Best Haitian Restaurants in Montgomery County MD to Try in 2025
, by Seo Guy , 4 min reading time
Montgomery County’s Haitian food scene in 2025
Montgomery County, Maryland, has always been one of the most diverse counties in the state, home to communities from across the globe. For Haitians, it has become a place to preserve traditions, raise families, and keep cultural pride alive through food. Silver Spring, Laurel, Rockville, and Gaithersburg now boast Haitian restaurants that serve as both culinary destinations and cultural gathering points.
In 2025, Montgomery County stands out as one of the most important places for Haitian cuisine in the Mid-Atlantic. Each city contributes something unique, from the bustling atmosphere of Silver Spring to the cozy kitchens of Laurel. This roundup explores the best Haitian restaurants across the county and shows how food is the link that keeps culture thriving.
Silver Spring: The cultural anchor
Silver Spring is the undisputed capital of Haitian food in Montgomery County.
-
Chez Dior Restaurant: The crown jewel of Silver Spring’s Haitian dining scene, Chez Dior is beloved for griot, tassot kabrit, and pikliz. Its atmosphere feels like home, and its reputation stretches across the DMV.
-
Port-au-Prince Restaurant: Named after Haiti’s capital, this spot delivers stews, legim, and daily specials that feel straight from the island.
-
Kreyol Flavor: Boldly seasoned griot and bouillon keep locals returning, especially younger Haitian-Americans who love its casual vibe.
Silver Spring’s Haitian restaurants are more than eateries—they’re community centers where Haitians gather, celebrate, and preserve traditions.
Laurel: Flavor with family spirit
Laurel, nestled on the edge of Prince George’s County, offers a smaller but equally vibrant Haitian food scene.
-
Chez Yala Restaurant: The most well-known Haitian restaurant in Laurel, Chez Yala serves griot, fried fish, and tassot kabrit with consistency and pride.
-
Lakay Restaurant Laurel: With its name meaning “home,” Lakay captures the warmth of Haitian family cooking, serving hearty stews and fried plantains.
-
Creole Delices: This modern Haitian kitchen combines traditional recipes with fresh presentation, making it popular with younger diners.
In Laurel, Haitian food feels like a family affair. These restaurants are rooted in hospitality, making them accessible to both Haitians and newcomers.
Rockville & Gaithersburg: Tradition meets accessibility
Further north in Montgomery County, Rockville and Gaithersburg are also home to Haitian gems.
-
Lakay Restaurant Rockville: Known for its bouillon and griot, Lakay is a consistent favorite and one of the county’s most welcoming Haitian kitchens.
-
Chez Tatie Gaithersburg: Family-style dining at its best, Chez Tatie specializes in soups and tassot kabrit, offering an atmosphere that feels like eating at a relative’s home.
-
Creole Flavors Café: Bringing a modern twist to Haitian food, this café serves traditional dishes with contemporary flair and is popular among foodies.
Rockville and Gaithersburg show how Haitian food adapts to a suburban environment, balancing tradition with modern dining preferences.
Spotlight: Chez Dior in Silver Spring
Among all of Montgomery County’s Haitian restaurants, Chez Dior shines as the cultural anchor. It’s where generations of Haitians gather for celebrations, and where locals and visitors alike find the most authentic flavors. Its griot, tassot, and pikliz are consistently praised, and the restaurant has become a symbol of Haitian pride in Maryland.
Building your Montgomery County Haitian food tour
A day of Haitian food in Montgomery County might look like this:
-
Start with soup at Chez Tatie in Gaithersburg.
-
Head to Laurel for griot at Chez Yala.
-
Spend the afternoon in Rockville enjoying bouillon at Lakay.
-
End the day in Silver Spring with dinner at Chez Dior or Port-au-Prince.
This tour captures the diversity of Haitian cuisine across the county while showing how each city contributes to the diaspora’s cultural presence.
Haitian food as cultural preservation
For Haitians in Montgomery County, food is both nourishment and identity. Joumou on January 1st commemorates independence, griot represents celebration, and pikliz carries the fiery resilience of the Haitian spirit. By gathering in restaurants, families keep traditions alive and ensure younger generations understand their heritage.
Montgomery County as a regional destination
Haitian restaurants in Montgomery County don’t just serve locals—they attract visitors from D.C., Baltimore, and Northern Virginia. The county has earned a reputation as one of the strongest Haitian food destinations outside of Florida and New York. In 2025, that influence only continues to grow.
Support Haitian culture beyond the table
Food is the gateway, but cultural pride doesn’t end with a meal. After enjoying Montgomery County’s Haitian restaurants, carry that pride further with CreoleSizzle.com. From Haitian kitchenware to apparel and cultural accessories, CreoleSizzle helps you celebrate identity every day.
