eu une histoire, une si belle histoire et un si beau paysage. Et nous en sommes très fiers. Merci🔥🔥

January 11, 2024 - 05:48:03 PM
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History

History

First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

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Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

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Heritage

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Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.