Traditional Haitian dishes and drinks to try, and the best places to find them. Food is a cultural experience in Haiti.

Exploring Haitian Cuisine: Traditional Dishes and Drinks to Try and Where to Find Them

Haiti is a country that is rich in culture and history, and one of the best ways to experience this is through its cuisine. Haitian cuisine is a fusion of African, French, and Caribbean influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful culinary experience. In this article, we will explore some of the traditional dishes and drinks that you must try when visiting Haiti, as well as where to find them.

One of the most popular dishes in Haiti is griot, which is a dish made from marinated and fried pork. The pork is marinated in a mixture of sour orange juice, garlic, and other spices, giving it a tangy and savory flavor. The pork is then fried until it is crispy and served with rice and beans, plantains, and pikliz, which is a spicy Haitian coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and peppers. You can find griot at many local restaurants and street vendors throughout Haiti, but one of the best places to try it is at Lakay Restaurant in Port-au-Prince.

Another must-try dish in Haiti is tassot, which is a dish made from fried and seasoned beef or goat meat. The meat is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and other spices, giving it a tangy and flavorful taste. The meat is then fried until it is crispy and served with rice and beans, plantains, and pikliz. You can find tassot at many local restaurants and street vendors throughout Haiti, but one of the best places to try it is at Chez Yvonne in Port-au-Prince.

If you are looking for a vegetarian option, then you must try legume, which is a dish made from a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, cabbage, carrots, and spinach. The vegetables are cooked in a tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, and other spices, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. Legume is typically served with rice and beans, plantains, and pikliz. You can find legume at many local restaurants and street vendors throughout Haiti, but one of the best places to try it is at La Belle Epoque in Port-au-Prince.

No Haitian meal is complete without a refreshing drink, and one of the most popular drinks in Haiti is called kremas. Kremas is a sweet and creamy alcoholic drink made from coconut milk, condensed milk, rum, and other spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. It is typically served chilled and is a perfect way to cool down on a hot day. You can find kremas at many local bars and restaurants throughout Haiti, but one of the best places to try it is at La Reserve in Port-au-Prince.

Another popular drink in Haiti is called akasan, which is a sweet and creamy cornmeal drink. It is made by boiling cornmeal with water and milk, and then adding sugar and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. It is typically served hot and is a perfect way to warm up on a cool day. You can find akasan at many local street vendors throughout Haiti, but one of the best places to try it is at Marche de Fer in Port-au-Prince.

If you are looking for a sweet treat, then you must try Haitian patties, which are a type of pastry filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese. The pastry is made from flour, butter, and water, and is then filled with a savory filling and baked until it is golden brown. Haitian patties are typically served as a snack or appetizer and can be found at many local bakeries and street vendors throughout Haiti, but one of the best places to try them is at Patisserie Marie Beliard in Port-au-Prince.

In conclusion, Haitian cuisine is a unique and flavorful culinary experience that you must try when visiting Haiti. From griot and tassot to legume and Haitian patties, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a refreshing drink such as kremas or akasan. You can find these dishes and drinks at many local restaurants, bars, and street vendors throughout Haiti, but we recommend trying them at some of the best places in Port-au-Prince such as Lakay Restaurant, Chez Yvonne, La Belle Epoque, La Reserve, Marche de Fer, and Patisserie Marie Beliard. So, what are you waiting for? Come and explore the delicious world of Haitian cuisine!