In this collection, we have 30 unique and mouth-watering recipes that are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re new to Haitian food or a seasoned fan, these recipes will take you on a flavorful journey.
From delicious dishes like Griot and Tasso to sweet treats like Pain Patate and Konparèt, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s dive in and explore the vibrant flavors of Haiti together!
1. Griot
Griot is a Haitian cuisine that is popular in many households in Haiti.
It offers a delicious blend of marinated pork chunks that are first simmered until tender, and then fried until crispy.
The marinade is a mix of sour orange juice, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
When you bite into griot, you get a fantastic contrast between the juicy interior and the crunchy exterior.
It’s usually served with pikliz, a spicy pickled vegetable relish.
This perfectly complements the rich flavors of the pork.
2. Tasso (Fried Beef)
Tasso is another beloved Haitian dish that’s all about flavor.
This dish features beef that’s marinated in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and a mix of spices.
The result is tender and savory meat with a slightly tangy and spicy kick.
Tasso is often enjoyed with fried plantains and rice,
If you’re a fan of beef, then tasso is something you should definitely try whenever you’re in Haiti.
3. Diri Kole Ak Pwa
Diri Kole Ak Pwa is a comforting dish of rice and red beans cooked together with coconut milk, thyme, and spices.
It’s a staple side dish in Haitian meals and pairs perfectly with almost any main course.
The coconut milk gives it a creamy texture, while the spices add depth and warmth.
This dish is a must-have at any Haitian gathering, and once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved.
4. Legim (Vegetable Stew)
Legim is a delicious vegetable stew that showcases the vibrant flavors of Haitian cuisine.
This dish is packed with a variety of vegetables like eggplant, chayote, and spinach.
They are all simmered together in a rich, tomato-based sauce.
However, in most cases, it is cooked with beef or crab for added flavor.
The result is a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
It’s best enjoyed with a side of white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
5. Soup Joumou
Soup Joumou is not just a dish; it’s a symbol of Haitian independence.
Traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day, this hearty soup is made with pumpkin, beef, and a variety of vegetables and spices.
The soup is rich and flavorful, with a slightly sweet and earthy taste from the pumpkin.
It’s a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for starting the year off right.
If you’ve never had Soup Joumou, then you’re in for a treat.
6. Poulet Aux Noix
Poulet Aux Noix is a delightful chicken stew cooked with cashews and a medley of spices.
The chicken is marinated and simmered, then combined with cashews to add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
Serve it with rice or plantains, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress.
7. Marinad (Haitian Fritters)
Marinad are tasty Haitian fritters made from a simple batter of flour, water, and spices, then deep-fried until they are golden brown.
They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect snack or appetizer.
Marinad can be made with or without meat, depending on your preference.
These fritters are incredibly addictive, and you’ll find it hard to stop at just one.
8. Bouillon (Haitian Stew)
Bouillon is a hearty Haitian stew that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
It typically includes beef or goat, vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and leafy greens like spinach or watercress.
The broth is made with a blend of spices and sometimes flavored with coconut milk.
Bouillon is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly day.
9. Accra (Malanga Fritters)
Accra are delicious fritters made from malanga, a root vegetable similar to taro.
The malanga is grated and mixed with spices and herbs, then deep-fried.
These fritters are a popular street food in Haiti, and for good reason—they’re absolutely delicious.
They’re perfect as a snack or appetizer, and you’ll love the unique flavor and texture of malanga.
10. Pain Patate
Pain Patate is a sweet and indulgent Haitian dessert that is made from sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and spices.
It’s baked until it’s golden brown and has a pudding-like consistency.
The sweet potatoes give it a natural sweetness, while the coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture.
This dessert is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays.
11. Mayi Moulen (Cornmeal)
Mayi Moulen is a versatile Haitian dish that is made from cornmeal cooked with water or broth until it forms porridge.
It’s often flavored with garlic, onions, and spices, and can be served with a variety of toppings like beans, meat, or vegetables.
12. Bannann Peze
Bannann Peze are twice-fried plantains that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The plantains are sliced, fried, flattened, and then fried again to achieve the perfect texture.
They’re often served as a side dish or snack and are a popular accompaniment to many Haitian meals.
Bannann Peze are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when dipped in pikliz.
13. Tassot Kabrit
Tassot Kabrit is a flavorful Haitian dish made from marinated and fried goat meat.
The goat is seasoned with a blend of spices, and then fried.
The result is a dish that’s packed with flavor and has a satisfying crunch.
Tassot Kabrit is often served with fried plantains and rice, making for a delicious and hearty meal.
14. Squash Soup
Joumou is a traditional Haitian soup made from squash, beef, and a variety of vegetables and spices.
It’s similar to Soup Joumou but can be enjoyed year-round.
It’s a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
15. Kalalou (Okra Stew)
Kalalou is a delicious Haitian stew made from okra, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood.
