41 Most Delicious Haitian Foods To Try Out

Haiti is also famous for Ackee, saltfish, and oatmeal. Ackee is a native fruit, poisonous when raw but delicious when cooked. “Ackee and saltfish” is a traditional dish that combines salted cod with Ackee, boiled in water and seasoned with onions.

Haitian foods recipes it tastes great with salt or brown sugar and is a must-try while visiting the island.

Here are some of the best Haitian foods, their calorie content, and preparation time.

Quick Table: Haitian Foods

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Baobab Soup	10	55 Minutes
Boucan Rouge	412	16 Hours
Cassava Fritters	338	30 Minutes
Tichelo Soup	62	15 Minutes
Mange-Touts	67	10 Minutes
Mofongo	659	50 Minutes
Pirogues	189	1 Hour 20 Minutes
Plantain Fried	109	15 Minutes
Haitian Pikliz	4	15 Minutes
Hirshon Haitian Pork Griot	446	6 Hours 50 Minutes
Soup Joumou	327	3 Hours 15 Minutes
Haitian Macaroni Au Gratin	558	50 Minutes
Haitian Tasso	395	45 Minutes
Haitian Patties	356	35 Minutes
Haitian Black Mushroom Rice with Shrimp	203	2 Hours 30 Minutes
Hirshon Haitian Seasoning Paste	542	10 Minutes
Haitian Spaghetti	487	30 Minutes
Haitian Chicken Stew	375	1 Hour 6 Minutes
Haitian Hot Sauce	44	25 Minutes
Haitian Akasan	121	30 Minutes
Haitian Mac and Cheese	407	40 Minutes
Haitian Cornmeal	855	20 Minutes
Haitian Chicken	279	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Haitian Legume	95	47 Minutes
Haitian Akra	80	18 Minutes
Haitian Rice and Beans	693	37 Minutes
Haitian Lalo	259	1 Hour
Haitian Beignets	140	50 Minutes
French Toast	236	25 minutes
Haitian Spicy Coleslaw	61	45 Minutes
Haitian Butter Cake	337	1 Hour
Tassot Turkey	40	4 Hours 55 Minutes
Soup Joumou	386	3 Hours
Haitian Meatballs	273	36 Minutes
Haitian Rum & Asiago Shrimp Pasta	900	35 Minutes
Chicken Fritter	190	35 Minutes
Haitian Bouillon	587	35 Minutes
Haitian Hot Chocolate	260	15 Minutes
Haitian Cremas	129	7 Hours 10 Minutes
Haitian Stewed Turkey	248	1 Hour
Eggplant Stew	95	47 Minutes

What comes to your mind when you think of Haiti? Whether it’s authentic voodoo charms or not, Haitians have a flair for magic in their cooking. They combine flavors no one else even thinks of because they are uniquely “Haitian”.

When it comes to preparing Haiti foods, so many have no idea where to begin. The truth is that there are a lot of meals you can prepare in the comfort of your kitchen.

With tastes ranging from tropical fruits to fresh seafood, there are plenty of options for anyone!

Here are some of the most delicious Haitian foods.

1. Baobab Soup

Baobab trees have large and beautiful fruits that look like small palms. The fruit is edible and has medicinal properties because of its alkaline composition.

It’s believed to be good for skin conditions as well as high blood pressure, which may explain its popularity among Haitians! Serve this soup with plantain chips for a delicious meal.

Calories Per Serving: 10

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

2. Boucan Rouge (Roasted Pork)

Boucan rouge, or “red fire”, is the country’s national dish. It’s cooked for several hours in open-fire pits. Local pigs are usually slow-cooked, whole, and seasoned with spices from lemon grass to wild thyme.

The meat is served whole, but some prefer to cut portions off the bone for a taste of the local barbecue tradition.

Calories Per Serving: 412

Preparation Time: 16 Hours

3. Cassava Fritters

This popular Haitian dish is made from shredded cassava (also known as yuca) that’s deep-fried or boiled until it turns chewy and fatty.

It is a good snack for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Add some hot sauce or mayonnaise if you want more flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 338

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

4. Tichelo Soup

Haiti’s national soup combines chicken, green peas, onions, and carrots for a creamy stew with a spicy kick.

It’s cooked from scratch with bone broth, giving it a unique flavor. Every Haitian family has its way of making it.

Calories Per Serving: 62

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

5. Mange-Touts (Mixed Vegetables)

This platter is the ultimate Haitian cuisine and consists of fresh, seasonal vegetables cooked in different ways to bring out their natural flavors.

It is served during special occasions and holidays when families get together to cook.

