Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers

Your go-to guide for all things Haitian food—answers to your most common questions about dishes, restaurants, and flavors.

  • What does epis mean in Creole?

    'Epis' in Haitian Creole refers to a blend of herbs and spices that forms the base of most Haitian dishes. It translates to 'spices' in English.
  • How to marinate chicken Haitian style?

    Haitian style chicken is marinated in a mixture of citrus juice (like lime or sour orange), garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, and a blend of spices including thyme, clove, and adobo seasoning. The chicken is typically left to marinate for several hours or overnight to absorb all the flavors before being cooked.
  • What is Haitian Creole mix with?

    Haitian Creole is a unique language that is primarily based on 18th-century French. It also incorporates elements from languages such as West African languages, Spanish, Taíno, and English. This mix reflects the diverse history and culture of Haiti.
  • How to make Haitian sos?

    Haitian sos, or sauce, is a staple in many dishes. It's typically made with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes sautéed in oil, then seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes a bit of hot pepper. This base is then often used to cook meats or fish, or as a base for other dishes.
  • What do Haitians call Callaloo?

    In Haiti, Callaloo is often referred to as 'Lalo'. It's a popular dish made from jute leaves, also known as Lalo leaves, cooked with meat and served with rice.
  • What do most Haitians do for a living?

    Most Haitians are involved in agriculture, which is the backbone of Haiti's economy. Many work as small-scale subsistence farmers, growing crops like maize, beans, bananas, and coffee. Others are involved in the service sector, particularly in areas like retail, transportation, and food service.
  • What is Haiti rich for?

    Haiti is rich in culture, history, and natural resources. It's known for its vibrant arts scene, unique cuisine, and historical landmarks. Additionally, Haiti is rich in biodiversity with a variety of plants, animals, and tropical fruits.
  • Which Caribbean country has the best cuisine?

    The best Caribbean cuisine is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, Haitian cuisine is highly appreciated for its unique flavors, use of local ingredients, and rich cultural history.
  • What is Petit Mil Haitian food?

    Petit Mil, also known as millet, is a traditional Haitian dish. It's a type of grain that is cooked similar to rice and often served with beans or vegetables. It's known for its high nutritional value, including high levels of protein and dietary fiber.
  • What is the best Haitian dish?

    The best Haitian dish is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, some popular favorites include Griot (fried pork), Diri ak Pwa (rice and beans), and Soup Joumou (pumpkin soup traditionally served on New Year's Day).
  • Why do Haitians eat spaghetti for breakfast?

    Spaghetti is a popular breakfast dish in Haiti. It's often cooked with hot dogs or smoked herring, and seasoned with spices, peppers, and onions. This hearty meal provides a good start to the day.
  • What is Chaka Haitian food?

    Chaka is a traditional Haitian dish made with corn, beans, and coconut milk. It's a hearty and nutritious meal often enjoyed during the Lenten season.
  • What is Haitian food ranked in the world?

    The ranking of Haitian food globally can vary based on different factors such as personal preference, cultural influence, and exposure. However, Haitian cuisine is highly appreciated for its unique flavors, use of local ingredients, and rich cultural history.
  • Why is Haitian food so good?

    Haitian food is loved for its unique blend of flavors, use of fresh local ingredients, and the cultural history each dish carries. The cuisine is a mix of African, French, and indigenous Taíno cooking techniques, creating a unique and delicious culinary experience.
  • What is griot and pikliz?

    Griot is a popular Haitian dish made of marinated, boiled, and fried pork, often served with pikliz. Pikliz is a spicy pickled vegetable medley, typically made with cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers. It's a staple condiment in Haitian cuisine and pairs perfectly with the savory griot.
  • How do Haitians greet each other?

    Haitians often greet each other with a warm 'Bonjou' (Good morning) or 'Bonswa' (Good evening) followed by a handshake. Close friends and family may also exchange kisses on each cheek. It's a part of their rich and friendly culture.
  • What is griot made of?

    Griot is a popular Haitian dish made from pork. The pork is marinated in a mixture of citrus juice, garlic, and a blend of spices, then boiled and fried until it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It's often served with pikliz, a spicy pickled vegetable medley.
  • How to make a griot?

    Making a griot involves marinating chunks of pork in a mixture of citrus juice, garlic, and a blend of spices. The pork is then boiled until tender, and finally fried until it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It's often served with pikliz, a spicy pickled vegetable medley, and Diri ak Pwa, rice and beans.
  • What makes Haitian black rice black?

    Haitian black rice, also known as Diri Djon Djon, gets its deep black color from djon djon mushrooms, a rare and flavorful type of mushroom native to Haiti. When these mushrooms are soaked in hot water, they release a dark, earthy-colored broth, which is then used to cook the rice. The result? A rich, aromatic dish with a unique umami flavor!

