Top Ten Haitian Dishes You Need To Try

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!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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)
10. 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 info@restavekfreedom.org,
or check out our website at www.restavekfreedom.org.