Calories Per Serving: 67

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

6. Mofongo (Mashed Plantains)

This dish is a Haitian staple that’s popular almost everywhere, where it’s served with some form of meat and/or fish.

The mashed plantains are usually seasoned with garlic, onions, spices, and other ingredients before the dish is cooked.

Calories Per Serving: 659

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

7. Haiti’s National Dish, Pirogue (Boat)

Pirogues are long wooden boats traditionally built in Haiti from local wood.

It can be prepared in two ways: fried/broiled or boiled for a watery soup with white rice, cassava, and “chèvre” goat cheese.

Calories Per Serving: 189

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

8. Plantain Fried

Plantain is the national food of Haiti. They are a type of banana and are best known for their uses in local cuisine.

The plantain is usually fried and then served with any meat or fish and sprinkled with onions, oregano, and other seasonings.

Calories Per Serving: 109

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

9. Haitian Pikliz

Pikliz is a spicy pickled condiment that originated in Haiti. The traditional recipe includes watercress, garlic, onion, fresh pepper, and salt.

The mixture turns into a spicy pickled mix because of red chilies or habaneros that are blended in with it before being placed in the fridge to rest.

Once prepared, pikliz is served as an appetizer with breaded pork rinds called griot or as a topping for boiled cabbage called mofongo.

Calories Per Serving: 4

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

10. Hirshon Haitian Pork Griot

When it comes to Haitian food, most dishes are a variation of fried, stewed, or boiled meat. Haitians eat more pork than any other meat. Grilling is so popular that an outdoor grill can be found on every street corner.

Hirshon Haitian Pork Griot is the best because it is crispy and has a delicious blend of spices that brings out the flavors.

Calories Per Serving: 446

Preparation Time: 6 Hours 50 Minutes

11. Soup Joumou

Soup Joumou is the best food to eat when you are feeling sick. It’s full of flavor, low in calories, and you can easily cut back on salt and oil.

It also ties in perfectly with your diet when you’re trying to clean up your eating habits or even lose weight.

Calories Per Serving: 327

Preparation Time: 3 Hours 15 Minutes

12. Haitian Macaroni Au Gratin

Haitian Macaroni Au Gratin is the most amazing dish of all time. First, it’s a creamy dish that is rich and delicious.

Second, it’s exceptionally easy to prepare. And third, it doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or exotic spices – everyone can enjoy this super simple dish in their home!

Calories Per Serving: 558

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

13. Haitian Tasso

Haitian Tasso is the quintessential Haitian dish, and it’s not hard to see why. The spicy, flavorful dish of pork and spices that has been slow-cooked in a cane syrup can be served with rice or plantains, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

The star of the show might just be the sauce; what starts as a thin, clear liquid transforms into a rich brown sauce while cooking.

Calories Per Serving: 395

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

14. Haitian Patties

These cheesy, French-fried pockets of dough are not just delicious but also come cheap for a tasty meal that will fill you up for hours.

To sweeten the deal even more, these beignets are served with a variety of dipping sauces: peanut butter, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce, to name some.

Calories Per Serving: 356

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

15. Haitian Black Mushroom Rice With Shrimp

Haitian Black Mushroom Rice with Shrimp is the best recipe for a main dish or side and is perfect for any occasion. I don’t think you can have a party without this delicious, flavorful rice!

It is easy to make and healthy to eat. This dish goes perfectly with tropical cocktails like Mango Pineapple Smash or Piña Colada Punch because of its sweet, creamy coconut milk flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 203

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes

16. Hirshon Haitian Seasoning Paste

If you ever find yourself in need of an easy, healthy alternative to salt, pepper, or other dehydrated spices, this is the seasoning for you!

With numerous uses and a bright taste that adds a burst of flavor to any dish, it will become your go-to condiment. This homemade seasoning lives up to its name: it’s the perfect blend that everyone can enjoy.

Calories Per Serving: 542

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

17. Haitian Spaghetti

A lot of people don’t know what Haitian Spaghetti is. They often mix it up with Italian Spaghetti and Jamaican Spaghetti. Haitian spaghetti differs from both types because it has different ingredients, like roti fillings, shrimp, and beef.

For example, they take the roti they make in Haiti and put some kind of sauce on it, then put the beef or shrimp on top of that and cook it thoroughly until it’s done.

Calories Per Serving: 487

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

18. Haitian Chicken Stew

Haitian Chicken Stew, or “Ti-Malice” in Haitian Creole, is a popular Haitian dish consisting of a stew made from various ingredients such as vegetables, garlic, and, most importantly, chicken.

The dish has evolved over the years to become not just one of Haiti’s national dishes but arguably her most iconic one.

