Food & Drink

15 Creole Feasts That Will Make You Want to Visit Haiti

May 10, 2021 by admin

a plate of haitian food — Fritay at 5 Coins, Petion-Ville
Photo: Anton Lau

15 Creole Feasts That Will Make You Want to Visit Haiti

Bold flavours, bright colours and a dash of West Indies spice – get ready for Haiti’s creole cuisine

Haiti is a land of bold flavours, bright colours, intoxicating music, mischievous spirits and a heady mix of cultures. Haitian creole cuisine is built on fresh seafood, island-grown greens and exotic fruits, all full of West Indies spices and an often surprising mix of elements both familiar and strange.

The fast-service restaurant concept hasn’t yet washed ashore in Haiti, so be ready to lean into the luxury that is island time: even in the capital city, everything has an unhurried, unpretentious atmosphere. Sipping rum sours in a palm-fringed patio or lounging around in an airy, high-ceilinged colonial dining room while you wait is a great way to sink into the Caribbean vibes.

Here is our ultimate guide on where to find the best Haitian eats for every taste:

1. Fritay at 5 Coins

The cornerstone of Haitian cuisine, fritay is the best place to start your Haitian food journey. 5 Coins is one of the most well-known names in the business, with five kitchens throughout metropolitan Port-au-Prince. They offer all the classic fritay dishes: bannann peze (fried plantains), griyo (fried pork), akra (malanga fritters), lam fri (fried breadfruit) and fried chicken – all supplemented with Caribbean staples – rice and peas – or specialty sides.

plate with grilled fish, fried plantains, fries and salat — Grilled Fish at Le Coin des Artiste – Vivano, Petion-Ville
Photo: Alain David Lescouflair

2. Fish at Le Coin des Artistes – Vivano

Seafood straight from the surf is unbeatable. For the best fresh fish in Port-au-Prince, drop into Le Coin des Artistes — Vivano. Because their fish is always sustainably caught on their own restaurant-owned properties, your meal is supporting best-practice fishing in Haiti. You can ask for your fish to be either pwason griye (grilled) or an sòs (stewed).

plate with conch gratine and slices of bread — Gratine lanbi at Gingerbread Restaurant
Photo: Alain David Lescouflair

3. Gratine lanbi at Gingerbread Restaurant

Head downtown to the Pacot district for the treasure that is Gingerbread Restaurant. Their gratine lanbi (conch gratinée) alone is worth the trip. Locally known as lambi, conch is a mollusc native to the waters of the Bahamas but popular throughout the Caribbean islands. A step above the standard lanbi an sòs (stewed conch), this is a Haitian foodie experience to savour. The rich sauce of the gratinée envelops tender bits of conch, rendering them even more flavorful than they are naturally. A real culinary delight!

plate with pizza topped with shrimp, onions and cheese — Shrimp pizza at Yanvalou
Photo: Alain David Lescouflair

4. Shrimp pizza at Yanvalou

Interested in what Haitian cuisine can do when it fuzes with food from other countries? Look no further than Yanvalou’s shrimp pizza! A specialty of the house, it’s the perfect cross between the mellow, indulgent feeling you get from enjoying pizza, heightened by the fresh taste of tender bits of shrimp scattered on top. Down a slice along with a rum sour in the leafy patio.

colofull restaurant area with tables and chairs — La Coquille restaurant in Pétion-Ville
Photo: La Coquille

5. Buffet at La Coquille

Come hungry to La Coquille! This popular Pétion-Ville restaurant houses one of the most well-known Haitian cuisine buffets in the capital. Work your way through fried pork, fried chicken, stewed conch, and goat — alongside a selection of rice-centric sides, depending on what is available that day. White rice and black bean sauce, rice and peas, djondjon rice…dessert is included as well!

6. Griyo (fried pork) at Au Bon Griot

A quick drive outside of Pétion-Ville you’ll find Au Bon Griot, one of the best places in the area of Boutilier for griyo (fried pork). While it’s one of those hole-in-the-wall places, it definitely is somewhere worth stopping. Made fresh to order, the griyo comes with a generous helping of fried plantains and pikliz. What better way to enjoy griyo than overlooking the city of Port-au-Prince?

