'MANJE AYISIEN'- HAITIAN CUISINE

Background Knowledge

Haitian cuisine originates from several culinary styles. It is influenced by Hispaniola, French, African, Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisine. Spices and Herbs are widely used along with peppers for flavoring food. The type of food eaten varies according to the time of day and also the type of event being celebrated.

Popular Haitian Dishes

Mayi Moulen

It is a corn meal porridge cooked with garlic, pepper, butter or margarine.

Mayi Moulen

 

 

 

 

Bouillon

Bouillon is a hearty stew consisting of a variety of spices, potatoes, tomatoes and either goat meat or beef. Maggi Bouillon cubes are used to add and enhance the flavor of this stew.

Puole en Sauce

This is a Haitian stewed chicken dish that is often served with rice.

Bouillon and Poule en Sauce

 Legim

Legim is a thick vegetable stew that consists of eggplant, cabbage, chayote, spinach and watercress. It is also flavored with epis*, onions, garlic and tomato paste.

*epis is a base for most Haitian dishes. It is a sauce made from cooked peppers, garlic and herbs.

 Pikliz

This is a spicy Haitian slaw or salad. It consitis of shredded cabbage, sliced peppers and grated
carrots. The vegetables are marinated in vinegar for about five days to enhance the flavor.

Legim and Pikliz

 

Fresco

This is a sweet frozen dessert made with fruit syrup usually sold on the streets of Haiti by vendors. It tends to attract bees because of the fruit syrup hence it's not a surprising sight to see a vendor surrounded by bees.

Pen Patat

This is a soft and sweet bread made using cinnamon, evaporated milk and sweet potato. It is often served cold.

Fresco and Pen Patat

 Popular Haitian Beverages

Alcoholic Beverages

Rhum Barbancourt

Rhum Barbancourt is a rum brand and a popular export of Haiti. It is also enjoyed by the locals.

Cremas 

It is also known as 'Kremas' in Ayisien. Cremas is made from creamed coconut, evaporated or sweet condensed milk and rum. Spices, vanilla extract and raisins are also added. It is served at special events and holidays or consumed along with a sweet pastry.

Beer

It is often served at festivals and parties. The most popular beer in Haiti is Prestige.

Rhum Barbancourt, Cremas and Prestige beer

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Tropical Juices

Fruit juices like guava, grapefruit, mango, orange and passion are widely enjoyed in Haiti.

Cola Courrone

This is a fruit champagne carbonated drink.

Coffee

Haitians enjoy drinking coffee. The most popular coffee brands are Rebo and Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.




Tropical juices, Cola Courrone and Rebo and Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee

Additional Haitian Dishes and Beverages

Tchaka

This is a stew consisting of hominy (dried maize kernels), beans, pumpkin and meat often pork. An interesting fact is that Tchaka is used as an offering to the Iwa spirits of Haitian Vodou.

Griyo

This is fried pork.

 Akasan

This is a thick corn milkshake made using evaporated milk, sugar and corn flour.

Tchaka, Griyo and Akasan

 We got the opportunity to enjoy Haitian food in class which you can view here.