30 must-try Haitian dishes to make now! Embark on a flavorful journey through Haitian cuisine with this curated list.
From hearty stews to delectable sides, these recipes offer a taste of Haiti’s rich culinary heritage.
🇭🇹 30 Haitian Dishes to Try
🥘 Main Dishes
- Poul Nan Sos (Haitian Chicken Stew)
Tender chicken simmered in a rich Creole sauce with garlic, onions, and bell peppers. - Griot (Fried Pork Shoulder)
Juicy pork shoulder marinated in citrus and spices, then fried to perfection. - Vegan Haitian Griot (Fried Jackfruit)
Tender, crispy fried jackfruit marinated in citrus and spices, then deep fried to perfection. - Haitian Lambi (Conch Stew)
A flavorful stew featuring tender conch meat seasoned with epis and spices. - Haitian Tasso (Steak Bites)
Quick-cooked steak bites, crispy on the outside and tender inside, seasoned with bold flavors. - Haitian Legume (Vegetable Stew)
A hearty stew combining various vegetables and meats, simmered to create a rich, comforting dish. - Mayi Moulen Ak Kribish (Cornmeal with Shrimp)
Creamy cornmeal paired with seasoned shrimp, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. - Sos Morue (Salted Codfish Stew)
A savory stew made with salted codfish, tomatoes, and spices, served over rice or with plantains. - Air Fried Porgy Fish
A healthier take on Haitian-style fried fish, seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer. - Mayi Moulen Ak Zepina
A classic cornmeal and spinach dish is budget-friendly and so easy to make. - Haitian Beef Stew
A spicy stir-fry featuring tender chicken and crisp broccoli, perfect for a quick meal.
🍚 Rice & Beans
- Diri Ak Pwa (Rice and Beans)
A staple in Haitian cuisine, this dish combines rice with red beans, seasoned with herbs and spices. - Haitian Lima Beans and Rice
Fluffy rice cooked with lima beans and vibrant vegetables, offering a nutritious and flavorful side. - Haitian White Rice
Simple yet essential, this white rice serves as the perfect base for many Haitian dishes. - Diri Kole Ak Pwa Kongo (Rice with Pigeon Peas)
A delightful combination of rice and pigeon peas, seasoned with traditional Haitian spices. - Diri Djon Djon (Black Mushroom Rice)
A unique dish made with black mushrooms, giving the rice a distinctive color and earthy flavor.
🥗 Sides & Snacks
- Bannann Peze (Fried Plantains)
Twice-fried green plantains, crispy on the outside and soft inside, often served with pikliz. - Pikliz (Spicy Pickled Slaw)
A tangy and spicy mix of pickled vegetables, adding a zesty kick to many dishes. - Plantain Balls
Mashed plantains formed into balls and fried, offering a delicious snack or side dish. - Haitian Patties (Pate)
Flaky pastries filled with seasoned meat or vegetables, perfect for a quick bite. - Pate Kode
Another delicious version of Haitian Patties, Pate kode is fried to perfection in the skillet or deep fryer.
🥣 Soups & Stews
- Soup Joumou (Pumpkin Soup)
Haiti’s national soup! A traditional soup made with squash, beef, and vegetables, symbolizing Haitian independence. - Vegan Soup Joumou (Pumpkin Soup)
Haiti’s national soup! A traditional vegan version of the soup joumou made with squash and vegetables, symbolizing Haitian independence. - Haitian Lalo (Jute Leaves Stew)
A savory stew made with jute leaves and spinach, offering bold Caribbean flavors. - Legume Militon with Lamb
A smooth and creamy soup combining butternut squash with green vegetables for a nutritious meal. - Haitian Bread Soup
A classic soup made with bread and seasoned to perfection. - Haitian Tchaka
A rich and flavorful corn soup, combining various meats, beans and spices.
🍰 Sweets, Drinks, & Others
- Plantain Bread
A moist and sweet bread made with ripe plantains, perfect for breakfast or dessert. - Haitian Cake
A light and fluffy Haitian cake that’s perfect for any occasion. - Haitian Kremas / Cremas
The holidays aren’t the same without a creamy and sweet Haitian Kremas / Cremas! Similar to the eggnog but without the eggs, Haitian Kremas is a perfect twist to a classic holiday drink. - Carrot Ginger Apple Juice
A refreshing and healthy juice blend combining carrots, ginger, and apples. - Haitian Rum Cake
A light and fluffy Haitian rum cake that’s perfect for any occasion. - Haitian Peanut Butter
A homemade peanut butter with a unique Haitian flavor profile. - Haitian Beignet
Authentic Haitian beignets have a different look and taste, but they’re just as delectable. Unlike any other beignets you’ve tasted, these Haitian Beignets are prepared with a slightly different technique. - Haitian Tablet
Also known as Peanut Brittle, the Haitian tablet is one of the most popular snacks or candy in the streets of Haiti. And for the right reason, it is very sweet. - Ginger Garlic Paste
A versatile paste combining ginger and garlic, used to enhance the flavor of various dishes.
These dishes showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Haitian cuisine.
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Paula says
I am loving all of these ideas with Haitian flavors! I know I will be cooking my way down this list all summer long!
Mirlene says
thank you, Paula
Mahy says
I can’t believe how many dishes there are that I have not tried yet. You absolutely rock, Mirlene – thank you for sharing them!
Catalina says
As someone new to Haitian cuisine, your list was so helpful. I made diri kole and it instantly became a family favorite.
C MARTIN says
MENU OF FOOD LOOKS GOOD
Maria says
I LOVE this list! I’m going to try the fried pork shoulder first, but they are definitely all going in my belly!
Beth says
These look really good. I’ve tried a few of your recipes, and they’ve all been amazing. I can’t wait to try these, too!