7. Fettucine Djondjon at Karibe Hotel

If you’ve tried djondjon rice, you know this tiny mushroom packs a punch. Native to Haiti, djondjon mushrooms are known for their “exquisite color, taste and aroma.” For a dish that makes the most of this unique ingredient, stop by the restaurant at Karibe Hotel in Juvénat for their specialty – djondjon fettucine! The rich, velvety pasta sauce is made inky black by the exotic djondjon.

8. Soup joumou (pumpkin soup) at Kinam Hotel

You’ve read all about it – now treat yourself to a warm and comforting bowl of soup joumou (pumpkin soup) at Pétion-Ville’s Kinam Hotel. Filled with pasta and rustic chunks of carrots, potatoes, and meat, this soup is an already hearty meal, but some people enjoy it with freshly toasted bread, which you can request. Soup Joumou on Sundays is a cultural institution in Haiti, and there’s no better way to kick off your week!

Outside Port-au-Prince?

That’s Port-au-Prince covered, but what about the rest of the country?

hands holding a sandwich with meat — Bib (fried pork sandwich) in Kenscoff
Photo: Franck Fontain

9. Bib (fried pork sandwich) in Kenscoff

Out touring the hills of Thomassin or Fermathe? You’re not far away from the area of Kenscoff, where the specialty of bib is extremely popular. What is a bib? Simply put, it’s a sandwich that features fried pork meat and pikliz (a spicy relish and a crucial in Haitian creole cuisine) in soft, pillowy bread. No formal restaurant here, just a hole-in-the-wall place just past the police department of Kenscoff, but a must-try foodie experience nonetheless!

waiter holder a plate of grilled goat meat with carrots and potatoes — Kabrit griye at Ranch Le Montcel, Kenscoff
Photo: Ranch Le Montcel

10. Kabrit griye (grilled goat) at Le Montcel, Kenscoff

Sustainably-raised meat is more common than you might expect in this island nation. One of the best places to taste the creole dish kabrit griye (grilled goat) is Le Montcel. A sprawling property set into the hills of Kenscoff, Le Montcel is able to grow a lot of its own produce and raise its own animals. This makes for one of the most succulent griyo, which pulls apart wonderfully!

11. Mayi moulen ak fèy (cornmeal and spinach) at Boukanye, Cap-Haïtien

One of the pleasures of waking up in Cap-Haïtien is getting breakfast on the boulevard. We recommend stopping by Boukanye, where you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful breakfast of mayi moulen ak fèy!

While mayi moulen (polenta) is usually eaten as the major part of a midday or evening meal, it is prepared here for breakfast as mayi moulen ak fèy, served with spinach and kipper. Even better with freshly sliced avocado! In season (roughly august-november) avocados are so abundant on Haiti that you can afford to eat them for breakfast every day – and pay off your mortgage too.

12. Poul ak nwa (stewed chicken and cashews) at Boukanye, Cap-Haïtien

Visit pirate-themed bar and grill Boukanye in Cap-Haïtien to try the North Haitian specialty of poul ak nwa (stewed chicken and cashews). Cashews grow around Cap-Haïtien and are used liberally in local cuisine. In this signature northern dish, succulent strips of chicken stirred through a flavorful, savory sauce, and topped with halved cashews. Usually enjoyed with a generous side of white rice, or rice and peas.

13. Lanbi an sòs (stewed conch) at Lakay, Cap-Haïtien

Lakay in Cap-Haïtien is one of the best places to get lunch. If you happen to be in the area, we recommend getting the lanbi an sòs (stewed conch)! The stewed-to-perfection conch melts in your mouth. The house standard is served with rice but you can request fried plantains or fried potatoes to make for an even more robust meal – great if you’ve been out hiking or swimming all morning.

vendor cutting pieces of gingerbread — Bonbon siwo (Haitian gingerbread) in Les Cayes
Photo: Franck Fontain

14. Bonbon siwo (Haitian gingerbread) from Les Cayes

Wander up to the crossroads of Quatre-Chemins in Les Cayes to find the delicacy that is bonbon siwo (Haitian gingerbread). Thick, sweet, and filling, it is the kind of dessert you enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s like giving your tastebuds a big warm hug.

