Haiti Food Guide

Vegetarian travelers can find various options in Haiti, particularly bean-based dishes, rice, and vegetables. Diri ak Pwa (rice and beans) is widely available and can be prepared without meat. Look for legim (vegetable stew), mayi moulen (cornmeal), and various vegetable sides.

Vegan options are more limited but still available in Haiti. Besides rice and beans, look for dishes like pikliz (spicy cabbage slaw), vegetable legim without meat, and fruits like mango, papaya, and bananas. Be aware that many dishes may contain butter or other animal products, so specific requests may be necessary.

Many traditional Haitian dishes are naturally gluten-free, as they're based on rice, corn, beans, and root vegetables rather than wheat. However, some French-influenced pastries and bread products contain gluten. Always check soups and stews, as some may contain pasta or wheat-based thickeners.

Halal options are limited in Haiti, as it's predominantly a Christian country. However, there are some Muslim communities, particularly in larger cities like Port-au-Prince, where halal food might be available. Seafood is a safe option for those requiring halal meat.

Kosher food is very limited in Haiti, as there's a small Jewish population. Those requiring strictly kosher meals may need to prepare their own food or rely on packaged kosher products. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and some seafood may be acceptable alternatives depending on individual kosher observance levels.

Many traditional Haitian dishes don't rely heavily on dairy, making it relatively easy to find dairy-free options. However, some dishes like akasan or certain desserts contain milk products. Coconut milk is widely used as a dairy alternative in many recipes.

Shellfish is common in Haitian cuisine, especially in coastal areas. Dishes like lanbi (conch), kribich (crayfish), and pwason ak kòk (fish with coconut) often feature shellfish. Always inquire about seafood content in soups and stews.

Peanuts appear in some Haitian dishes and confections, most notably tablèt (peanut brittle) and mamba (spicy peanut butter). They may also be used as garnishes or in sauces, though less commonly than in other cuisines.

Fish is a staple protein in Haitian cuisine, especially in coastal regions. Pwason gwo sèl (fish in a salt-based sauce) and pwason boukannen (grilled fish) are popular dishes. Fish may also be found in rice dishes and stews.

While not as prevalent as in Western cuisines, dairy appears in several Haitian dishes, particularly beverages like akasan and desserts like blan manje. Condensed and evaporated milk are common ingredients in sweet preparations.

Coconut is the most common tree nut used in Haitian cuisine, appearing in dishes like rice with coconut milk and blan manje. Other tree nuts are less common but may appear in certain dishes or desserts, particularly those with French influence.