Haitian flavours are heating up Montréal
For a number of years now, entrepreneurs from the Haitian diaspora have been shaking up the foodie scene, introducing iconic products from Haitian gastronomy onto the market and our grocery shelves. Combining a crave-worthy mix of innovation and tradition, these passionate entrepreneurs have made once-rare products now available to the public.
Haitian products at your fingertips
Until recently, you probably would have had a hard time finding Haitian products in major Montréal grocery stores. Luckily, things have changed since, thanks to these visionaries who have made it their mission to let everyone discover or rediscover the richness of their culture by putting a modern spin on their food products. You can now taste the famous crémasse, a traditional Haitian sugared drink, reinvented by LS Cream as a refined cream liquor on sale at the SAQ for the past few years. Want an even more authentic experience? Order one at the bar of the restaurant Tropikàl in the neighbourhood of Saint-Henri – so smooth!
The company Manba also revisits another classic: manba, traditional Haitian peanut butter that you can enjoy in classic, spicy, crunchy and creamy blends at certain Provigo, Maxi, PA and Adonis stores.
New taste sensations for time-honoured traditions
Looking to spice up your life? Then you’ll love Wouushh and Phafo, which gives a modern makeover to pikliz, a typical coleslaw that can boost the flavours of any meal. Taste it for yourself at Super Cool Fresh Black Ninja Pizza, on Prince-Arthur Street, where you can order a home-made pizza created by Chef James that’s got Wouushh pikliz as one of its toppings. Bring the heat!
Émilie Lafortune (Émile Cuizine) makes it easy to prepare traditional Haitian dishes with spicy marinades and sauces from her Le Goût de ça product line that shines the spotlight on local spices. Want to taste first-hand how marinades and spices form an integral part of flavours and textures of Haitian cuisine? Be sure to stop by the restaurant Casserole Kréole, which has been cooking up a menu in the purest Haitian culinary traditions for several years now.
When innovation and tradition intermingle
Here are some entrepreneurs taking Haitian pride next-level by reimagining typical dishes to share with the world:
Freeezzz reinvents fresco, a type of Haitian slushie bursting with exotic flavours that’s perfect for slaking your thirst on those hot Montréal summer days. The company also offers a mobile service and can deliver it to you for your special events and occasions.
Frito Plantain, for its part, puts a new spin on bananes pesées (fried plantain) and offers a frozen version that’s ready to be cooked and devoured in minutes. You can pick some up at Boucherie Fortin in Montréal-Nord. If you’re craving delicious fried plantain in an authentic Haitian ambiance, get can experience the real deal at Shandmas restaurant on Ontario Street East.
Don’t have a lot of time but want authentic eats? Kariberitaj offers griyo – tender and crispy Québec pork cubes– letting families savour this iconic dish without spending hours in the kitchen preparing it. Visit their web site to discover points of sale near you. And if you really don’t want to cook? La Fourchette antillaise in Cartierville is a major need-to-know griyo hotspot. It’s “Koupe Dwèt” (really good) as they say in Créole.
Bayard Royal has made Barbancourt rum, Haiti’s national pride, a key ingredient in its delicious rum cake that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s also on the dessert menu of celebrated Haitian chef Paul Toussaint’s two restaurants at TimeOut Market.
Lastly, Ralph Leroy, one of the rare (if not the only) Haitian master chocolatier, has launched Makaya Chocolat so you can enjoy this famous Haitian hot chocolate thanks to its meltable chocolate nuggets that transform into a rich, creamy and comforting drink. And absolutely everyone is invited to discover his hot chocolate and chocolate creations in his brand-new Makaya Chocolate Lounge in Lachine.
And that’s just the beginning…
These young entrepreneurs have big dreams and big hearts, sharing their national pride through their authentic homeland flavours. With major stores now starting to stock so-called “ethnic” products, these innovative companies have tapped into fertile territory and are helping their culinary heritage shine beyond the diaspora. The movement has just begun and with each showcased product, Montrealers can experience a whole new culture when they sit down to dinner.
Carla Beauvais
Social entrepreneur, diversity and inclusion advocate, columnist: Carla Beauvais offers a unique perspective. She is deeply committed to highlighting Québec's black communities and their contributors, which makes her an invaluable storyteller. For over a decade, Carla has been involved in the organization of Black History Month, one of the city's flagship events. Her passion for black history and culture has shaped each edition, celebrating the vital contributions of Montréal's African community to the city's cultural mosaic. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Fondation Dynastie, she continues to champion and inspire emerging talent within black communities. The Fondation Dynastie’s mission is to transform the cultural and media industries by promoting the representation, inclusion and empowerment of talent from black communities, a vision she now shares with a wider audience through her work as a columnist. Carla will take you on a journey of discovery to the heart of Montréal's vibrant culture: whether it's exploring tucked-away neighbourhoods, meeting talented artists or finding unique cultural events, she'll guide you as you explore the very soul of this exceptional city.