5 Traditional Haitian Side Dishes

Haitian Cornbread (Pain de Mais)

With fresh tropical ingredients and a mixture of African and French influences, Haitian cuisine is truly unique. Dishes range from simple and comforting to highly complex. Whether you’re enjoying Haitian entrees like the fried pork called Griot, the Chicken in Cashew called Poule Noir or a good old American grilled steak, there’s a simple and perfect Haitian side dish to go along with it. Read on to discover recipes for five of our favorite Haitian Side Dishes. Bon appétit! 

1. Pain de Mais – Haitian Corn Bread

This dense and delicious quick bread is truly an all-in-one.  Often eaten after a meal, the taste of Haitian Pain de Mais is reminiscent of a combination of American pound cake, banana bread and corn bread. Corn is grown everywhere in Haiti, making this bread a natural result of “what to do with all this mais!” Click here for the Pain de Mais recipe.

2. Diri Kole – Rice and Beans

The rice and beans known as Diri Kole is a common balancing side to a rich and spicy meat entrée.  While there are variations on this classic recipe of red beans and long-grain white rice, it’s a sure bet that Diri Kole will both please and satisfy. Get the recipe for Diri Kole.

Diri Kole/ Haitian Rice and Beans (Courtesy @the_leviticus-diet_cuisine | Instagram)