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What do you eat in Haiti?Haïti
What do you eat in Haiti?
Haïti
  • December 25, 2024
  • | 0

What do you eat in Haiti?

Haitian cuisine is rich and flavorful and is a true reflection of the country’s culture, history and traditions. It combines African, European and indigenous influences to offer diverse and delicious dishes. From everyday meals to traditional feasts, food in Haïti is more than just a way to eat, it’s a cultural experience. Discover with us what they eat in Haiti, and let yourself be seduced by the unique flavors of this Caribbean country.

Read the article in :

French : Qu'est-ce qu'on mange en Haïti ?

Spanish : ¿Qué comemos en Haití?

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Traditional Haitian dishes

In Haiti, meals are often composed of rice, beans, fresh vegetables, meat or fish, all accompanied by tasty sauces. Here are some of the must-have dishes:

- Diri ak pwa (Rice and beans): The national dish par excellence. Rice is cooked with red or black beans, sometimes with vegetables, spices and a little meat to make it even more flavorful. This dish is often served with chicken, pork, or fish.
- Griot: This popular dish is made with pork marinated in a mixture of spices and lemon, then fried until golden brown and crispy. It is often accompanied by pikliz, a spicy condiment made with vegetables and vinegar.
- Tasso: Dried meat, usually beef or pork, marinated in spices, then fried. This dish is often accompanied by rice or vegetables.
- Joumou: A traditional soup eaten on January 1, Haiti’s Independence Day. This pumpkin-based soup is prepared with vegetables, pasta, beef broth and pieces of meat.

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Haitian Fruits and Vegetables

The richness of Haitian nature is reflected in its varied agricultural production. In Haiti, there is a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are often used in daily meals.

- Mango: The country is full of sweet and juicy mangoes, which are often enjoyed fresh or made into juice or jams.
- Plantain: It is frequently cooked as banana pesée (fried plantain) or served as an accompaniment to main dishes.
- Sweet potato: This tuber is a staple in Haitian cuisine and is found in many dishes, including soups and broths.
- Avocado: Highly appreciated for its creamy texture, avocado is often used in salads or simply served in slices with a little salt.

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Haitian Drinks

Drinks in Haïti are as varied and delicious as the food. Some are directly inspired by local traditions, while others have been influenced by history and exchanges with other cultures. Here are some typical drinks:

- Haitian Rum: Haïti is famous for its quality rum, especially Barbancourt Rum, produced from sugar cane. Rum is a common drink at festivities and social gatherings.
- Fresh Fruit Juice: In Haiti, juices are prepared with local fruits such as mango, lime, passion fruit, or sugar cane. Lime juice is particularly refreshing.
- Akasan: A traditional drink prepared with corn, milk, sugar, and vanilla. It is often consumed for breakfast or dessert.
- Crémas: A creamy, sweet drink made with rum, condensed milk, coconut milk, and spices, often served during holiday celebrations.

Haïti / Pot’iwa Pizza: A Culinary Odyssey

Since 2015, Pot’iwa Pizza has conquered the hearts and taste buds of the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. Founded by visionaries Jude Vaillant and Rock André, Pot’iwa Pizza has become a true gastronomic icon by offering a unique specialty: smoked herring pizza. This culinary creation has revived childhood nostalgia among many Haitians, marking the beginning of an exceptional culinary adventure. The very name of the company, "Pot’iwa", is a tribute to the Haitian regions where its founders were born. Jude Vaillant, originally from the "Iwa" region, and his accomplice Rock André, native of "Potino", have united their origins to create a company that harmoniously fuses tradition and innovation. Despite the socio-economic challenges that punctuate Haitian daily life, Pot’iwa Pizza is committed to constantly improving its services. This unwavering determination led to the opening of a second branch of the company, this time in the city of Cap-Haïtien, in the north of the country. The inhabitants of this region now have the privilege of tasting the famous herring pizza, previously reserved for the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince. Aware of the importance of protecting its culinary heritage, the company made a strategic decision by filing a patent in the United States to protect its specialty: herring pizza. Jude Vaillant, CEO of the company, shares his vision behind the choice of herring: "In Haiti, our childhood was rocked by a particular flavor, present in many traditional dishes. We decided to bring this flavor to an emblematic dish like pizza, to create a unique culinary experience." Pot’iwa Pizza embodies the passion, nostalgia and perseverance of Haitians for their traditional cuisine. It is a story of flavors and success that continues to seduce palates around the world. For those who want to taste this delicious herring pizza, go to Pot’iwa Pizza, located at 26 boulevard Cap-Haïtien, or contact them at +509-47-30-9090. And for fans residing in Miami, USA, Pot’iwa Pizza is also available at 12485 NE 6th CT, North Miami, FL 33161. To order, call 305-456-5152. Also explore the immersive experience of Pot’iwa Pizza through your smartphone or virtual reality headset, and dive into their mouth-watering menu by visiting the following link: https://haitiwonderland.com/haiti-virtual-reality-ht/ bar--restaurant/haiti--pot-iwa-pizza--virtual-tour/9.

