What Food To Try in Port-Au-Prince and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Port-Au-Prince for 2024.
National currency: Gourde, symbol — (international currency code HTG).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Port-Au-Prince cafes and restaurants
$7.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $7.81
$23.4
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $23.42
$4.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.68
What to Try in Port-Au-Prince
Must-try Dishes
Akasan - Corn porridge - A hearty blend of cornmeal cooked until thick and creamy, often served with a drizzle of local honey or a splash of milk. This breakfast staple is popular among families, usually enjoyed in the early morning.Paté - Savory pastry - Flaky pastry filled with spiced meat, usually seasoned with fresh herbs and peppers. Street vendors sell paté by the dozen, and it’s a perfect on-the-go snack, especially during busy mornings.
Tassot - Fried goat - Marinated goat meat fried until crispy and golden, usually accompanied by a side of fried plantains. A popular dish for lunch gatherings, it’s often shared among friends and families, bringing everyone together.
Djon Djon - Black mushroom rice - Fragrant rice cooked with local black mushrooms, giving it a unique earthy flavor and dark color. Locals savor it during special occasions, and it’s often paired with stewed meats.
Pikliz - Spicy pickled vegetables - A zesty blend of cabbage, carrots, and peppers, pickled in vinegar and spiced with cloves and garlic. Often served as a side with main dishes, many locals add it to every meal for its refreshing kick.
Griot - Fried marinated pork - Succulent bites of pork marinated in citrus and spices, then deep-fried to perfection for a crunchy exterior. Often served during festive occasions, it’s a favorite at family celebrations.
Soupe Joumou - Pumpkin soup - A creamy soup made from pumpkin, beef, and a mix of root vegetables, traditionally served on New Year's Day. It is a symbol of freedom in Haitian culture and embodies a spirit of togetherness.
Mayi moulen ak pwa - Cornmeal with beans - Smooth cornmeal cooked with beans, creating a warm and filling dish that’s ideal for both lunch and dinner. Locals often enjoy it during the rainy season for its comforting warmth and simplicity.
Desserts & Drinks
Crème aux Mais - Mais Chérie (sweet corn pudding) - This delightful dessert is made from fresh corn, coconut milk, and sugar, resulting in a creamy, sweet treat. Locals love to enjoy it during festivals, particularly during the Fête de la Musique, sitting at communal tables celebrating music and community spirit. Rhum Agricole - Rhum (cane spirit) - Made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice, this clear rum carries a distinctive and bold flavor, often enjoyed neat or in a refreshing "ti' punch" with lime and cane sugar. On hot afternoons, you’ll find locals sipping it leisurely, especially at the beach while chatting with friends.
Jus de Djon Djon - Djon Djon Juice (black mushroom drink) - A unique drink made from the rare Djon Djon mushroom, giving it a rich, earthy flavor. Usually served warm, it's often enjoyed during family gatherings or local celebrations, and people sometimes mistake it for a sweet dessert when it’s really more complex in taste.
Jacket Potatoes - Pâté (savory pastry) - These flaky pastries are stuffed with a spiced meat filling, making for a quick and hearty snack. Often sold at street stalls, they’re popular as a lunch choice, but locals enjoy them as an evening snack, especially after a long day in the sun.
Froyo - Glace à la Mangue (mango sorbet) - A refreshing mango sorbet made with ripe, local mangoes, sugar, and a touch of lime. Served cold, it’s the go-to treat during the warm months, perfect for quenching thirst after a day in the vibrant streets of Port-Au-Prince. By the way, locals often add a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick!
Food and Groceries in Port-Au-Prince
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.56 |
| Oranges | $6.25 |
| Potatoes | $6.25 |
| Apples | $7.03 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $2.34 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.62 |
| Imported Beer | $1.56 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.47 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $9.37 |
| Cigarettes | $2.34 |
| Local Cheese | $3.9 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Around 7 PM, the sidewalks of downtown Port-Au-Prince come alive as locals gather at roadside food stands. It’s the magic hour when families wrap up their day, stepping out for a hearty meal consisting of piping hot griots (fried pork) paired with pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables), with the aroma wafting through the air.
