Updated: Mar 2, 2022
Within the Little Caribbean is a smaller enclave known as Little Haiti. Little Haiti exists because when Haitians first moved to the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, they were isolated in part due to speaking French-Creole versus English, which is spoken by other Caribbean countries. Although Haiti is geographically part of the Caribbean, the Haitian community has historically been singled out and excluded as a member of the greater Caribbean community, which is why Haitians have had to build separate communities and organizations in order to survive.
Tracing the history and statistics:
Little Haiti is where I feel most at home! It is where I lived for 7 years. It is also where my mother, a native Haitian, first lived when she first arrived to the United States, just a few blocks from where I was living. A full circle moment. You know its authentic when your own mother says it feels like she stepped into Haiti when she is here — I felt the same way as well.
In this post you will find:
This post is just a taste of what the Little Haiti has to offer. If you want a full scope, check out my Comprehensive Little Caribbean Guide: a 34 page guide featuring nearly 40 Black-Owned businesses including Take Out & restaurants; desserts; cafes; Vegan/Vegetarian/Plant-Based; Places to Chill; and other Businesses. It also includes major historical landmarks with history; important streets and so much more.
Little Caribbean, Brooklyn, NY Comprehensive Black-Owned Guide (34 Pages!)
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Where is the Little Haiti?
Little Haiti, officially designated in 2018, is the area roughly within East 16th Street, Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn Avenue, and along Church Avenue between East 16th Street and Albany Avenue.
Recently, Little Haiti even got a train station named after the area!
Below features in depth information on my 5 Favorite Black-Owned Food Spots to check out when exploring the Little Haiti:
Address:
Check for Updates: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Country’s Cuisine Represented: Haitian
Order This: Griot (Fried Pork) with Diri ak Pwa (Rica & Beans); Fritay plate: griot, spicy pork sausage, acra, marinad, patate, fried plantains, and pikliz
History of Restaurant: The first restaurant opened in October 2015 in Brooklyn — now there are 4 locations in Brooklyn and one in Queens, all of which are family-owned and operated. Their main focus is to keep Haitians around the world in touch with their food and non-Haitians to get to know the Haitian culture. Set up as a fast-food restaurant, they aim to be the world’s #1 fast-food chain restaurant, providing people with the best Haitian fried pork
Personal Experience: I first had their acra and marinad and that was really good! I noticed that their griot is softly fried just how I like it, which makes me want to come back.
INSIDER TIP: Have cash. They do not take credit cards.
Address: 1115 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Country’s Cuisine Represented: Haitian
Order This: Griot (Fried Pork) w/ Diri ak Pwa (Rice & Beans)
Personal Experience: This is definitely a hole in the wall, which means you are going to get authentic, tasty Haitian food. It is located on a residential block, and the spot itself looks more like a house from the outside. The inside may look suspicious, but trust me, the food is really good — I love the taste of their rice and pork!
INSIDER TIP: Have cash. They do not take credit cards.
Address — Locations in Little Caribbean
Check for Updates: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Country’s Cuisine Represented: Haitian
Order This: Soupe Joumou; Hot Chocolate!!!!! Beef Paté (patties); Créole Bread(White/Wheat) — Pan Blanc; Lemonade
History of Restaurant: La Baguette Shop is a family-owned French Caribbean bakery that has been open for over 25 years. They serve fresh-baked breads, pastries, and homemade using family recipes passed down for generations.
Personal Experience: This is legitly my new favorite spot! I have been here twice in less than a week. Hands down the best hot chocolate I have had! There is nothing like Haitian hot chocolate, and they make it here. The hot chocolate, coupled with their homemade warm white bread is divine! A true indulgence! Their beef patties are really good too — super flaky and best to eat on the spot while it’s warm. No wonder there is always a line. You better know what you are getting as the line just grows, and so customers don’t have much patience as a result.
INSIDER TIP: They only take credit cards if you spend at least $10.
Address:
Check for Updates: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Country’s Cuisine Represented: Haitian
Order This: Macaroni; Bouillon; Griot (Fried Pork) with Diri ak Pwa (Rica & Beans); Soup Joumou
History of Restaurant: The first Kreyol Flavor opened in 2007 at 1738 Flatbush Avenue by Cursy St. Surin and his mother, Marie Flore Bastien. The idea came about because Cursy’s friends loved his mother’s cooking! Back in Haiti, his family ran borlettes, small Haitian lotteries, not eateries. They learned about the restaurant business and hospitality along the way. In 2014, Cursy opened the restaurant’s next location at 2816 Church Avenue — keeping the menu and appearance consistent. In August 2018, Kreyol Flavor opened its third location at 8221 Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie. Their overall mission is “to serve authentic Haitian food, with no mixing or fusion,”
Personal Experience: Their food is seasoned well. However, their prices are higher than other Haitian spots. Also, their griot is not as soft as I like — it is fried harder than I preferred, but that is a personal preference. I love the artwork they have hanging in their place. Know what you want as they do not have much patience to answer questions.
INSIDER TIP: Have cash. They do not take credit cards.
Address: 2811 Glenwood Road; 826 Rogers Avenue; 1758 Nostrand Avenue
Check for Updates: Facebook
Country’s Cuisine Represented: Haitian
Order This: Fritay plate: griot, spicy pork sausage, acra, marinad, patate, fried plantains, & pikliz
History of Restaurant: This place specializes in the fried portion of the Haitian menu. It’s been since 1980!
Personal Experience: The Glenwood location is my go-to spot for authentic, tasty, well-seasoned Haitian food. It is one of those hole-in-the-walls that many Haitians go to, so you know it’s legit. They do not speak that much English, so know what you plan to order. I love them for their juicy pork and spicy pork sausage!
INSIDER TIP: Have cash.They do not take credit cards.
Welcome to the Franny the Traveler blog! I’m Dr. Franny, a national award-winning educator, entrepreneur, author, and Black travel enthusiast on a personal mission to make every destination a Black-owned destination. As I visit all 50 states and 50 countries by age 50, this Black travel blog is a growing collection of Black-owned city guides, itineraries, travel tips, and reflections on traveling while Black for the conscious traveler. I’m so happy you’re here!
4 Responses
Crazy true story. Was on 5 train headed to Flatbush when I saw the little Haiti subway sign and decided to explore.
After walking and getting hungry I googled best restaurants in Little Haiti and this link came first.
Dr. Franny the Traveler made me scream because I’m also called Franny and love to travel and support black businesses.
I decided to visit your # 1 Bebe Frittay. It was excellent! Slap ya mama good. Such well seasoned food with immense flavor. And the staff were like family. Spent also 30 minutes explaining things to me and allowing me to taste.
I had the griot pork and shouted as if front row at a revival- it was that good. Especially when accompanied with the pickled garnish.
Hilarious that I have a namesake with similar passions. Now I’m going to check out some of your other recommendations!
Be blessed!
OMG THIS IS MAKING MY HEART SO FULL!!!!! Talk about being kindred spirits by name and passion! That griot truly HITS!!!!!! That pickled garnish, known as pikliz, truly complements everything. I am so happy this is the experience you had in my community with my people.
Appreciating the time and effort you put into your site and in depth information you present. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
thank you!