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Haitian Desserts

Desserts in Haïti are just as tasty as the main dishes and are often very sweet and flavorful. Haitian desserts are a real treat for the taste buds:

- Dous makòs: A dessert made with cornmeal, milk, and sugar, flavored with vanilla and cinnamon.
- Pain patate: A sweet cake prepared with sweet potatoes, spices, raisins, and coconut milk.
- Konparèt: Small candies made with sugarcane syrup, grated coconut, and sugar, cooked until they take on a firm, melting texture.
- Bonbon sirop: Sweet candies, made with sugar and cane syrup, very popular during the end-of-year celebrations.

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A friendly and festive cuisine

Haitian cuisine is more than just a moment of taste pleasure; it is a way to get together with family and friends. Meals in Haïti are often shared and celebrated, especially during holidays and special occasions such as Christmas, New Year and weddings.

Each dish tells a story, each recipe is passed down from generation to generation. Whether for an everyday meal or a grand feast, Haitian cuisine is a true mirror of hospitality and human warmth.

If you have ever had the chance to taste a Haitian dish, or if you have a favorite recipe, don’t hesitate to share it in the comments!

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About the Author
Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

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Haïti Wonderland: Technology at the Service of the Haïtian Narrative

On this 220th anniversary of the legendary independence of Haïti, a new initiative is born on the web: Haïti Wonderland. Launched on January 28, 2024, this innovative site’s mission is to revolutionize the way Haïti is perceived online, by highlighting its natural, cultural, historical and human assets. b~An Ambitious Vision~b Haïti Wonderland aspires to a significant change in the perception of Haïti on the Internet. The goal is clear: when you search for “Haïti” on search engines, you should be greeted by beautiful images and inspiring stories. The team behind Haïti Wonderland wants to transform the web to allow only the beauty and wealth of this country to emerge, thus reflecting Haïtian reality. b~Authentic and Immersive Content~b To achieve these goals, Haïti Wonderland regularly publishes news articles and special blogs highlighting Haïti’s beauty, historic destinations, exquisite cuisine and anything else that can spark Haïtian pride. The emphasis is on promoting a positive and authentic image of the country. The experience offered to visitors to the site is also out of the ordinary. Thanks to virtual reality, you can explore the treasures of Haïti from anywhere in the world, providing total immersion in the splendor of this jewel of the Antilles. b~Smart Support and Rewards~b Haïti Wonderland goes beyond by integrating artificial intelligence on its site. This AI is there to provide visitors with all the information they need about Haïti, thus guiding their journey through the site in an interactive way. And that’s not all ! Haïti Wonderland offers an incentive compensation program for contributors. You can earn money by publishing blog posts on the site, rewarded based on the number of views generated. b~Commitment to Narrative Change~b The founder of Haïti Wonderland, Appolon Guy Alain, sees his initiative as a way to actively participate in changing the Haïtian narrative on the Internet. It is open to any collaboration and support aimed at achieving this common objective of improving the image of Haïti online. Through Haïti Wonderland, Appolon also wishes to raise awareness among online media to stop broadcasting demeaning images of Haïti that contribute to tarnishing its reputation. He calls for collective commitment to present the best version of Haïti. To discover the beauty of Haïti from a new perspective, visit the website: https://haitiwonderland.com or download the application from Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id =com.appographic.haitiwonderland. For all correspondence, contact them by email at contact@haitiwonderland.com. Haïti Wonderland: Rediscover, Share, Marvel.

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History

History

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.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

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.