Calories Per Serving: 375

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 6 Minutes

19. Haitian Hot Sauce

At first taste, it has an incredibly robust flavor that builds as you keep eating that not only leaves you feeling satisfied but also leaves your mouth tingling right after.

The sauce has an almost sweet taste that perfectly balances the heat, giving it its signature flavor profile and a fantastic aroma that will linger long after you eat.

Calories Per Serving: 44

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

20. Haitian Akasan

Haitian Akasan is the best. It is made from a combination of roasted, ground beans and spices.

Both are available in powder form and can be mixed with water, salt, or sugar for an infinite number of recipes.

Calories Per serving: 121

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

21. Haitian Mac And Cheese

Haitian Mac and Cheese is one of those dishes that keeps on giving until the very last bite!

You don’t have to go far or spend much money to enjoy this simple yet deliciously amazing dish for yourself.

Calories Per Serving: 407

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

22. Haitian Cornmeal

Haitian cornmeal is a nutrient-dense food that contains high levels of selenium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

These nutrients are important for fighting infections and maintaining good blood circulation. It’s also a great option for people with diabetes because it doesn’t spike your blood sugar level as other grains do.

Calories Per Serving: 855

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

23. Haitian Chicken

While it is difficult to pick the best food in a country with such an interesting and diverse cuisine as Haiti, most people will say Haitian Chicken is the best. There are many reasons that this dish is so good.

It can be made with different ingredients from around the world, no matter your dietary needs. Plus, because it’s a one-dish meal, you don’t have to worry about cooking and cleaning up at the same time.

Calories Per Serving: 279

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

24. Haitian Legume

Their popularity is due to their taste and versatility; they can be used in many ways, including in cooking, in soups or salads, and by themselves, as finger food.

The legumes’ unique combination of flavors has led them to dominate markets across the United States, with more than 25 million pounds of product sold annually.

Calories Per Serving: 95

Preparation Time: 47 Minutes

25. Haitian Akra

Haitian Akra is a type of rice cooked in a pot with boiling water, salt, and oil. It not only tastes delicious but has been known to offer many health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol levels.

It is also gluten-free and uses a minimal amount of water so that your pot will last longer.

Calories Per Serving: 80

Preparation Time: 18 Minutes

26. Haitian Rice And Beans

This Haitian version of the popular American dish is a must-try. Many people are familiar with Cuban Rice and Beans, but few know that Haitian cuisine has its version of this delicacy.

If you want to try something new, consider trying out this delicious side dish from Haiti today!

Calories Per Serving: 693

Preparation Time: 37 Minutes

27. Haitian Lalo

Lalo is a type of hearty Haitian soup. It’s a white bean stew with small cubes of meat, vegetables, and diced koulouba (cassava) on top. Some people call it the “meal in a bowl” because it’s both filling and delicious!

In Haiti, Lalo is traditionally eaten as a breakfast meal, but it can also be eaten as an appetizer or main dish at any time of day. It can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Calories Per Serving: 259

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

28. Haitian Beignets

Haitian Beignets are simply the best beignets in the world. Many other countries try to imitate this amazing pastry but never succeed.

They only come close because Haitians use a special technique that is difficult to replicate. What sets them apart is their unique flavor and texture, as well as their shape: large, round and puffy!

Calories Per Serving: 140

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

29. French Toast

French Toast is a classic, memorable meal that is practically perfect. What’s not to love about a piece of soft bread soaked in egg and milk, fried in butter, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, and then served with maple syrup?

Perhaps it’s because it reminds us of being little kids and having our breakfasts made for us – we could just sit back and eat it right out of the pan!

Calories Per serving: 236

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

30. Haitian Spicy Coleslaw

This spicy, creamy coleslaw goes so well with almost anything. It has a little bit of everything that makes the dish great – crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, tangy mayo, and then some spice from the hot sauce.

There are also plenty of variations on this dish, including different fruits like mandarin oranges and apples and a couple of other dressings like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Calories Per Serving: 61

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

31. Haitian Butter Cake

The Haitian Butter Cake – otherwise known as the Mirliton, was introduced to Haiti by the French in the nineteenth century. Although many claim that it originated in France, many versions of this popular dessert are now making their way throughout other Caribbean countries.

One staple favorite is this traditional variation from Haiti, which calls for a mirliton or chayote squash.

Calories Per Serving: 337

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

32. Tassot Turkey

Tassot Turkey is the ideal turkey choice for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s not the cheapest of turkeys, but it has the best taste.

The meat flavor is full and rich, not dry or salty. A single serving of Tassot Turkey meat gives you just as much protein as a steak or a chicken breast but with less than half the calories.

