Haiti is known
for more than mountain ranges and the best soccer in the Caribbean. Haitian
cuisine is some of the greatest, and most eclectic, in the world Allow us to
share our favorites with you!
- Fried plantains—The
great thing about this dish is that it is not restricted to one specific meal.
Instead, it is to be enjoyed as a side to breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Plantains are the starchier
cousin of the banana and are considered a staple to Haitian meals. - Pikliz—This
side dish is for all the coleslaw lovers out there. Pikliz consists of pickled
cabbage, onions, carrots, peppers, and other vegetables. Grate the veggies,
throw them in a white vinegar base, choose peppers at the spice level you can
handle, and voila! Pikliz. It’s often served with “Griot,” but if you want to
grill up a cheeseburger and have Pikliz as a side, it is just as tasty. - Griot—We
can’t mention Griot and then not explain why it’s a favorite for many, and why
it will be one of yours too. Griot is fried pork cut into small pieces and
seasoned with spices (thyme, pepper, garlic, and rosemary are a few go-tos), so
this entree is bursting to the rim with flavor. - Poulet Aux Noix—This
chicken and cashew dish is a Northern Haiti specialty. The chicken is cooked in
a tomato-based sauce and topped with cashew nuts. - Sos Pwa—Sos
Pwa is a bean puree that is typically poured over white rice and served with
meat. Stews are common in Haiti, and even though stews seem relatively simple
and uncomplicated, they are not dull in flavor. Quite the opposite actually:
Haitian stews and dishes are influenced heavily by the flavoring traditions
used in African cuisine, which means flavor is often full and intense. - Djon Djon—Unlike
the white rice we mentioned above, djon djon is typically served on its own due
to the rich flavor. This rice dish is cooked with Haitian mushrooms, so no Sos
Pwa topper is necessary. - Kremas—This
creamy, often alcoholic drink is served at social events and holiday
gatherings. It has the consistency of a milkshake and pairs well with Haitian
desserts. Side note: Kremas is equally delicious with or without the rum, so
don’t let the alcohol scare you away from trying this one. - Pain Patate—Speaking
of dessert, this Haitian sweet potato bread is sure to satisfy your sweet
tooth. Top it with a glaze or powdered sugar and serve alongside vanilla ice
cream. - Pumpkin Soup—This
is one that everyone can appreciate, especially in the fall. You can also add
squash and/or meat to this soup to make it even heartier. (Did you know there
is a fascinating significance behind
Pumpkin Soup in Haiti? Check out
our blog about it here : http://restavekfreedom.tumblr.com/post/139602378722/the-meaning-behind-pumpkin-soup) - Spaghetti—You read that right. But
wait, it gets better. Spaghetti for breakfast! We always hear that breakfast is
the most important meal of the day, so make it count by eating a heaping plate
of spaghetti as Haitians do!
There you have
it, our “Top 10” Haitian dishes we think you must try!
As enthusiastic
as we are about Haitian cuisine, we love the people of Haiti even more! We are passionate about standing up for
children living in restavek, a form of child slavery that affects one in
every 15 children in Haiti.
If you would
like more information on child labor and human trafficking as well as
what you can do to help, contact us at [email protected],
or check out our website at www.restavekfreedom.org.