milk fudge wrapped in plastic — Dous makòs (milk fudge) in Petit-Goâve
Photo: Franck Fontain

15. Dous makòs (milk fudge) from Petit-Goâve

For those who have a curious sweet tooth, the town of Petit-Goâve is the place to go. Here you’ll find dous makòs (milk fudge); a wonderfully decadent tri-color sweet treat. Sugar, milk, condensed milk, and a slew of warming spices like vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon come together over high heat, are poured into molds to cool, then sliced into the delicious, rich slabs of dous makòs fudge.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published May 2021

Top things to see in Haiti

Try Barbancourt rum

November 26, 2020 by admin

a mixed rum sour drink with ingredients — Rum sour cocktail made with Barbancourt Rum at Hotel Florita, Jacmel
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Try Barbancourt rum

Barbancourt is Haiti’s oldest and most-loved brand of rum – you’ll find it all over the island.

While Haitian culture might be distilled down into the Kreyol phrase pa gen pwoblem – translated as ‘have no problem’, there’s plenty of things Haitian culture does have in spades: beaches, carnivals, rara bands, public transport banter and, of course, rum!

Rum production goes back centuries in Haiti, and one of the oldest brands is also the biggest – you’ll see the “Barbancourt” brand wherever you go.

But how did this rum become such a fixture of Haitian culture?

Distilled in Haiti since 1862

Haiti’s most popular rum distillery started in 1862 when Frenchman Dupré Barbancourt set foot in Haiti. With a background of cognac production in southwestern France; the original Barbancourt moved to Haiti to capitalise on the island’s famed sugar production.

That same year, once Barbancourt had learned the basics of making rum rather than cognac, he opened and launched his business. Incorporating his knowledge about cognac-making, Barbancourt double distilled his rum, increasing the alcohol content of the final product.

In the early days, a gallon of Barbancourt rum retailed for thirty cents!

After Barbancourt passed away, his wife Nathalie Gardère took the reigns. The business has remained in the family ever since, and is now into a fifth-generation.

a bottle of haitian rum — Barbancourt Estate Reserve rum with artwork by a famed Haitian painter Félix Jean
Photo: Franck Fontain

A cultural icon

The company evolved to become the most well-known and celebrated rum in Haiti. By making appearances at all major cultural events – carnival, rara season, patron saint festivals – Barbancourt solidified its iconic presence in Haitian culture.

These days, Barbancourt prides itself on being a Haitian company, employing Haitians to make a product for Haitians. Since its founding, it has been one of the strongest supporters of the Haitian art and culture scene (look closely at the packaging of the Estate Reserve rum and you’ll find an artwork by a famed Haitian painter Félix Jean).

An article about rum in Haiti wouldn’t be complete if we neglected the importance of rum in Haitian folklore and Vodou. At most Vodou ceremonies, carnivals and patron saint festivals, rum is the party-starter, the unifier and unwinder that helps Haitians celebrate togetherness and identity.

haitian bartender in bar interior presenting a rum sour — Bartender making rum sour with Barbancourt Rum at Hotel Florita, Jacmel
Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

Which Barbancourt should you try?

The youngest of Barbancourt’s offerings is a powerfully sweet yet strong white rum. Because of its purity and strength, it is very popular in mixed drinks, but also enjoyed on its own.

There is the four year old three star rum, which is more full-bodied and mellow. A step above is the eight year old five star rum, a non-negotiable staple in any and all bars of Haiti. Here, flavor notes are more perceptible, and force a pause to fully enjoy them.

Next is the fifteen year old estate reserve rum, often reserved as a digestive because of the complexity of the aromas from the scent to the finish.

Where to try it

Stop by your local supermarket or neighborhood shop – the supermarkets tend to have both bottle sizes (750mL and 175mL), while the neighborhood shops are more likely to stock only the smaller (175mL) bottle.

Over ice, dry with a squeeze of lemon, or with a cocktail mixer, Barbancourt is a must-try Haitian experience if you want to truly say you’ve been here!

warehouse filled with wooden rum barrels — Barbancourt rum distillery, Port-au-Prince
Photo: Franck Fontain

Visit Barbancourt distillery

Just a few kilometers north of Port-au-Prince airport, the Barbancourt distillery hosts tours every Friday from November through May. The tours last about two hours and are run in French or English. Visitors will be walked through the whole process from unloading sugar canes to bottling and ageing, and enjoy a degustation of all the rums up to the 15yo.

