If you are new to Haitian cuisine let me do the honors of introducing you to Epis and Pikliz. If you’re not new, then you already know! I like to call them the essential workers in Haitian cuisine. To me, Haitian Food is what it is because of these two things. Epis is a marinade of blended onions, garlic, scallions, peppers etc and Pikliz is a condiment made with hot peppers, cabbage, onions etc pickled in vinegar. Epis is used to marinate poultry, fish, beef, pork, make rice, spaghetti etc. Epis adds so much flavor and depth to Haitian cuisine which makes it so delicious and that’s why people love it so much. Pikliz the cherry on top of your Banann peze (fried plantains), griyo (fried pork shoulder), your rice and etc. Without these guys, Haitian cuisine is just blah. Do you agree, can you eat your banann without pikliz? I can’t, let’s talk!