Table of Contents

Haitian Cuisine

Joumou Soup

Joumou soup is a traditional Haitian dish enjoyed on New Year's Day to celebrate Haitian Independence Day. It's a hearty soup made with pumpkin, beef or chicken, vegetables, and spices, symbolizing freedom and resilience. 1)

Griot

Griot is a popular Haitian dish featuring marinated and fried pork chunks. The pork is typically marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, garlic, and spices, then fried until crispy and golden brown. It's often served with pikliz, a spicy pickled vegetable relish, and fried plantains. 2)

Tasso

Tasso is a flavorful Haitian dish made from smoked and seasoned turkey or goat meat. The meat is marinated in a mixture of spices, including thyme, cloves, and Scotch bonnet peppers, then smoked to perfection. It's often served as a main dish with rice and beans. 3)

Lambi

Lambi, or conch, is a popular seafood dish in Haitian cuisine. The conch meat is tenderized, then simmered in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It's often served with rice and fried plantains. 4)

Diri Djon Djon

Diri Djon Djon is a traditional Haitian rice dish made with black mushrooms known as djon djon. The rice is cooked with mushrooms, which impart a unique flavor and dark color to the dish. It's often served with chicken, seafood, or vegetables. 5)

Akra

Akra is a savory Haitian fritter made from grated malanga (taro root) or yuca (cassava). The grated root vegetables are mixed with spices, formed into balls, and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. Akra is often served as a snack or appetizer. 6)

Bouillon

Bouillon is a hearty Haitian soup made with meat (such as chicken, beef, or fish), vegetables, and spices. It's often served as a comforting meal, especially during cold weather or as a remedy for illness. 7)

Pikliz

Pikliz is a spicy Haitian condiment made from pickled vegetables, typically cabbage, carrots, and Scotch bonnet peppers, flavored with vinegar, lime juice, and spices. It adds a flavorful kick to many Haitian dishes, including griot and fried fish. 8)

Pikliz Poisson

Pikliz Poisson is a Haitian dish consisting of fried fish served with pikliz, a spicy pickled vegetable relish. The fish is seasoned with herbs and spices, then fried until crispy and golden brown. It's often served with rice and fried plantains. 9)

Pain Patate

Pain Patate is a traditional Haitian sweet potato pudding flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and rum. It's often served as a dessert during holidays and special occasions, such as Christmas and Easter. 10)

Street food

Popular Haitian street food is made from fried slices of breadfruit stuffed with a savory filling, typically salted fish, meat, or cheese. It's a delicious and satisfying snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. 11)

Legim

Legim is a flavorful Haitian vegetable stew made with a variety of root vegetables, such as carrots, cabbage, eggplant, and spinach, cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce. It's often served with rice and beans or cornmeal. 12)

Mayi Moulen

Mayi Moulen, or Haitian cornmeal porridge, is a comforting and nourishing breakfast dish made with cornmeal, milk, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and vanilla. It's often served hot and topped with raisins or grated coconut. 13)

Kalalou

Kalalou is a traditional Haitian dish made with okra cooked in a flavorful sauce with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. It's often served with rice and beans or as a side dish with meat or seafood. 14)

Banan Peze

Banan Peze, or fried green plantains, are a popular side dish in Haitian cuisine. The plantains are sliced, flattened, and fried until crispy and golden brown. They're often served with griot, fried fish, or other Haitian dishes. 15)