Calories Per Serving: 40

Preparation Time: 4 Hours 55 Minutes

33. Soup Joumou

It’s the perfect dish to share with friends and family during the cold winter months. It’s also a filling and healthy meal that will keep you going throughout the day.

Joumou is ideal for lunch or dinner, but if you want to spice things up, try adding some of these popular flavors to your Joumou your way!

Calories Per Serving: 386

Preparation Time: 3 Hours

34. Haitian Meatballs

These Haitian bad boys are usually eaten with rice as a side dish during lunch or dinner. But many Haitians enjoy eating them for breakfast, especially during the Lent season.

They can also be prepared and served as appetizers or finger food and can be the main course of a meal paired with some type of broth which is traditionally made from a combination of scallions, garlic, and salt to add flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 273

Preparation Time: 36 Minutes

35. Haitian Rum & Asiago Shrimp Pasta

Haitian Rum & Asiago Shrimp Pasta is a dish that cannot be explained in words or even in an image; it must be tasted to be understood.

It tastes like a tropical paradise, with a sweet and savory blend of saltiness from lemon juice, garlic, and rum balanced by the creaminess from Parmesan cheese and asiago shrimps which give it an earthy flavor.

Calories Per Serving: 900

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

36. Chicken Fritter

There are plenty of recipes for delicious fried chicken out there that will blow your mind, but none are as great as the humble chicken fritter.

They’re also easy to make and don’t require any special ingredients or equipment. Just mix up these for a quick breakfast or appetizer that will take your taste buds on a journey through the land of good food.

Calories Per Serving: 190

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

37. Haitian Bouillon

It’s a soup that’s been around for some time now, but it has yet to receive the notoriety and recognition of other, richer soups.

Haitian Bouillon is best described as a spicy tomato soup with vegetables, meat, or seafood added to make it more amenable to the palettes of any Haitian person who might have a taste for something more than just watery broth.

Calories Per Serving: 587

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 45 Minutes

38. Haitian Hot Chocolate

Haitian hot chocolates are sweet and creamy with a rich and decadent texture. They are made with condensed milk, chocolate syrup, dried fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

This confection is usually served on its own or as a topping for ice cream or pound cake. Haitians enjoy this treat all year long! The taste is unique to the Haitian nation due to the varied ingredients they use in their recipes. The preparation method also varies depending on what the cook wishes to create.

Calories Per Serving: 260

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

39. Haitian Cremas

Haitian Cremas is sweetened condensed milk made with cane sugar and cream of tartar. The process begins with boiling fresh whole milk to concentrate it into a syrup-like consistency that can be diluted with water or added to tea or coffee afterward.

Once this is done, the concoction is dipped in an egg yolk mixed with cream of tartar (a type of salt) before baking until it turns golden brown.

Calories Per Serving: 129

Preparation Time: 7 Hours 10 Minutes

40. Haitian Stewed Turkey

This turkey has a subtle yet compelling flavor that is sure to satisfy any palate. The dish also has a very distinctive appearance; meat and vegetables are cooked in this beautiful medley of colors.

Creating a hearty aroma that will leave your mouth watering just from looking at it. On top of all this, Haitian Stewed Turkey is an incredibly easy recipe to make!

Calories Per Serving: 248

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

41. Eggplant Stew

This eggplant stew is a simple and flavorful recipe that is fun to make with your kids. Plus, it will last for meal after meal!

Eggplant stew is one of the best vegetarian dishes out there. It’s delicious and healthy, which solves any food dilemma you may be experiencing.

Calories Per Serving: 95

Preparation Time: 47 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Of The Most Popular Foods In Haiti?

Some of the most popular Haitian foods are rice and peas, fried plantains, steamed beans with meat or vegetable soup, pigeon peas (cassava) with smoked pork belly, and sour cassava “Bammy” balls with sweet peanut butter seasoning. A traditional dish for Haitians is “sautéed Moroccan-spiked meatballs”.

What Is Haiti’s National Dish?

The national dish of Haiti is “Riz Djon Djon”, which is spiced rice and beans with fried plantains. It is known by many as the Haitian national dish.

Some other popular dishes include “Poulet Racine” (roast chicken) “tripe soup”, “Poulet Roti” (fried chicken), and others. Some Haitian dishes are prepared as soups, such as griot, pikliz, spicy stewed goat, spicy cornmeal porridge, and others.

What Is The Most Eaten Food In Haiti?

Bread is the most consumed food in Haiti. It is a staple in the Haitian diet, and is a part of every meal. It can be eaten with vegetables, meat, or as a side to a plate of rice.