Haitian Cuisine: 10 Must-Eat Drinks and Desserts for an Authentic Christmas
Christmas in Haïti is not limited to festivities and traditional songs. It is also an explosion of flavors, with typical desserts and drinks that delight the taste buds and add a unique touch to the celebrations. Discover 10 must-haves of Haitian gastronomy for an authentic and gourmet Christmas.
Haïti 1. Dous Makòs
A true emblem of Haitian confectionery, dous makòs is a sweet dessert made from condensed milk, sugar and spices. This tricolor fudge, originally from Petit-Goâve, is appreciated for its melting texture and deliciously rich taste.
Present on all tables during the holidays, it is often shared as a sweet that symbolizes conviviality.
Haïti 2. Pain Patate
Pain patate is a traditional dessert prepared with sweet potatoes, coconut milk, spices, and sometimes raisins. Its soft texture and warm aromas make it a favorite during Christmas celebrations.
Served warm, this cake is a true ode to sweetness and a must-have for festive evenings in Haiti.
Haïti 3. Bonbon Syrup
With its intense molasses flavor and slightly crunchy consistency, bonbon syrup is an artisanal treat that recalls the flavors of yesteryear. Prepared with cane sugar, ginger, and spices, this dessert is both simple and rich in flavor.
Its popularity during Christmas reflects Haitians’ attachment to culinary traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Haïti 4. Akasan
Akasan is a creamy, slightly sweet drink made from corn flour, milk, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Consumed hot, it is ideal for cool December evenings.
It is often shared with family, creating moments of complicity around this comforting and nutritious drink.
Haïti 5. Kremas
No Christmas celebration in Haïti is complete without the famous kremas. This creamy blend of condensed milk, coconut milk, rum, and spices is a festive drink par excellence.
Its sweet and slightly alcoholic taste makes it a real treat, appreciated by young adults as well as elders.
Haïti Cuisine: “JOUNEN RETWOUVAY AK MANJE AYISYEN” on the occasion of Andy Vibert’s Birthday
On October 19, 2023, the Haitian community came together to celebrate Andy Vibert’s birthday in an extraordinary way, by organizing a special event titled "JOUNEN RETWOUVAY AK MANJE AYISYEN." This exceptional day was an opportunity to highlight the richness of Haitian cuisine by offering a delicious variety of traditional dishes, such as joumou soup, chiktay, weighed bananas, tonmtonm, tchaka, lalo, white rice, pea and vegetable puree, bòy ak sòs pwa, and of course, the famous griots.
Beyond the simple celebration of an anniversary, this evening had a deeper objective, namely to encourage fellow Haitians to favor local consumption. Andy Vibert, by highlighting these traditional dishes, wanted to make guests aware of the importance of supporting national production.
Haïti 6. Konparèt
Originally from the South of Haiti, konparèt is a dense and spicy pastry made with flour, coconut, and ginger. With its strong taste and unique texture, it is perfect to accompany a cup of tea or coffee during the holidays.
Its longevity as a traditional dessert is a testament to its cultural importance and irresistible character.
Haïti 7. Tablèt Cocoye
Tablèt cocoye is a treat made with grated coconut, sugar, and sometimes spices like vanilla. This crunchy dessert is both simple to prepare and extremely tasty.
Ideal for snacking between meals, it is one of those little sweets that reminds us of childhood and shared moments of happiness.
Haïti 8. Pistach Tablèt
Similar to the cocoye tablèt, but made with peanuts, the pistach tablèt is an irresistible treat. With its mixture of caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, it combines crunch and deliciousness.
Very popular during Christmas, it is often offered as a gourmet gift.
Haïti 9. Chadeque Jam
Chadeque jam, prepared from Haitian grapefruit, is a slightly bitter and sweet treat. Spread on bread or eaten with a spoon, it brings a refined touch to any Christmas meal.
Its artisanal preparation and unique taste make it a true culinary treasure.
Haïti 10. Bonbon Amidon
Bonbon amidon is a delicate dessert, made from corn starch, milk and sugar. Its melting texture and slightly sweet taste make it a subtle sweetness that appeals to all ages.
This candy, often served during special occasions, is a symbol of sharing and generosity.
An Explosion of Flavors for an Authentic Christmas
Christmas desserts and drinks in Haïti are not simple dishes: they tell stories, transmit traditions and bring people together. Each bite is a celebration of Haitian culture, rich in tastes and authenticity.
This holiday season, indulge in these local sweets and discover all the richness of Haitian cuisine through its must-have desserts and drinks. Share them with your loved ones for a memorable Christmas, marked by generosity and gourmet pleasure.