The okra gives the stew a unique texture, while the vegetables and spices add depth and flavor.
Kalalou is often served with rice and is a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of Haitian cuisine.
If you’re a fan of okra, then you’ll love this dish.
16. Lambi An Sòs
Lambi An Sòs is a delectable Haitian dish that is made from conch, a type of shellfish.
The conch is simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices until it’s tender and infused with flavor.
This dish is often served with rice or plantains and is a true delicacy.
If you’ve never tried conch before, then this is a great introduction.
17. Akasan (Cornmeal Drink)
Akasan is a sweet and creamy Haitian drink that is made from cornmeal, milk, and spices.
It’s similar to a porridge but is served as a beverage.
The cornmeal is cooked with milk and sweetened with sugar, then flavored with vanilla and cinnamon.
Akasan is a popular breakfast drink in Haiti and is both comforting and satisfying.
18. Diri Djon Djon
Diri Djon Djon is a unique Haitian rice dish made with black mushrooms that give the rice its distinctive color and flavor.
The mushrooms are soaked to release their essence, which is then used to cook the rice along with spices and vegetables.
The result is a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
19. Sos Pwa Nwa
Sos Pwa Nwa is a rich and savory Haitian sauce that is made from black beans, garlic, onions, and spices.
The beans are cooked until they’re tender and then blended to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
This sauce is often served over rice and is a staple in Haitian cuisine.
It’s a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy black beans.
20. Fritay
Fritay is a popular Haitian street food platter that includes a variety of fried items like griot, tasso, and bannann peze.
It’s a delicious and indulgent way to enjoy the flavors of Haitian cuisine.
The crispy, savory meats and plantains are often served with pikliz and a spicy dipping sauce.
21. Pate Kòde (Stuffed Patties)
Pate Kòde are savory Haitian pastries stuffed with a variety of fillings like meat, vegetables, or seafood.
The dough is made from flour and butter, then rolled out and filled before being fried until golden brown.
These patties are crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside.
They’re perfect as a snack or appetizer and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
22. Bouyi
Bouyi is a simple and nutritious Haitian dish made from boiled root vegetables like yams, sweet potatoes, and plantains.
The vegetables are cooked until tender and then served with a drizzle of oil or a side of spicy sauce.
Bouyi is a staple in Haitian cuisine and is often enjoyed as a side dish or light meal.
23. Lanbi Boukannen
Lanbi Boukannen is a delicious Haitian dish that is made from a conch that’s marinated and grilled to perfection.
The conch is seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled until it’s tender and smoky.
This dish is often served with a side of rice or plantains and is a true delicacy.
If you’re a fan of seafood, then you’ll love Lanbi Boukannen.
24. Independence Soup
Independence Soup is a traditional Haitian soup made from pumpkin, beef, and a variety of vegetables and spices.
It’s enjoyed on New Year’s Day to celebrate Haiti’s independence.
The soup is rich and flavorful, with a slightly sweet and earthy taste from the pumpkin.
It’s a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for starting the year off right.
25. Zepina
Zepina is a delicious Haitian dish that is made from spinach cooked in coconut milk with garlic, onions, and spices.
The coconut milk gives the spinach a creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor.
This dish is often served with rice and is a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of Haitian cuisine.
If you’re a fan of spinach, then you’ll love Zepina.
26. Kibi (Haitian Kibbeh)
Kibi is a flavorful Haitian dish made from ground beef or lamb mixed with bulgur wheat, onions, and spices.
It is then shaped into patties or balls and fried until crispy.
The result is a delicious and savory treat with a unique texture and flavor.
Kibi is often served with a side of spicy sauce and is perfect as a snack or appetizer.
27. Diri ak Djon Djon
Diri ak Djon Djon is a unique Haitian rice dish that is made with black mushrooms which gives the rice its distinctive color and flavor.
The mushrooms are soaked to release their essence, which is then used to cook the rice along with spices and vegetables.
The result is a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
28. Sos Toma (Tomato Sauce)
Sos Toma is a simple yet flavorful Haitian tomato sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a blend of spices.
The sauce is simmered until it’s thick and rich, making it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
Sos Toma is often served over rice or used as a base for stews and other savory dishes.
It’s a versatile and essential part of Haitian cuisine.
29. Pikliz
Pikliz is a tangy and spicy Haitian condiment made from pickled vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
The vegetables are finely shredded and marinated in a mixture of vinegar, lime juice, and spices.
Pikliz is often served as a side dish or topping for fried foods, adding a refreshing and fiery kick to any meal.
30. Konparèt (Ginger Cake)
Konparèt is a sweet and spicy Haitian ginger cake that is made from flour, sugar, ginger, and spices.
The cake is dense and moist, with a rich flavor from the ginger and a hint of warmth from the spices.
It’s often enjoyed as a dessert or snack and is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
If you love ginger, then you’ll adore Konparèt.