Meal times in Port-Au-Prince are notably late compared to other places. Breakfast generally happens between 7 and 9 AM, followed by lunch served around 12 to 2 PM. Dinner starts around 7 PM and can go well into the night. Street vendors, sprinkled throughout areas like Pétion-Ville and Delmas, offer affordable meals that can cost as little as 200 HTG for a satisfying plate, while higher-end restaurants might charge around 1,200 HTG for similar items. It’s fascinating how much variety exists from one district to another, often driven by local economy and tourism levels.
One common misconception among visitors is that all eateries accept credit cards. While higher-end locations might, most street vendors and small restaurants prefer cash, so it’s wise to always carry some local currency (Haitian Gourde, HTG) on hand. I’ve made the mistake of assuming I could pay with a card and had to quickly figure out where to find an ATM. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to have at least 500 HTG readily available.
Tipping in Port-Au-Prince isn’t always expected, but it's appreciated, especially in restaurants where service is attentive. Leaving around 10% of the bill is a kind gesture reflecting gratitude for good service. Interestingly, a local dining custom is to share meals with family and friends, with large platters meant for communal dining rather than individual portions.
Dining in this vibrant city has its busy periods, especially around noon and during the evenings when the food stalls are most vibrant. Patterning your visit around these rush hours can lead you to avoid long lines and overcrowding. For a quieter experience, heading to lunch a bit earlier—closer to 11:30 AM—can make a significant difference.
If you’re looking to secure a spot at the busier restaurants, making reservations, especially on weekends, is advisable. Many locals have their preferred spots, and there's a delightful sense of community that flourishes around food here.
In terms of pricing, upscale areas are slowly becoming pricier, reflecting the growing popularity of dining out, while the street food scene remains a cheap and delicious alternative. Then again, seasonal price changes do happen, usually during holidays when many people indulge in festive meals.
All in all, navigating the dining scene in Port-Au-Prince opens a window into the local culture, making every meal a shared celebration.
Meal times in Port-Au-Prince are notably late compared to other places. Breakfast generally happens between 7 and 9 AM, followed by lunch served around 12 to 2 PM. Dinner starts around 7 PM and can go well into the night. Street vendors, sprinkled throughout areas like Pétion-Ville and Delmas, offer affordable meals that can cost as little as 200 HTG for a satisfying plate, while higher-end restaurants might charge around 1,200 HTG for similar items. It’s fascinating how much variety exists from one district to another, often driven by local economy and tourism levels.
One common misconception among visitors is that all eateries accept credit cards. While higher-end locations might, most street vendors and small restaurants prefer cash, so it’s wise to always carry some local currency (Haitian Gourde, HTG) on hand. I’ve made the mistake of assuming I could pay with a card and had to quickly figure out where to find an ATM. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to have at least 500 HTG readily available.
Tipping in Port-Au-Prince isn’t always expected, but it's appreciated, especially in restaurants where service is attentive. Leaving around 10% of the bill is a kind gesture reflecting gratitude for good service. Interestingly, a local dining custom is to share meals with family and friends, with large platters meant for communal dining rather than individual portions.
Dining in this vibrant city has its busy periods, especially around noon and during the evenings when the food stalls are most vibrant. Patterning your visit around these rush hours can lead you to avoid long lines and overcrowding. For a quieter experience, heading to lunch a bit earlier—closer to 11:30 AM—can make a significant difference.
If you’re looking to secure a spot at the busier restaurants, making reservations, especially on weekends, is advisable. Many locals have their preferred spots, and there's a delightful sense of community that flourishes around food here.
In terms of pricing, upscale areas are slowly becoming pricier, reflecting the growing popularity of dining out, while the street food scene remains a cheap and delicious alternative. Then again, seasonal price changes do happen, usually during holidays when many people indulge in festive meals.
All in all, navigating the dining scene in Port-Au-Prince opens a window into the local culture, making every meal a shared celebration.