Haitian Cuisine: Chiktay Aransò Recipe!
Smoked herring chiquetaille, or chiktay aransò, is perfect as a starter or side dish with bread or cassava.

Haitian and African cuisine are gastronomic treasures that highlight local ingredients and preparation techniques passed down through generations. Among the most popular dishes of both cuisines, Haitian Tonmtonm and African Foutou (or Fufu) are distinguished by their rich flavors and unique textures. These two dishes, although they share a similar foundation - the use of local products such as cassava or plantain - have interesting differences, especially in their preparation, taste and accompaniment.
Readers and little chefs of Haïti Wonderland, I present to you on a golden platter the recipe for corn à la bonne femme. Take your time and share your creation in the comments!
Once a staple in Haitian homes, pea broth was a true culinary tradition, served almost every Saturday. This nourishing and comforting dish brought families together around the table, offering an explosion of flavors and essential nutritional intake. However, with changing eating habits and the growing influence of fast food, it is prepared less and less by the new generation, at the risk of falling into oblivion. Haitian pea broth is a thick soup prepared with red or black peas, simmered for a long time until they obtain a velvety texture. This broth is then seasoned with local spices such as garlic, thyme, parsley and cloves, then garnished with vegetables such as carrots and spinach. Some variations add pieces of meat, often beef or pork, and small dumplings called "dombrés" "bòy", which give it even more consistency. So why not revive this tradition and prepare a good pea broth this Saturday, like our grandparents did?
Haitian lalo is an iconic dish of traditional southern Haitian cuisine, particularly popular in the Les Cayes region. Rich in flavor and deeply rooted in the local culinary culture, this dish is prepared with lalo leaves (shrub), pork, and crab, slowly simmered with a blend of Creole spices. Its slightly viscous texture, inherited from the lalo leaves, may be surprising, but it contributes to the dish’s authenticity and creaminess. In this article, discover the complete recipe for Haitian lalo, with practical tips for successfully preparing this dish like a true Haitian chef. Whether you’re curious to try a traditional dish or want to reconnect with your roots, this recipe offers a true culinary journey to the heart of Haiti.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s vibrant capital, is much more than just a city. It’s a melting pot of flavors, a place where street food reigns supreme, offering a unique and authentic culinary experience. In the heart of this bustling metropolis, every corner transforms into a gourmet market, an ode to Haitian gastronomy. The tantalizing smells of grilled meats, spicy sauces, and simmering dishes invite you on a sensory exploration. Improvised stalls, often set up on rickety wooden tables, line the streets, offering a variety of culinary delights. From "griots" to "tassot," including "bannann peze" and "pikliz," each dish tells a story, a tradition passed down from generation to generation. For culinary adventurers, Haitian street food is an unforgettable experience. Every bite is a testament to the creativity and passion of the impromptu chefs, who transform simple ingredients into delicious and authentic dishes. Tell us in the comments which dish you ate until you lost your breath on the streets of Port-au-Prince, or share a great experience you’ve had!
Diri kole ak pwa, a signature dish of Haitian cuisine, was recently recognized by the prestigious culinary magazine Taste Atlas as one of the best bean dishes in the world. This distinction highlights one of Haiti’s most beloved dishes, where rice and beans come together to create a rich and comforting culinary experience.
Crémas is one of the most iconic drinks in Haitian culture, especially enjoyed during the Christmas holiday season. This sweet and creamy cocktail has become a staple during family and community celebrations. This article invites you to discover this delicious beverage, its history, its preparation, and the importance it holds for Haitians during Christmas.
Haitian pain patate is a staple of traditional Haitian cuisine, often prepared for special occasions, holidays, or simply for the pleasure of enjoying a homemade dessert rich in flavor. This soft cake made with sweet potato, coconut milk, banana, and a savory blend of spices delights with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and irresistible aroma. Easy to make and full of character, pain patate is a true Proust madeleine for many Haitians. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or eager to discover a classic Caribbean pastry, this recipe will guide you step by step to successfully make this iconic Haitian dessert.
The question of whether Haïti is on the African continent sometimes comes up, but the answer is clear: Haïti is not on the African continent. This island country is located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean and is part of the American continent, specifically Central America and the Antilles. However, the historical and cultural connection between Haïti and Africa is deep and deserves a more detailed exploration.
Jean-Jacques Dessalines is an emblematic figure in modern world history for his fruitful involvement in the fight against the slave system. Through his dedication and courage, he embodied the indomitable spirit of an entire black people forcibly deported from the African continent, implanted by this same violent mechanism, in America to suffer, but determined to free themselves from oppression by forging their own destiny despite all the risks and difficulties. Dessalines’ entire life, his entire journey bears the mark of a life inscribed in the fight to free his loved ones. His unfailing determination and passion for freedom made him a living symbol of resistance for all the oppressed nations of the earth, more than two centuries after his death. We wrongly associate the image of Jean-Jacques Dessalines with chaos. The sole aim is to discredit his immense legacy before the eyes of history. “Koupe tèt, boule Kay” is the preferred expression to use for such purposes against his character, along the way, expressly forgetting the historical context hidden in the back of the “koupe tèt boule Kay” in question, also refusing to register this approach historical in the logic of a just and courageous stand, in the face of a barbaric, slavery system, devoid of morality and humanity.
Le Makaya est bien plus qu’une simple fête ; il est un pilier spirituel du vaudou haïtien, une tradition vivante qui lie les croyances ancestrales aux rituels de purification, de guérison et de renouveau. Célébré principalement à la fin du mois de décembre, le Makaya tire ses racines de l’Afrique, en particulier des civilisations bantoues, et se déroule dans un contexte profondément spirituel où les liens avec les ancêtres et les forces naturelles sont essentiels. Le terme "Makaya", qui signifie "feuilles" en Kikongo, est intrinsèquement lié à la nature et aux plantes, éléments essentiels du vaudou. Ce lien direct avec la nature fait du Makaya un moment de purification, où les croyants se connectent à la terre et aux esprits par l’intermédiaire des végétaux. La tradition du Makaya vient des peuples Bantous, principalement du Congo, et de leurs pratiques spirituelles qui ont été transposées, adaptées et enrichies par la diaspora haïtienne pendant la période de l’esclavage. La période du Makaya commence le 21 décembre, lors du solstice d’hiver, une date symbolique marquant la victoire de la lumière sur les ténèbres, le commencement du renouveau solaire. Dans le vaudou, cette époque est perçue comme un moment d’introspection où la nuit la plus longue de l’année se transforme lentement en jour, apportant avec elle des forces purificatrices et régénératrices.
Haitian cuisine is rich and flavorful and is a true reflection of the country’s culture, history and traditions. It combines African, European and indigenous influences to offer diverse and delicious dishes. From everyday meals to traditional feasts, food in Haïti is more than just a way to eat, it’s a cultural experience. Discover with us what they eat in Haiti, and let yourself be seduced by the unique flavors of this Caribbean country.
On Friday, August 16, 2024, the historic city of Cap-Haïtien was the scene of a new edition of the OKAP ANN PEDALE event, marking the launch of the fifth edition of SUMMER STREET. This annual event, now unmissable, was distinguished by an effervescent atmosphere and a strong message aimed at promoting the Northern region of Haiti.

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.

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

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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.