Whether you are going to Haiti on vacation or if you are going to visit a Haitian restaurant in your area, you might be excited about trying Haitian food for the first time. Although you might be looking forward to trying different cuisine, you might be a little unsure of what to expect, too. These are a few things that you will probably want to know about eating Haitian food for the first time.
1. Foods Are Often Quite Flavorful
For one thing, you should not have to worry about authentic Haitian food from being bland. Haitian food often includes a lot of Creole influence, and you can expect many Haitian dishes to have a little bit of kick. Chili peppers, spices, vinegar, and more are often included in these dishes. Of course, there are some options that aren't quite as spicy, but overall, you can expect to be impressed by the flavors that you can enjoy.
2. Your French Skills Can Guide You When Ordering
French is the main language that is spoken in Haiti. Creole, which is a French-heavy language, is also spoken there. If you know a little bit of French, such as if you took French classes when you were in high school or college, you can use the words that you learned to help guide you when you're choosing something off of the menu. Otherwise, you might have to take your chances or ask someone else for help when placing your order.
3. Many Dishes Are Meat and Seafood-Heavy
Although there are vegetarian-friendly foods that you can order when visiting Haiti or dining in a Haitian restaurant, you might find that many of the dishes that are available are actually seafood or meat-heavy. Because of its geographic location, Haitian food is often filled with fish and other seafood. If you aren't a big fan of seafood, you might be happy to find that many dishes are packed with tassot — which is fried, dried meat — or other meats.
4. Stews Are Very Popular
Stews are very popular in Haitian cuisine, which you can enjoy in cooler weather or any time of the year. Many of these stew-like meals are served with rice and other side dishes to make them even more filling. Stews may include beans, vegetables, meats, and more.
Whether you are visiting a Haitian restaurant or visiting Haiti for a short period of time, you will probably really enjoy the cuisine that you can try. Knowing the four things above can help you know a little more about what to expect when trying Haitian food for the first time.
For more information, contact a company like Fritai.