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!
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Melchie Daëlle Dumornay is a professional Haitian footballer who plays in the first division of the French women’s league. She was born in Haiti, in a mid-sized town called Mirebalais, on August 17, 2003. At just 21 years old, she has become the only Haitian personality, regardless of gender or category, to be nominated among the 30 candidates for the prestigious individual award that is the France Football Ballon d’Or. Indeed, the 21-year-old finds herself — unsurprisingly — on the shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, alongside some of the biggest names in world football, after an exceptional season both individually — scoring 24 goals and providing 10 assists in just 31 matches — and collectively. She reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League (where she was named best player of the 2024-2025 season) and won the French league title with her Lyon teammates.
For some time now, engineer Certil Rémy has enthusiastically announced the imminent release of his new game, now officially named "Kanbiz Toupatou". Details about this exciting game are now available on the official Katkat Games website: https://www.katkatgame.com/ . By diving into this game, you will embark on a cultural and gastronomic journey through the treasures of the Caribbean, in particular those of Haiti. Explore the rich culture, immerse yourself in a world of authentic gastronomic delights and discover the traditional and delicious dishes of each region. This adventure promises to be extraordinary, offering an unparalleled immersion in the treasures of Haiti. From Les Anglais to La Tortue, each town crossed will offer its own culinary challenges, as well as the possibility of unlocking unique souvenirs. Collect them all to unlock new destinations and continue this captivating adventure. In "Kanbiz Toupatou", you will also have the opportunity to live a unique tourist experience by collecting souvenir cards representing the ancestors and famous sites of Haiti. Each map will bring you closer to culinary mastery and allow you to unlock exquisite new communes. Likino and Amarah will be the two main characters of the game, and you will have to choose one of them as a guide for this culinary adventure through the different stages of Haitian cuisine. With over 167 exciting levels to unlock, this game offers a great challenge to becoming a master of Haitian culture. Collect souvenirs, perfect your culinary skills and share your creations with the world! You can also invite your friends to join you on this culinary adventure, exchange memories and share tips. Prepare for an exceptional experience through the bustling streets and vibrant culture of Haiti. Although the game has not yet been launched, you can already reserve your place by adding your email address on the official Katkat Games website. You will be among the first to be informed when it is available for download. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover Haïti through "Kanbiz Toupatou", the exciting new game from Certil Rémy and the Katkat Games team. With its historic sites, tourist attractions, delicious cuisine, heavenly beaches and vibrant culture, Haïti awaits you for an unforgettable adventure in this jewel of the Antilles.
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Nestled in the southeast of Haiti, Belle-Anse is a destination that fascinates with its natural beauty and rich history. This small town, still often ignored by major tourist routes, is full of treasures that deserve to be discovered. Its wild beaches, its imposing mountains and its unique historical heritage make Belle-Anse a hidden pearl, ready to seduce travelers in search of authenticity and tranquility. Belle-Anse, founded in the 18th century, still bears the traces of its past. Its history, marked by changes of names and identity, bears witness to the political and social upheavals that have given the region. From the colonial era to the birth of the Republic, each corner of the city tells a part of the history of Haiti. This rich past is combined with a vibrant cultural life, where local festivals, such as the celebration of the Patron Saint every December 10, offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of the inhabitants. The historical remains scattered throughout the city are not only a reminder of the era of colonization, but also of the struggles for independence. These witnesses of the past, combined with a calm and preserved atmosphere, make Belle-Anse a place where history and nature intertwine harmoniously. What distinguishes Belle-Anse is undoubtedly its spectacular natural environment. Ultimately, these beaches before the deserts invite you to relax. Lagan Beach, lined with palm trees and crystal clear waters, offers an idyllic setting for lovers of wild nature, far from the crowds of more frequent tourist destinations. The nearby Bay of Jacmel is a true natural bliss, promising moments of calm and escape. The city is also surrounded by majestic mountains, ideal for those who wish to explore the Haitian landscapes on foot, while discovering a unique biodiversity. While Belle-Anse’s natural resources are rich, they are also fragile, and preserving these areas remains an important issue for the future of the region.
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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.
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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.
