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What to eat at lunchtime in Haiti? The essential meals to savorHaïti
What to eat at lunchtime in Haiti? The essential meals to savor
Haïti
  • April 07, 2025
  • | 0

What to eat at lunchtime in Haiti? The essential meals to savor

In Haiti, manje midi (lunchtime) is much more than just lunch. It’s a key moment of the day, a sacred break where we enjoy hearty, tasty, and nutritious dishes. Whether at home, at the office, or in the small, popular restaurants "kantin" or "manje anba dra," lunch is a true feast.

Lunchtime in Haïti often consists of several essential elements:

1. Rice and vegetables

1. Rice and vegetables

Rice is the basis of the Haitian meal. It can be prepared in different ways:

Stick rice (mixed with red peas, black peas, or Congo peas)

White rice with a well-seasoned bean sauce

Diri ak djon djon, a fragrant black rice with highly prized local mushrooms

2. Meat or Fish

2. Meat or Fish

The main course is usually accompanied by meat or fish, simmered with local spices:

Chicken in sauce (poul an sòs)

Smoked beef or tassot (marinated and fried meat)

Griot (fried pieces of pork, very popular)

Fried or sauced fish

3. Vegetables and Side Dishes

3. Vegetables and Side Dishes

Vegetables also play an important role in "manje midi":

Sautéed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, spinach, lalo)

Avocado, salad, or Grated beets for a touch of freshness

4. A good natural juice

4. A good natural juice

It’s impossible to talk about Haitian meals without mentioning the delicious natural juices that accompany them. Fragrant and refreshing, they are often prepared with:

Soursop

Papaya

Tamarind

Lemon or orange juice

What was your "manje midi" dish today? What is your favorite lunch dish?

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History

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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Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

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.