You can buy rum from the cellar door starting from USD $17 for the 8yo and USD $45 for the 15yo. Make sure you bring USD if you can – they distillery prefers USD over HTG. Whatever you do, we recommend you reserve your place in advance.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published November 2020

Find Barbancourt Distillery

External Links

Barbancourt Distillery on Trip Advisor

TripAdvisor

Official Barbancourt website

BARBANCOURT.COM

Explore more of Haiti’s history

Our Favorite Restaurants in Cap-haïtien

October 16, 2020 by admin

people seated at tables dining outside a restaurant — People dining outside Lakay Restaurant, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Franck Fontain

Our Favorite Restaurants in Cap-haïtien

The best places to eat in Haiti’s second city, according to a local

Haitian cuisine is a delicious crossroads with recipes inherited from African ancestors, Native Caribbean Americans, and colonial Europeans. Modern Haiti is divided into ten departments, each with its own capital and its own specialty dish. Grand-Anse is known for its legendary tonmtonm and konparèt, Artibonite for its lalo – every department has its own flavor.

Cap-Haïtien, as the second-biggest city in Haiti and the capital of the North department, is home to a bounty of world-class restaurants and cosy cafés where you can experience local cuisine.

To ease you into that culinary trip, here is a (non-exhaustive) list of restaurants in Cap-Haïtien that will elevate your stay in the city!

yellow restaurant building in cap-haitien — Lakay, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Anton Lau

01. Lakay

The Haitian word lakay means “at home,” and that’s exactly where you will feel in this restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious sugar cane juice. They are the first to have added this exotic specialty to their menu, and now that it’s here, it’s impossible to leave Cap-Haïtien without tasting it!

We recommend: the stewed conch!

nighttime view of restaurant on a city street with palm trees — Cap Deli Restaurant, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Cap Deli

02. Cap Deli

Cap Deli is unbeatable when it comes to Capois cuisine. They are the ideal blend of modern and traditional dining, reinventing fare to please even the pickiest of eaters.

We recommend: the Creole fritay platter!

people seated in dining area inside a restaurant — Boukanye, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Boukanye

03. Boukanye

Hello Creole cuisine, with plantains, pikliz, and well-seasoned sauces and meats! Would you like to taste a finger-licking good plate of rice? You won’t find it anywhere better than at Boukanye.

We recommend: Pintade Labapen!

beach at night with moonlight reflecting in the ocean — View of Cormier Plage, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Cormier Plage

04. Comier Plage

Good, authentic cooking and a gorgeous, unobstructed view of the turquoise blue water of the sea of Cap-Haïtien — what more could you ask for? Breathe in the fresh sea air over a good breakfast, or enjoy the sound of the waves over a plate of fresh-caught seafood made to Comier Plage’s secret recipe.

We recommend: the lobster or the conch!

plate with grilled conch, fried plantains, rice and salat — Kokiyaj restaurant, Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Kokiyaj

05. Kokiyaj

Two words describe the cuisine of Kokiyaj: deliciously excellent. With rave reviews from hungry travellers, this a great place to experience quality Haitian cooking.

We recommend: the conch salad!

evening view of hotel restaurant — Haitian pikliz
Photo: Franck Fontain

06. Hôtel Roi Christophe

The tropical garden and beautiful architecture of Hôtel Roi Christophe is enough to make it worth a visit, but it’s not the only reason we recommend dining here. This old colonial residence has lost none of its charm and must be the envy of many a Caribbean city.

We recommend: the daily special (ask your waiter!)

facade of a closed restaurant with old horse carriage parked in front — Barik Restaurant, Cap Haïtien
Photo: Mozart Louis

07. Barik

Did you know that goat meat is popular in Haiti? If you would like to experience it, Barik is the place to go! They also serve up delicious, juicy fish -grilled or stewed- like you have never tasted before.

We recommend: anything with goat meat, obviously.

Must-try local speciality

Cap-Haïtien cuisine is particularly well-known for its cashew-based recipes, so be sure to try some local cashew dishes while you’re in town! Native to Brazil, cashew trees are now an important crop across the Caribbean, and most of Haiti’s are grown right here in the North Department.

