Cheffe Leen! A name that’s been making the rounds on social media in recent weeks! And for good reason: the Haitian chef represented Haïti in the Guinness World Records in an extraordinary culinary competition. This challenge consisted of cooking for eight days non-stop, a bold way to showcase the richness of Haitian cuisine.
It was in France, more precisely at the Anba Le Pont restaurant, located in Saint-Denis, that Leen Excellent embarked on this exceptional adventure. Starting on Monday, April 7, 2025, she cooked non-stop for nine consecutive days, totaling 187 hours of actual cooking time (after deducting statutory breaks). A historic achievement, combining endurance, passion, and cultural pride.
So, if you were Chef Leen, what would be the first dish you would cook to represent Haitian cuisine to the world?
The Haïti Wonderland editorial team asked a few readers this question: some readily answered white rice with pea and vegetable sauce, which they call GOAT. Others opted for a good lalo, a tasty pye kochon stew, a good tchaka, or even the famous morning rice.
Given this diversity, I’ve chosen to present each dish mentioned in the survey over the weeks.
Read the article in :
Haitian Tchaka Recipe
Ingredients:
500g dried corn
300g red peas or Congo peas
500g pork
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 bouquet garni
1 West Indian chili
2 cloves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bouillon cube
1. Soaking (the day before):
Soak the corn and red peas separately in water overnight to facilitate cooking.
2. Cooking the peas:
Drain and cook the peas in a large pot with water, salt, a little garlic, and thyme. Cook until tender.
3. Cooking the Corn:
Cook the corn separately in a separate pot with water until tender (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the type of corn).
4. Preparing the Meat:
Clean the pork (with lemon or vinegar), then boil it with a little salt, garlic, cloves, and spices. Then brown the meat in a little oil until golden brown.
5. Assembly:
Once the peas and corn are thoroughly cooked, combine them in a large pot. Add the browned pork, the whole chili pepper, the chopped onion, the bouillon cube (if desired), and adjust the seasoning.
6. Final Cooking:
Simmer over low heat for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the mixture becomes smooth and fragrant. You can add water or coconut milk for a richer texture.
Tchaka is more than a dish: it’s a symbol of sharing, tradition, and memory. A dish that, like Chef Leen, represents the strength and pride of our culinary heritage.
See you next week for another recipe from the survey!
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Le soup joumou haïtien est bien plus qu’un simple plat traditionnel. Il incarne une histoire de résistance, de liberté et de culture, et représente un élément clé de l’identité haïtienne. Au-delà de sa signification symbolique, il offre aussi aux voyageurs un moyen unique de découvrir les richesses de la gastronomie haïtienne. Dans cet article, nous explorerons l’importance historique du soup joumou, ses caractéristiques culinaires, ainsi que son rôle en tant que moteur du tourisme gastronomique en Haïti.
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The Meaning of the Essence of Love The commune of President Boniface Alexandre and Martial CELESTIN produces a talented artist. Yes, Ganthier stands out as one of its best representatives on the international scene. "I Let You In" is a title that lays bare the complexity of heterogeneous relationships around the world. This opus, both provocative and touching, awakens the mind, body and soul. I am deeply moved by the way in which the artist Igens VIL, a true emblematic figure of Ganthier, evokes intense emotions and provokes reflection on the issues of contemporary romantic relationships. Each verse of this composition, co-written with Dayvin Kaponda, contains profound messages about tolerance towards others, our aspirations and ambitions, the true foundations of authentic love. It is the very essence of life. Despite the tumults of daily life and the inevitable misunderstandings in human relationships, he reminds us that “in my life, there is always a me; I have tried everything. Even if it means taking a step back, I am ready to do it. And if it means, I will get down on my knees”. The singer, who spent a large part of his adolescence in Galette-Chambon, the first communal section of the commune of Ganthier, is now active in the French music industry. He eloquently and skillfully addresses the complex triangle of sentimental relationships: sacrifice, tolerance and communication. This remarkable work deserves to be heard everywhere; it inspires faith, reflection and action. Gensbe, known as Igens VIL, deserves awards for this song. Guitarist, singer, composer and academic in France, he embodies a rare mix of talents for a young Haitian engaged in these demanding fields that require time, sacrifice and a lot of energy. Today, Gensbe is at his peak and never gives up. More songs are in the works for you, dear listeners. Subscribe to Gensbe on YouTube and other platforms. He is without a doubt one of the best Haitian artists among the big international names. I’ll let you in.
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Haiti, the pearl of the Antilles, is a Caribbean island with a rich and complex history. However, its special status as the world’s first free black nation gives it a unique place in the annals of history. This small island was the scene of an extraordinary revolution which resulted in independence, thus marking the beginning of a new era for the black community and the abolition of slavery. Let’s delve into the captivating story of the birth of the first black republic, Haiti. b~The colonial era and slavery~b Haiti’s history dates back to the arrival of Europeans in the 15th century, when Christopher Columbus discovered the island. European settlers, mainly Spanish and French, introduced slavery to exploit the island’s resources, including sugar, coffee and cotton. The indigenous Native American population was decimated, paving the way for the massive importation of African slaves. b~The Haitian Revolution~b On August 14, 1791, Haitian slaves rose up against their oppressors, sparking the Haitian Revolution. Under the leadership of iconic figures such as Toussaint Louverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henri Christophe, the insurgent slaves inflicted defeats on European armies, demonstrating fierce resistance and a desperate quest for freedom. b~The Declaration of Independence and the creation of the Republic of Haiti~b On January 1, 1804, Haïti proclaimed its independence, becoming the world’s first free black nation. This historic declaration symbolized the end of slavery and the triumph of the will of a people determined to live free. The Republic of Haïti was born in struggle and blood, asserting its autonomy in the face of the colonial powers. b~Post-independence challenges~b However, independence did not mean the end of challenges for Haiti. The country had to face external pressure, reparations imposed by France in exchange for recognition of its independence, as well as internal unrest. Despite these obstacles, Haïti strove to build a free and sovereign nation. The story of Haïti is that of a nation that overcame countless challenges to emerge as a pioneer of freedom for the black population. The Haitian Revolution remains a unique example of resistance, courage and determination, and Haïti continues to carry the torch of independence in the contemporary world. The legacy of this small Caribbean island still resonates today, reminding the world that freedom is a universal right that can be won even in the most difficult circumstances.
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First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.
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Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.
