Haitian cuisine

Experience Haiti Virtually from Your Home

August 5, 2021 by Anton Lau

dramatic haitian coastline with jungle forest and speed boat — Anse Baguette beach near Jacmel
Photo: Franck Fontain

Experience Haiti Virtually from Your Home

We wish you were here. We know you do, too.

If you’re anything like us, the need for you to connect or even be in Haiti at this moment in time has been stronger than ever before. The last sixteen months have proven to be challenging in ways both familiar and new, and have pushed us to adapt in ways we never would’ve thought possible. As Haiti weathers the storms of the ongoing pandemic, sociopolitical unrest, and the assassination of former president Jovenel Moïse, the feeling of longing for Haiti—and in a way, for those on the island who make us feel like we’re home—is hard to fight off.

Since July 7, Haiti has felt like a liminal space where no one is quite sure where to stand or how to behave. The news of Jovenel Moïse’s assassination shook the capital as hard as it did the surrounding cities and far-away provinces. In the days following the killing, the streets of Port-au-Prince were quieter than they usually are on Sundays; worry and anticipation tainted the air, and people hesitated to venture outside for fear of what would happen next. Even though in the days since, things seem to have regained some kind of normalcy, it is very clear to everyone in Haiti that there is no going “back to normal” at the moment.

city street with traffic and old colonial buildings — Old gingerbread house in Cap-Haïtien
Photo: Franck Fontain

This leaves people like us—and people like you, too, who are enamored with Haiti, and who want nothing but to run and embrace the island—lost and confused. If the pandemic wasn’t a good time to travel to Haiti for just any reason, the recent events are even more reason to rethink purchasing a plane ticket. Just like you may be anxious to fly in for your summer vacation, we are anxious to recommend that you do so.

What we feel comfortable and eager doing, though, is recommending that you visit Haiti from home.

Right here, on Visit Haiti.

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

Cook Your Way Through the Island

One of our favorite things about Haiti is how accessible the country’s history and culture is through its cuisine. A lot of Haitian fruit is accessible in foreign markets, like the unmistakable Haitian mango; consider shopping at your local Caribbean shop for some of our favorite summer flavors. This is also the perfect opportunity to order some of the best rum Haiti has to offer and consider a home tasting. We love how these rums shine next to Haiti’s hall-of-fame dishes, too.

Sunset through the forest of Forêt des Pins, Haiti — Sunset, Forêt des Pins
Photo: Anton Lau

Bring the Outside Inside

If you’re a lover of nature, you might enjoy trying to spot some of Haiti’s wildlife in your neighborhood on the weekend. You’ll be pleased to know that Haiti is home to some really awesome forests, such as Forêt des Pins, too— which you’ll definitely want to put down on your list of places to see on your next trip. We have good news for avid birdwatchers, too: you can probably spot some of Haiti’s winged wildlife where you live.

A woman wearing a bikini relaxes in a window holding a book — Book reading in Haiti
Photo: Amanacer / Emily Bauman

Learn the Colors of Haiti’s Culture

Now is also a good time to read up on the richness of Haitian heritage and culture, which is sure to taint every step you take around the island as soon as you’re able to travel to Haiti again. We highly recommend checking out what to do at a vodou ceremony, or where to meet and buy from Haiti’s finest metal-workers. And until you can safely make it to the island, our How Haitian Are You quiz and Best books about Haiti Reading List are a good way to make sure you stay on your toes by the time your next trip comes around.

aerial view of coastal village with market area and boats — Sun rising over the port of Marigot
Photo: Franck Fontain

Visit Haiti, Right From Your Screen

One of the ways we are excited to help you visit Haiti from the comfort of your home is through our photo journals. Tag along on a visual and virtual tour of the island. Our photo journals come courtesy of Haitian photographers, and feature different regions all over the country. Right now, you can take a mini-trip to Saint-Marc, Grand’Anse, or even Marigot.

portrait photo of young stylish haitian girl with long dreadlocks and red head scarf — Ann-Sophie in Port-au-Prince
Photo: Ted Olivier Mompérousse

Meet Haiti, Meet the Locals

In another effort to bring you closer to Haiti and its resilient, inspiring, and bright people, we are also pumped to introduce you to our Meet the Locals series. It’s no secret that Haiti and Haitians carry a bold streak; it shows in the food, and it shows in the music. What we want to share is how each individual Haitian contributes to painting the colorful picture that is Haiti today. You can start here, by reading our interview with Ann-Sophie Hamilton, a sustainable tourism advocate.