Written by Melissa Beralus and translated by Kelly Paulemon.

Published October 2020

Top things to see around Cap-Haïtien

Have You Tried These 7 Haitian Summer Flavours?

February 19, 2020 by admin

Have You Tried These 7 Haitian Summer Flavours?

Flying to Haiti this summer? You’re in for a treat, and here are seven reasons why.

Here’s our guide to the quintessential Haitian flavors in season at the high point of the year.

If “summer in Haiti” for you is synonymous with refreshing rum punches and cocktails, you’re not wrong! Every summer, Haiti brightens up with the colors of seasonal fruit. Tables at markets, restaurants and homes pile up with fresh fruit fan-favorite vegetables essential for some of the most-loved classic Haitian dishes.

Whet your appetite and test your knowledge of Caribbean cuisine with this list of our seven favorite Haitian summer flavors!

bunch of green haitian kenèp fruits hanging on tree — Kenèp
Photo: Franck Fontain

01. Kenèp (Guinep)

This fruit is what summer in Haiti tastes like, in a bite. Everybody on the island eagerly awaits the first harvest of this sweet and juicy fruit. It grows in bunches on gorgeous tall trees, and to eat it, you have to crack the thin shell open with either your teeth or hands, then suck the flesh of the fruit, and spit out the seed, which is about the size of a marble. If you’re visiting anytime between June and August, you’ll be able to try them too, and fall in love.

mango fruits on display with pineapples — Mangoes
Photo: Franck Fontain

02. Mango

Mangoes are present year-round in Haiti but as early as the month of March, there are at least 12 different varieties that become available in abundance – mango lovers rejoice! The varieties differ in shape, size, and most importantly, flavor. If you’re new to the mango game, we recommend starting with Mango Baptiste, Mango Francique, and Mango Kòn. Don’t hesitate to ask your host or local fruit vendor for pointers! Haiti is divided into 10 departments, and each department produces its own kind because of differences in weather, which makes for a rich variety to choose from.

haitian fruit vendor cutting a watermelon — Watermelon
Photo: Franck Fontain

03. Watermelon

If there’s anything we know for a fact, it is that Haiti gets very hot during the summer. Luckily, summer is watermelon season in Haiti, and they are everywhere! There are hardly any fruits that can’t or won’t be transformed into a delicious, refreshing juice during Haiti’s hot summers, and watermelon juice is no exception. The very best feeling after a day out in the city or a hike is that first taste of freshly-squeezed watermelon juice.

a straw hat filled with green okra — Kalalou
Photo: Franck Fontain

04. Kalalou (Okra)

Green and fuzzy on the outside when raw, kalalou is a typical Caribbean vegetable that turns slimy (but extremely delicious!) when stewed. If you are at all familiar with American Southern cooking, you’ll probably recognize this vegetable in its fried form. In Haiti, however, you’re more likely to find kalalou cooked down into a stew with some meat — usually beef — and served as an accompaniment to a serving of rice and beans. If you want to try something new and unusual during your adventure in Haiti, kalalou stew should be at the top of your must-try list!

haitian woman holding a bunch of light green haitian chayote fruits — Militon
Photo: Franck Fontain

05. Militon (Chayote)

Militon is one of the vegetables that you have to try at least once. It’s a starchy vegetable, so its texture is comparable to that of a potato, but when cooked, it’s much softer and more complex in flavor. In Haiti, it’s commonly eaten as part of a meat stew, or a gratinée, meaning that it’s baked with cheese and a béchamel sauce. With the right spices, the right amount of crunch and the perfect portion of cheese, gratinée is a great introduction to militon and will prepare you for different, more adventurous preparations.

green haitian soursop fruit hanging on tree branch — Kowosòl
Photo: Franck Fontain

06. Kowosòl (Soursop)

Kowosòl is another summer staple fruit. Its consistency is very close to that of an unripe pineapple. The fruit has small thorns on the outside but slices open to reveal rich, white, fragrant flesh. Although one can eat kowosòl (sometimes called corossol) as is, it’s usually blended into a juice with either milk or water and sweetened to taste. Best enjoyed on a breezy balcony on a beautiful hot day.

brown haitian tamarind fruits — Tamarind
Photo: Franck Fontain

07. Tamarind

If tangy flavors are your thing, this summer fruit is right up your alley. Tamarind is hugely popular in Haiti and while the tanginess can make this flavor divisive, it has some very loyal fans. Some people who love this fruit swear by its benefits: it’s rich in antioxidants, is said to fire up your metabolism, and is apparently great for your skin too! Who knew?

