Haitian cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of African, French, and Caribbean flavors.
Every dish tells a story of resilience, culture, and vibrant traditions.
From tender stews to spiced rice dishes, Haitian food hits the spot when you’re craving something bold and satisfying.
It’s soulful cooking at its best—comforting, rich, and packed with layers of flavor.
If you’ve never explored Haitian recipes, you’re missing out on some seriously delicious eats.
This list brings you 11 of the best Haitian dishes you can whip up at home.
Get ready for dishes that will warm your heart, impress your taste buds, and might just become a family favorite.
1. Haitian Chicken Stew (Poulet en Sauce)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken (bone-in, cut into pieces)
- 2 limes (juiced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Start by cleaning the chicken with lime juice and rinsing it well. Season it with salt, black pepper, thyme, and garlic.
Heat oil in a large pot, then brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pot, sauté the onions, bell pepper, and Scotch bonnet pepper for a couple of minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken stock.
Simmer everything together for about 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Serve with white rice or Mayi Moulen (Haitian cornmeal).
Why did this make it to our list? Poulet en Sauce is a flavorful, comforting stew that’s a staple in Haitian homes.
It’s rich, savory, and perfect for soaking up with rice or crusty bread.ur list? Haitian griot is iconic, crispy, and bursting with bold flavors.
It’s a must-try dish for anyone exploring Haitian cuisine.
2. Tassot de Boeuf (Fried Beef Bits)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef (cut into small pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 limes (juiced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make It:
Marinate the beef with lime juice, garlic, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for a few hours to soak up all those flavors.
In a large pot, boil the beef with a little water until it’s tender.
Once the liquid evaporates, heat oil in a pan and fry the beef bits until crispy and golden. Serve with rice, fried plantains, or a simple salad.
Why we selected it: Tassot de boeuf is crispy, savory, and downright addictive. This dish delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
3. Soup Joumou (Haitian Pumpkin Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (cubed)
- 1 medium pumpkin (peeled and diced)
- 2 carrots (sliced)
- 2 potatoes (diced)
- 1 cabbage (shredded)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 8 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the beef with garlic, onion, and lime juice until tender. Add the pumpkin and cook until soft, then blend it to create a thick soup base.
Return the beef to the pot, add the carrots, potatoes, cabbage, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
Let it simmer until all the veggies are cooked. Adjust the seasoning and serve hot.
Why did this make it to our list? Soup Joumou is more than just soup; it’s a symbol of Haitian freedom and resilience. Plus, it’s incredibly delicious and comforting.
4. Diri Djon Djon (Haitian Black Mushroom Rice)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice
- 1 cup dried black mushrooms (djon djon)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Soak the dried mushrooms in water and strain the liquid. This dark, flavorful broth will be your cooking base.
In a pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in butter. Add the rice, mushroom broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cook until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
Why we chose it: Diri Djon Djon is unique, with an earthy flavor that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a Haitian staple you’ll want to make again and again.
5. Lambi An Sòs (Conch in Creole Sauce)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb conch (cleaned and tenderized)
- 2 limes (juiced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 cup tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Clean the conch with lime juice and water. Boil it until tender. In a pan, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
Add tomatoes, thyme, Scotch bonnet pepper, and tomato paste.
Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the conch and cook for another 10 minutes until it absorbs all the flavors.
Why did this make it to our list? Lambi An Sòs is rich, flavorful, and brings the taste of the Caribbean to your plate.
6. Haitian Patties (Pate Ayisyen)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 cup ground beef or chicken (cooked and seasoned)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp thyme
How to Make It:
Start by preparing the dough. Combine the flour and salt in a bowl, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add cold water and mix until it forms a dough. Chill it for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough and cut it into small squares.
Fill each square with seasoned meat, fold it over, and press the edges to seal.
Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Why we chose it: Haitian patties are flaky, buttery, and perfect as snacks or appetizers. They’re a party favorite and taste amazing with just about any filling!
7. Akasan (Haitian Cornmeal Drink)
Ingredients:
- ½ cup fine cornmeal
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How to Make It:
In a pot, combine water and cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook on low heat until it thickens.
Add milk, cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Continue stirring and simmer for 10 more minutes. Serve hot or cold.
Why did this make it to our list? Akasan is a creamy, sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. It’s comfort in a cup!
8. Mayi Moulen (Haitian Cornmeal)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Bring water to a boil, then gradually whisk in the cornmeal to avoid lumps. Add onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Reduce the heat and stir frequently until the mixture thickens. Add butter for extra richness. Serve with fried fish or sauce.
Why we selected it: Mayi Moulen is a simple yet satisfying dish that pairs well with just about anything. It’s hearty, flavorful, and totally comforting.
9. Tchaka (Haitian Bean and Corn Stew)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried corn
- 1 cup red beans
- 1 lb beef or turkey (cubed)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 sweet potato (diced)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Soak the beans and corn overnight. In a large pot, cook the meat with onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add the soaked beans and corn, then cover with water. Simmer until tender.
Add the sweet potato and Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook until the sweet potato softens and everything is well combined.
Why did this make it to our list? Tchaka is hearty, nutritious, and packed with traditional flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
10. Pikliz (Haitian Pickled Vegetables)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
How to Make It:
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, onion, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
Add salt and pepper, then pour in the vinegar. Mix well and store in a jar. Let it sit for at least 24 hours before serving for the best flavor.
Why we chose it: Pikliz is spicy, tangy, and the perfect sidekick to fried foods. It cuts through rich dishes with its punchy flavor.
11. Pain Patate (Haitian Sweet Potato Pudding)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes (grated)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the grated sweet potatoes with coconut milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and the pudding is set. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Why did this make it to our list? Pain Patate is rich, sweet, and full of warm spices. It’s the perfect ending to any Haitian meal.
Conclusion
Haitian cuisine is all about bold flavors, heartwarming comfort, and vibrant traditions.
These 11 recipes give you a taste of everything that makes Haitian food special—from crispy fried meats to comforting stews and sweet treats.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to spice up your weekly menu, these dishes will impress your taste buds and transport you straight to the Caribbean.