And watch our video where we speak to Isaac, a painter from Dame-Marie.

Written by Kelly Paulemon.

Published August 2021

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

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.

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

How Haitian Are You? Try This Cultural Quiz!

April 13, 2021 by Anton Lau

bright colorful haitian truck loaded with cabbage — Truck loaded with cabbage
Photo: Kolektif 2 Dimansyon (K2D)

How Haitian Are You? Prove Yourself with This Cultural Quiz!

Whether you were born and live in Haiti, are part of the diaspora, or are not Haitian at all, this quiz is the perfect way to find out just how much you know about Haiti!

Haiti has a lot of history, so much to show and so much to tell. Do you know some not so common Haitian facts or want to prove to your Haitian grandmother that you know some Kreyòl? Maybe you’ve visited Haiti so many times you feel Haitian in your heart and want to test what you know. That’s why we’re here! Take this quiz to find out just how Haitian you are!

Let’s test how Haitian you are!

<section><h2><span style="font-size:36px;"></span><h1 style="text-align:center;">How Haitian Are You? Prove Yourself with This Cultural Quiz!</h1></h2><p></p></section><section><h2><h2>What does Louisiane Saint Fleurant & Prosper Pierre Louis have in common?</h2></h2></section><section><h3><h2><strong>What is Krik Krak?</strong></h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>The Haitian artist Georges Liautaud is famous for his artworks made from what material?</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2><strong>What is placed on top of the palm tree in the Haitian coat of arms?</strong></h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2><strong>Which famous pirate once lived on the Haitian Island </strong>Île-à-Vache?</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>What is the nickname of former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide?</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>Which period did Élie Lescot serve as President of Haiti?</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>Konparèt is a local speciality from?</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2><strong>What is Clairin(Kleren)?</strong></h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2><strong>Akasan is a Haitian dish made from…</strong></h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2><strong>What is the name of the biggest lake in Haiti?</strong></h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>Why is the endangered Haitian Solenodon considered one of the most unique and rare mammals in the world?</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>What is Saut-Mathurine?</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>Why is Jacmel nicknamed ‘The City of Lights’?</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>What is a person from Cap-Haïtien called?</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>What is ‘rada’ and ‘petwo’?</h2></h3></section><section><h2><h2><strong>Are you sure you’re not Dominican?</strong></h2></h2><p></p></section><section><h3><h2></h2><h2><strong>Don’t feel bad!</strong></h2></h3><p>You’re Haitian by association</p></section><section><h3><h2><h3><em>Piti piti zwazo fè nich li</em></h3></h2></h3><p><h3>Little by little, you can progress in life.</h3></p></section><section><h3><h2></h2><h3><em>Haiti is in your blood</em></h3></h3><p>Shhh you’re haitian don’t let them tell you otherwise</p></section><section><h3><h2></h2><h3><em>Pa mal</em></h3></h3><p>You must be of Haitian descent!</p></section><section><h3><h3>Yon vyewo li ye wi</h3></h3><p>You’re pretty Haitian!</p></section><section><h3><h2>Ekselan!!</h2></h3><p>A true Zoe is in our presence!</p></section>

If these questions were a bit too challenging and you still need to brush up on some more simple facts, stick around and check out our “Test Your knowledge – How many facts about Haiti do you know?” Quiz! If you want to access your inner Captain Morgan try our “Can You Place 12 Haitian Cities on the Map?” Quiz!

Created by Zachary Warr.

Published April 2021.

Our recommendations

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

Meet the Locals: Travel Guide Ann-sophie Hamilton

January 10, 2020 by admin

Sustainable travel guide Ann-Sophie

“If you’re into nature and adventure, the hike to Seguin is a once in a lifetime experience”

Ann-Sophie Hamilton is one of the brightest Haitian voices on Instagram. Using visual storytelling, she takes her followers on adventures around Haiti, inviting us to fall in love with every facet of the island.