Used in curries and desserts across Asia, tamarind is most often consumed in Haiti as a juice. During tamarind season, you’ll be able to find tamarind juice at most restaurants and hotels. Enjoy!

Written by Kira Paulemon.

Published February 2020

Explore more food and drink in Haiti

Your Ultimate Guide to Haitian Nightlife

January 4, 2020 by Editor

haitian nightclub with guests sitting at tables — The Backyard Petion-Ville
Photo: Franck Fontain

Where to Party: Your Guide to Haitian Nightlife

Want to party the night away, Haitian style?

You’ve walked through the busy streets of Port-au-Prince, treated your tastebuds to Creole street food, poked around the artist collectives and squeezed in a stroll through Champ-des-Mars. Now it’s time to party the night away, Haitian style.

Here are the best places to get a taste of Haitian nightlife, according to a local.

haitian girl with long braids smiling in dancing crowd — Fubar, Pétion-Ville, Haiti
Photo: Fubar

01. Fubar, Pétion-Ville

Ask anyone who’s a seasoned party-goer in Pétion-Ville, and “Fubar” comes up every single time. With events nearly every day of the week, it’s one of the most popular spots in the city. We recommend: their Flashback Friday parties. Normally 500 Haitian Gourdes, entry is free before 10pm.

02. Brasserie Quartier Latin, Pétion-Ville

03. Le Coin des Artistes – Vivano, Pétion-Ville

Port-au-Prince is famous for fresh seafood, and Le Coin des Artistes is one restaurant that always lives up to the reputation! Find all of your seafood favorites, with a side of live music, nearly every day of the week, right in the heart of Pétion-Vile. We recommend: their Jazz Thursdays.

Group eating dinner at Yanvalou in Pacot, Haiti — Yanvalou in Pacot
Photo: Anton Lau

04. Yanvalou, Pacot

If you’re looking for a night out dancing, go no further than Yanvalou. Located in downtown Port-au-Prince, this restaurant by day and nightclub by night is where many devout party-goers go to hit the dancefloor. It attracts a mix of locals and travellers. We recommend: their Live Groove Thursdays.

a restored old colonial house with many decorative details — Gingerbread Restaurant, Pacot
Photo: Anton Lau

05. Gingerbread, Pacot

Another lovely spot in Pacot, Gingerbread is famed for its delectable cuisine. If you are looking for an evening out in a stunning setting (without breaking the bank) this is the place to go! We recommend: their cocktails, and if you’re in the mood for a dollop of dessert, their Panna Cotta Creole.

haitian restaurant with many guests dining — Magdoos, Petion-Ville, Port-au-Prince
Photo: Franck Fontain

06. Magdoos, Pétion-Ville

A favorite among the younger crowd in Port-au-Prince, Magdoos is known for its great middle eastern food, hookahs, and great music. A good tip is to make sure that you make it there early in the night so that you’re not pressed for space! We recommend: their $5 Wednesdays.

07. The Backyard, Pétion-Ville

For an atmospheric bar experience in Port-au-Prince, head to The Backyard. With the down-to-earth decor, they offer an extensive beer and liquor selection, great music, and often host popular soccer games. During hot Haitian summer nights, it’s thronged with locals and visitors and full of good vibes. We recommend: all weekend long!

interior of dining area at restaurant with bar — Harry’s, Petion-Ville
Photo: Franck Fontain

08. Harry’s, Pétion-Ville

A staple of nightlife in Pétion-Ville, Harry’s is one of those inescapable destinations. It is open pretty late, making it a popular for partygoers in need of late-night grub. If you happen to be in the area, make sure to stop for some food between bar hops! We recommend: their kibby – a creole dish that’s kind of like a cross between meatballs and arancini.

