Cheffe Leen! A name that’s been making the rounds on social media in recent weeks! And for good reason: the Haitian chef represented Haïti in the Guinness World Records in an extraordinary culinary competition. This challenge consisted of cooking for eight days non-stop, a bold way to showcase the richness of Haitian cuisine.
It was in France, more precisely at the Anba Le Pont restaurant, located in Saint-Denis, that Leen Excellent embarked on this exceptional adventure. Starting on Monday, April 7, 2025, she cooked non-stop for nine consecutive days, totaling 187 hours of actual cooking time (after deducting statutory breaks). A historic achievement, combining endurance, passion, and cultural pride.
So, if you were Chef Leen, what would be the first dish you would cook to represent Haitian cuisine to the world?
The Haïti Wonderland editorial team asked a few readers this question: some readily answered white rice with pea and vegetable sauce, which they call GOAT. Others opted for a good lalo, a tasty pye kochon stew, a good tchaka, or even the famous morning rice.
Given this diversity, I’ve chosen to present each dish mentioned in the survey over the weeks.
Read the article in :
Haitian Tchaka Recipe
Ingredients:
500g dried corn
300g red peas or Congo peas
500g pork
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 bouquet garni
1 West Indian chili
2 cloves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bouillon cube
1. Soaking (the day before):
Soak the corn and red peas separately in water overnight to facilitate cooking.
2. Cooking the peas:
Drain and cook the peas in a large pot with water, salt, a little garlic, and thyme. Cook until tender.
3. Cooking the Corn:
Cook the corn separately in a separate pot with water until tender (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the type of corn).
4. Preparing the Meat:
Clean the pork (with lemon or vinegar), then boil it with a little salt, garlic, cloves, and spices. Then brown the meat in a little oil until golden brown.
5. Assembly:
Once the peas and corn are thoroughly cooked, combine them in a large pot. Add the browned pork, the whole chili pepper, the chopped onion, the bouillon cube (if desired), and adjust the seasoning.
6. Final Cooking:
Simmer over low heat for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the mixture becomes smooth and fragrant. You can add water or coconut milk for a richer texture.
Tchaka is more than a dish: it’s a symbol of sharing, tradition, and memory. A dish that, like Chef Leen, represents the strength and pride of our culinary heritage.
See you next week for another recipe from the survey!
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/haitiwonderland
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@haitiwonderland
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/haitiwonderland/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/haitiwonderland
Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/haitiwonderland/
At the entrance to Haiti’s beautiful Baie de l’Acul du Nord lies an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty: Camp Louise, more affectionately known as Saint Michel Beach. With its black sand and rushing swells, this beach offers a spellbinding experience that captures the wild spirit of nature. As soon as you set foot on this enchanting shore, you are enveloped by an atmosphere of mystery and serenity. The "ajoupas" dotted along the beach are home to modest restaurants serving local delicacies, from fresh grilled fish to succulent conch. With every bite, you taste the exquisite fusion of authentic flavors that celebrate Haiti’s culinary richness. On your right, majestically sits the "M&M" restaurant, ready to delight your taste buds with its irresistible specialties, available to serve you at the end of the week, to crown your beach days with an exquisite gastronomic note. Despite its proximity to the bustling town of Cap-Haïtien, located just 26 kilometers away, Camp Louise seems like a world apart. Accessible both by road and by sea, by jet ski from the neighboring beaches of Gaderas and Labadie, this beach offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or simply connection with nature, Camp Louise will meet all your desires. Its turquoise waters invite you to swim, its sandy beaches invite you to relax, and its warm atmosphere inspires wonder. For travelers seeking authentic experiences and breathtaking scenery, Camp Louise proves to be a hidden treasure worth discovering and celebrating. So, let yourself be carried away by the captivating magic of this rare pearl in the heart of the Bay of Acul du Nord, and let your worries float away with the waves that gently caress its shores.
Christmas in Haïti is a celebration rich in traditions, festivities and moments of sharing. Unlike other countries, where decorations and lights illuminate the streets during the month of December, Christmas in Haïti is a time of great human warmth, family reunions and cultural events. This article explores the different customs and flavors that make Christmas in Haïti a unique and unforgettable experience.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of all our activities and news on Haiti.
When we talk about the Caribbean, images of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and luxurious resorts often come to mind. But Haïti offers much more than a classic postcard. With its fascinating history, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural landscapes, Haïti stands out as a unique destination. Whether you are a culture vulture, nature enthusiast or curious foodie, Haïti is a treasure trove to explore. Discover why this country deserves a top spot on your travel list.
Article 2 of the Haitian Constitution of 1987, amended in 2011, establishes that the national colors are blue and red. These two colors are not simply aesthetic choices; they embody the history, culture, and aspirations of the Haitian people. Let’s dive into the deeper meanings and key facts associated with these emblematic colors. q~ARTICLE 2: The national colors are: blue and red.~q
Christmas in Haïti is a magical time where culture, traditions and spirituality blend to offer a unique experience. Much more than a simple celebration, it is a time of sharing, reflection and rejoicing that unites Haitians, whether at home or across the diaspora. This article invites you to discover how the spirit of Christmas is lived in Haiti, through its traditions, celebrations and warm atmosphere.
First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.
Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.
Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.