Based in Port-au-Prince, Ann-Sophie has established herself as a blogger, travel planner, business owner, and life coach. In 2015, she moved back to Haiti from Canada and launched her own sustainable tourism company, Mennen’m La Tours.

We asked Ann-Sophie to tell us all about her favourite places to visit in Haiti.

What’s the first thing we should try, do or see once we arrive in Haiti?

The first thing to do, of course, is to try the food. Good, authentic, Haitian food is a must!

The second thing, if you want to see a beautiful Haitian beach – which you most likely will, is to head to Bananier, without a doubt.

What is your favorite upscale place to eat? How about your favorite ordinary place to eat?

I have a few. I really like to eat at Le Florville. The food there is really good, and the view of the mountains is really nice. I like Portofino; it’s not really casual but not extremely fancy — somewhere in between. Quartier Latin is also a great place to grab a bite; I really love the décor. I really like eating at Haiku, as well.

Bacchus opens only late at night. It has the best goat and pork, and their fried plantains and spicy sauce are really nice. It’s a little place that you only know about if someone tells you about it. It’s clean and quite spacious.

Which city outside of Port-au-Prince is a must-see, and why?

Jacmel would be my must-see, because there’s so much to do. Each city is known for something. Petit-Goave is known for beaches. Nippes is the destination for waterfalls. Jacmel is a combination of many things: good food, good art, and they also have Bassin Bleu – which is a must visit.

Their beaches are really good for surfing, if you’re into that. In the outskirts of Jacmel, there are also a lot of plantations — awesome places to see.

What’s one place nature-lovers should absolutely see?

If you’re into nature and adventure, the hike to Seguin is a once in a lifetime experience – because some people only have the strength do it only once, but it’s so worth it! It’s a seven-hour hike from Furcy to Seguin, but when you get there, there’s a waterfall and a guest house with good food.

It’s a very challenging experience, but with a good group and healthy snacks, it’s definitely possible and an awesome attraction! Mennen’m La Tours can organize tours for people who already have a group and who would like to make it to Seguin!

Where should we go to get the best souvenirs and artworks?

In Port-au-Prince, I recommend Place St. Pierre in Pétion-Ville for paintings and other artworks, and Village de Noailles for iron artwork.

In Jacmel, there are plenty of little shops all over the city where you can get a variety of different artworks and souvenirs.

Interview by Kelly Paulemon.

Published January 2020

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

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

September 19, 2019 by admin

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

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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Haitian cuisine

Experience Haiti Virtually from Your Home

We wish you were here. We know you do, too.

a touch of haitian wisdom

Cook Your Way Through the Island

Bring the Outside Inside

Learn the Colors of Haiti’s Culture

Visit Haiti, Right From Your Screen

Meet Haiti, Meet the Locals

Your pocket guide to Cap-Haïtien

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

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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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How Haitian Are You? Prove Yourself with This Cultural Quiz!

Whether you were born and live in Haiti, are part of the diaspora, or are not Haitian at all, this quiz is the perfect way to find out just how much you know about Haiti!

Let’s test how Haitian you are!

Our recommendations

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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

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

Explore more food and drink in Haiti

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Sustainable travel guide Ann-Sophie

“If you’re into nature and adventure, the hike to Seguin is a once in a lifetime experience”

The Birds of Haiti on Your Wall

What’s the first thing we should try, do or see once we arrive in Haiti?

What is your favorite upscale place to eat? How about your favorite ordinary place to eat?

Which city outside of Port-au-Prince is a must-see, and why?

From Our Land to Your Home

What’s one place nature-lovers should absolutely see?

Where should we go to get the best souvenirs and artworks?

Haitian Cultural Traditions You Didn’t Know About

Explore Haiti’s Art & Culture

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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

02. Rébo Expresso

03. Banbile Café

start your day the Haitian way

04. Mountain Maid (Kay Walas)

05. Marie Béliard

06. Café Cho, Marriott Hotel

07. Yanvalou

Discover Sacred Vodou Symbols!

08. Wide Awake Café, Kinam Hotel

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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