09. Boukanye, Cap-Haitien

If you happen to be in Cap-Haïtien, Boukanye is one of the places you must visit; the bar’s decor is heavily reminiscent of pirate ships, making for a memorable experience! Located on the Boulevard, it’s an excellent place to find live music and cocktails. We recommend: looking out for their weekend events!

10. Lakay, Cap-Haïtien

If you are looking for great food in Cap-Haïtien, go no further than Lakay; it’s one of the best places to get local grub. They also host weekend events, but they’re announced rather than regular – look them up during the week to see what’s coming up. We recommend: their lanbi with rice and beans!

Street art on the outside of the Alliance Francaise building in Jacmel, Haiti — Alliance Française, Jacmel
Photo: Amanacer / Emily Bauman

11. Alliance Française, Jacmel

For great food in Jacmel, Alliance Française is the place to go. While they do host cultural events and vernissages, they are more famous for their food, which is some of the most sought-after in the city. We recommend: their vegetable penne!

entrance to le belvedere nightclub in jacmel — Le Belvedere nightclub in Jacmel
Photo: Franck Fontain

12. Le Belvedère, Jacmel

ILooking for nightlife in Jacmel? The party is happening at Le Belvédère. Drinks there are affordable, and the crowd is enthusiastic. We recommend: Friday and Saturday nights!

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published January 2020

Explore Haitian Art and Culture

8 of the most Instagrammable cafes in Port-au-Prince

September 19, 2019 by admin

The most Instagrammable cafes in Port-au-Prince

Looking to start your morning on a caffeinated note? Port-au-Prince is full of options! We’ve rounded up the eight most quaint, unique and Insta-worthy cafés in the city for you.

01. Angel Touch Café

Located above Pizza Garden in Pétion-Ville, Angel Touch Café is an oasis of calm in the center of downtown Pétion-Ville. Everything from the colorful waiting area to the large, airy patio restaurant resonates with Caribbean style. The restaurant itself, painted in pastels with plenty of hanging plants, is a charming place to enjoy your coffee while soaking up the atmosphere of Pétion-Ville.

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02. Rébo Expresso

For a quick, hearty bite to eat, stop by Rébo Expresso, also in Pétion-Ville. Those signature Caribbean bright, contrasting colors are here too, and the smell of freshly ground coffee permeates the air. With bright orange walls and blue cups and saucers, Rébo Expresso is the place to go for a morning coffee where the decor wakes you up as much as the caffeine.

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A post shared by REBO Expresso (@reboexpresso)

03. Banbile Café

A rustic wooden interior and playful exterior make up Banbile Café, in Pétion-Ville. The red color scheme ties the entire place together, from seat cushions to accents by the counter. Coffee options abound on their menu – in addition to all the typical European coffee styles, you’ll find iced lattes, caramel frappes and frozen funky monkey. On Sundays, Banbile is a great place to enjoy the quintessential Haitian dish soup joumou.

04. Mountain Maid (Kay Walas)

If you make it up to the hills of Fermathe, we strongly recommend you visit Mountain Maid, better known as Kay Walas to the locals. The Mountain Maid café offers a wide balcony open to the lush surrounds of the mountains east of Port-au-Prince, and an extensive gift shop with high quality pieces made by local craftsmen and craftswomen. Early in the morning, the fog over the farmland makes the destination especially photogenic.

05. Marie Béliard

Known for its delicious pastries and baked goods, Marie Béliard is one of the most popular bakeries in Port-au-Prince. Between cheeky, rustic wooden signs and pastel colors, this patisserie is a joyful example of French influence in the city – it’s a real piece of Paris in the middle of the Caribbean. We recommend the delicious almond croissant and cinnamon bun.

If you’re in town to celebrate a special occasion, this is the place to order a specialty cake.

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A post shared by Patisserie Marie Beliard 🇭🇹 (@patisseriemariebeliard)

06. Café Cho, Marriott Hotel

If you’re in the area of Turgeau, you can stop by the Marriott Hotel to grab a bite at Café Cho. With high white walls and raw woodgrain accents, Cho offers a sleek, minimalist setting that’s almost Nordic in nature, in strong contrast with the palm trees and sunny boulevards just outside the Marriott’s gates.

Step into the air conditioning to try American-style sandwiches and pastries with local Haitian coffee. We recommend a strong Haitian coffee with a chocolate brownie.

