Haitian Restaurant Week is an occasion that showcases Haiti’s diverse culinary heritage during Haitian Heritage Month. From May 10 to May 27, you can visit different Haitian-owned restaurants to try local food with your family or friends for an affordable price.
Documented asked Haitian author and culinary curator Nadège Fleurimond what her top five Haitian restaurant recommendations are in NYC.
Fleurimond is well known for her book “Haiti Uncovered: A Regional Adventure Into the Art of Haitian Cuisine.” She leads the Haiti Uncovered Culinary Tour every January in Haiti and co-owns the event rental space Fêtes de Fleur and the restaurant BunNan. Featured on Food Network’s “Chopped” and HBO’s “The Big Brunch,” she has also been profiled in Epicurious, Food & Wine Magazine, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Here are her top five picks for Haitian food in NYC.
Why we like it: While Chloe’s offers many fusion options, the traditional Haitian dishes here are consistently delicious and authentic, packed with flavor.
What to get: For me, it’s always the seafood legume with white rice and sos pwa (bean sauce). And did we mention the drinks? Chef’s kiss!
Why we like it: This is a great place to dine with friends in the heart of Prospect Lefferts Gardens. You can often catch a live band or local talent performing.
What to get: The menu is constantly evolving, with both traditional fare and weekly creative additions. The Chiktay Aransò with plantains is my go-to.
Why we like it: This place is for you if you are a fan of traditional flavors meeting modern creativity. From succulent Griot (Pork) to Tassot Kabrit (fried goat) to Flavorful Pwason Rose (Red snapper) and more, they’ve packaged yummy Epis-seasoned eats into a Plantain haven.
What to get: All items are served either on a plantain sandwich, a sweet plantain boat, plantain chips, nachos, or plantain fries. Definitely try the Griot sandwich.
Why we like it: Good Taste boasts Brooklyn and Queens locations. They offer the taste of home you didn’t know you needed. From traditional dishes like ble (bulgur wheat) to rice and pate kode, you can count on Good Taste to bring you the yummy Haitian goodness you need. Definitely try their mac and cheese.
What to get: It’s so soft and flavorful and just melts in your mouth.
Why we like it: Getting Haitian food in Manhattan is not an easy feat, but Rebèl in the Lower East Side offers its patrons a taste of Haiti with the funkiness and great vibes of the LES.
What to get: The food, music, and drinks match to create a perfect backdrop for your dining experience. Try one of their seafood dishes and a Barbancourt cocktail.
What is your favorite Haitian restaurant?
Visit our Haitian Heritage Month guide, which contains a list of curated cultural events and places to visit during the month.