Haiti's Most Iconic Condiment
No Haitian meal is truly complete without a jar of Pikliz on the table. This fiery, tangy pickled condiment is as essential to Haitian cuisine as hot sauce is to Louisiana cooking or kimchi is to Korean food. It's bold, crunchy, vinegary, and just the right amount of spicy — and once you try it, you'll want it on everything.
At Le Gouté Natural Spice, our Pikliz is made the traditional way, with organic vegetables and a blend of spices that deliver that authentic Haitian kick in every bite.
What Is Haitian Pikliz?
Haitian Pikliz (pronounced "peek-leez") is a spicy pickled vegetable condiment made primarily from cabbage, carrots, and Scotch bonnet peppers, fermented in white vinegar. The name comes from the French word pickles, but Pikliz is entirely its own thing — a uniquely Haitian creation with a flavor profile unlike any other pickle in the world.
It's classified as a Haitian condiment, but it functions more like a flavor bomb — a little goes a long way, and it elevates everything it touches.
What's In Haitian Pikliz?
Traditional Pikliz is made with:
- Cabbage — the crunchy, fermented base
- Carrots — for sweetness and color
- Scotch bonnet peppers — the source of serious heat
- Onions & shallots — for savory depth
- Bell peppers — for mild sweetness and crunch
- White vinegar — the pickling agent that preserves and brightens
- Cloves & black pepper — warming spice notes that make Pikliz distinctly Haitian
The vegetables are shredded, packed into jars, and submerged in seasoned vinegar. Over time, the flavors meld and intensify — the longer it sits, the better it gets.
How Do Haitians Use Pikliz?
Pikliz is served alongside almost every Haitian meal as a condiment. Here's how it's most commonly used:
- 🍖 With Griot — the classic pairing. Crispy fried pork + Pikliz is the ultimate Haitian combo.
- 🍚 Over rice & beans — a spoonful on top adds heat and acidity to balance rich, starchy dishes.
- 🍟 With fried plantains (Banan Peze) — the tangy heat cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- 🍔 On sandwiches & burgers — use it like a relish for a Caribbean twist.
- 🍳 With eggs — a Haitian breakfast staple, served alongside scrambled or fried eggs.
- 🥗 In salads — toss a spoonful into a green salad for instant flavor.
- 🍝 With pasta — yes, Haitians put Pikliz on pasta too. Don't knock it till you try it.
How Spicy Is Pikliz?
Pikliz gets its heat from Scotch bonnet peppers, one of the hottest peppers in the world (ranking between 100,000–350,000 on the Scoville scale). That said, the vinegar and vegetables temper the heat significantly, making Pikliz more of a bright, building heat rather than an overwhelming burn. Most people find it very enjoyable — spicy enough to notice, not so hot it overwhelms the food.
Pikliz vs. Regular Pickles
Pikliz is often called "Haitian pickles," but it's quite different from the cucumber pickles most people are familiar with:
- Vegetables: Cabbage & carrots vs. cucumbers
- Heat level: Spicy (Scotch bonnet) vs. mild
- Use: Condiment/topping vs. snack or side
- Flavor: Tangy, spicy, complex vs. sour and briny
Pikliz is closer in spirit to a spicy slaw or a Caribbean escabeche than a traditional dill pickle.
Where to Buy Authentic Haitian Pikliz
Le Gouté Natural Spice offers authentic Haitian Pikliz in a 32 oz jar — made with organic vegetables and traditional spices, no artificial preservatives. We also carry a Pikliz & Epis Bundle that pairs our pickles with our signature Epis seasoning — everything you need to cook and season an authentic Haitian meal.
Ready to add some Haitian heat to your table? Order your Pikliz today and discover why this condiment has been a staple of Caribbean cooking for generations.