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A post shared by Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel (@marriotthaiti)

07. Yanvalou

Well-known for its Thursday night events, Yanvalou doubles as a quaint and colorful café in the daytime. Featuring a large-scale graffiti of Nina Simone — which you’ll definitely want some snaps of — Yanvalou is the perfect place to enjoy a midday bite if you’re in the area of Pacot.

08. Wide Awake Café, Kinam Hotel

For health-conscious travellers, Wide Awake Café is the place to go! Located in Kinam Hotel at Pétion-Ville, Wide Awake is designed to embody a tropical modern interiors. The menu boasts a large selection of breakfast and lunch options, most of which are vegan-friendly.

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Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published September 2019

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Food & Drink

15 Creole Feasts That Will Make You Want to Visit Haiti

Bold flavours, bright colours and a dash of West Indies spice – get ready for Haiti’s creole cuisine

Bring Haitian Flavor to Your Walls!

1. Fritay at 5 Coins

2. Fish at Le Coin des Artistes – Vivano

3. Gratine lanbi at Gingerbread Restaurant

4. Shrimp pizza at Yanvalou

5. Buffet at La Coquille

Bring Haitian Flavor to Your Walls!

6. Griyo (fried pork) at Au Bon Griot

7. Fettucine Djondjon at Karibe Hotel

8. Soup joumou (pumpkin soup) at Kinam Hotel

Outside Port-au-Prince?

9. Bib (fried pork sandwich) in Kenscoff

10. Kabrit griye (grilled goat) at Le Montcel, Kenscoff

Bring Haitian Flavor to Your Walls!

11. Mayi moulen ak fèy (cornmeal and spinach) at Boukanye, Cap-Haïtien

12. Poul ak nwa (stewed chicken and cashews) at Boukanye, Cap-Haïtien

13. Lanbi an sòs (stewed conch) at Lakay, Cap-Haïtien

14. Bonbon siwo (Haitian gingerbread) from Les Cayes

15. Dous makòs (milk fudge) from Petit-Goâve

Haitian Cultural Traditions You Didn’t Know About

Top things to see in Haiti

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Try Barbancourt rum

Barbancourt is Haiti’s oldest and most-loved brand of rum – you’ll find it all over the island.

a touch of haitian wisdom

Distilled in Haiti since 1862

A cultural icon

Which Barbancourt should you try?

Where to try it

Visit Barbancourt distillery

Find Barbancourt Distillery

External Links

Go on a self-guided tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

Explore more of Haiti’s history

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Our Favorite Restaurants in Cap-haïtien

The best places to eat in Haiti’s second city, according to a local

Discover Sacred Vodou Symbols!

01. Lakay

02. Cap Deli

03. Boukanye

04. Comier Plage

start your day the Haitian way

05. Kokiyaj

06. Hôtel Roi Christophe

07. Barik

Must-try local speciality

A Visual Guide to Vodou Symbols

Top things to see around Cap-Haïtien

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Have You Tried These 7 Haitian Summer Flavours?

Flying to Haiti this summer? You’re in for a treat, and here are seven reasons why.

Bring Haitian Flavor to Your Walls!

01. Kenèp (Guinep)

02. Mango

03. Watermelon

Bring Haitian Flavor to Your Walls!

04. Kalalou (Okra)

05. Militon (Chayote)

06. Kowosòl (Soursop)

07. Tamarind

Haitian Cultural Traditions You Didn’t Know About

Explore more food and drink in Haiti

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Where to Party: Your Guide to Haitian Nightlife

Want to party the night away, Haitian style?

01. Fubar, Pétion-Ville

Discover Sacred Vodou Symbols!

02. Brasserie Quartier Latin, Pétion-Ville

03. Le Coin des Artistes – Vivano, Pétion-Ville

04. Yanvalou, Pacot

05. Gingerbread, Pacot

06. Magdoos, Pétion-Ville

07. The Backyard, Pétion-Ville

From Our Land to Your Home

08. Harry’s, Pétion-Ville

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a touch of
haitian wisdom

Go on a self-guided
tour of Haiti’s Gingerbread houses

start your day
the Haitian way

A Visual Guide to
Vodou Symbols