    Diri Djon Djon is often paired with seafood, fried plantains, or meat dishes like griot or tasso. It’s considered a delicacy in Haitian cuisine and is typically reserved for special occasions.

  • What is Haitian marinade Epis?

    Epis is a flavorful Haitian marinade and seasoning base used in many dishes. It's typically made from a blend of garlic, green onions, bell peppers, parsley, and other spices. It's used to marinate meats or to start off dishes to create a depth of flavor.
  • What is SOS poul?

    SOS poul is a traditional Haitian dish, which translates to 'chicken sauce'. It's typically made with chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce made from onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes, often served with rice.
  • How many calories are in Haitian chicken sauce?

    The calorie content in Haitian chicken sauce can vary depending on the recipe and portion size. However, a typical serving may contain around 200-300 calories. It's always best to check the specific recipe for the most accurate information.
  • What is a Kenep Haitian food?

    Kenep, also known as Spanish lime or mamoncillo, is a popular fruit in Haiti. It's a small green fruit with a sweet and tangy pulp inside. It's often eaten fresh, and the seeds are sometimes roasted and eaten as well.
  • What is Lalo Haitian food?

    Lalo is a traditional Haitian dish made from jute leaves, also known as Lalo leaves, cooked with meat (usually beef or crab), and served with white rice. It's known for its rich, unique flavor and high nutritional value.
  • What are Haitians famous for?

    Haitians are famous for their rich cultural heritage, particularly in the arts, music, and cuisine. Haiti is known for its vibrant arts scene, including painting, sculpture, and vodou flags. Haitian music is diverse, with influences from African, French, and Spanish cultures. Haitian cuisine is unique and flavorful, featuring dishes like Griot (fried pork), Diri ak Pwa (rice and beans), and Soup Joumou (pumpkin soup).
  • What fruit do Haitians eat?

    Haiti is rich in tropical fruits. Commonly consumed fruits include mangoes, avocados, pineapples, coconuts, guavas, and papayas. These fruits are often eaten fresh or used in cooking and beverages.
  • What is Haiti's signature food?

    Haiti's signature food is Griot, a dish made of marinated, fried pork served with Pikliz, a spicy slaw, and Diri ak Pwa, rice and beans. It's a must-try for anyone interested in Haitian cuisine.
  • What is epis seasoning?

    Epis is a flavorful Haitian seasoning base used in many dishes. It's typically made from a blend of garlic, green onions, bell peppers, parsley, and other spices. It's used to marinate meats or to start off dishes to create a depth of flavor.
  • What do you put in Haitian spaghetti?

    Haitian spaghetti is typically made with hot dogs or smoked herring, and seasoned with spices, peppers, and onions. Some variations may also include tomato sauce or ketchup, and it's often served with a side of bread or fried plantains.
  • What do the poor eat in Haiti?

    In Haiti, those with limited resources often rely on a diet of staple foods like rice, beans, and cornmeal. Some may also have access to fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of chicken or fish.
  • Why do Haitians eat rice?

    Rice is a staple food in Haiti and is often served with beans, a popular combination known as 'Diri ak Pwa'. It's not only delicious but also provides a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber.
  • What is the national drink of Haiti?

    The national drink of Haiti is 'Clairin', a distilled spirit made from sugarcane. It is similar to rum and is often enjoyed straight or used in cocktails.
  • What are the top 3 religions in Haiti?

    The top three religions in Haiti are Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Vodou, which is a spiritual belief system deeply rooted in Haitian history and culture.
  • Is Haitian pikliz healthy?

    Yes, Haitian pikliz is considered healthy. It's made of various vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and peppers, which are rich in vitamins and fiber. The vinegar base also aids in digestion. However, like any food, it should be consumed in moderation as it can be high in sodium.
  • What is the best thing to marinate chicken in?

    The best marinade for chicken often includes an acid (like citrus juice or vinegar) to tenderize the meat, oil to keep it moist during cooking, and flavorings like herbs, spices, and aromatics. In Haitian cuisine, a popular marinade for chicken includes citrus juice, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, and a blend of spices including thyme, clove, and adobo seasoning.
  • How to make Haitian red sauce?

    Haitian red sauce, also known as Sos Pwa Rouge, is typically made with red kidney beans, garlic, onions, bell peppers, and spices. The beans are cooked until tender, then blended with the other ingredients to create a rich, flavorful sauce. It's often served over rice or with meat dishes.
  • What is the best cut of meat for griot?

    The best cut of meat for griot is typically pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts are marbled with fat, which helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful during the cooking process. After being ma