Because of the various types of people that have inhabited the island country of Haiti over time (Spainards, French, Africans and Americans) the cuisine is a mix of various cultures, featuring okra, red beans, lime, sugar cane and various French foods. Though not everyone is able to visit Haiti, there are restaurants in cities like New York in which you can sample a taste of Haiti.
Kombit Creole is a Critic's Pick on the New York Magazine website. They serve appetizers like akra (a fried vegetable dish made with yautia) and entrees like poule en sauce, a stewed chicken in a spiced tomato herb sauce. They also feature seafood dishes, which are more expensive, but include meals such as kingfish, shrimp gumbo and meals made with lambi, or conch. Food is also available for take-out.
Kombit
279 Flatbush Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-399-2000
kombitrestaurant.com
Krik Krak has similarly high ratings. They have minimal appetizers, like petite boulettes de viande (mini meatballs) and $10 soups (as of March 2010), such as bouillon Haitien (a vegetable consomme made with beef and crab). This restaurant features seafood dishes, but provides multiple poultry dishes as well, such as poulet grille (grilled chicken breast with lemon butter). Rice and plantains are available as sides. Delivery, take-out and catering are available.
Krik Krak
844 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY 10025
212-222-3100
Ambiance serves lunch and dinner, but has no options for appetizers, sides or desserts. Featured entrees include griot, tender chunks of pork marinated in citrus and shallots and then fried crispy and chewy, and legumes, a green leaf vegetable and meat dish. Every meal comes with a salad and a choice of rice. Take-out is available.
Ambience
9413 Avenue L
Brooklyn, NY 11236
718-272-1787
