How to Make Bannann Peze: Haitian Fried Plantains in 2025
, by Seo Guy , 5 min reading time
Bannann Peze in Haitian food culture
If there is one side dish that appears at nearly every Haitian table, it is Bannann Peze, also known as fried plantains. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these twice-fried slices of green plantains are a cornerstone of Haitian cuisine. They are served alongside griot, tassot, fried fish, and fritay platters, providing a starchy, satisfying balance to spicy and savory flavors.
In 2025, Bannann Peze remains one of Haiti’s most iconic foods. For Haitians at home and in the diaspora, plantains are more than just a side—they are part of identity, comfort, and culture. Their presence on the plate signifies tradition, while their taste connects generations to a shared culinary heritage.
What makes Bannann Peze unique
Bannann Peze begins with green plantains, peeled and cut into thick slices. These slices are fried once until slightly golden, then removed from the oil and pressed flat using a tool called a tostonera or the bottom of a cup. After flattening, they are fried again until crispy and golden brown. The double-frying process gives Bannann Peze its signature texture—crunchy on the outside with a soft, flavorful center.
What distinguishes Haitian fried plantains from similar preparations in other Caribbean countries is the pairing with Pikliz. The acidity and spice of the pickled slaw cut through the richness of the plantains, creating a balance that is essential in Haitian cuisine. The combination of Bannann Peze and Pikliz is so iconic that one rarely appears without the other.
How Bannann Peze is prepared
The process of making Bannann Peze begins with selecting the right plantains. They must be green and firm to achieve the right texture. After peeling, they are sliced into rounds or diagonals and fried in hot oil until lightly golden. Once removed from the oil, each slice is pressed flat, creating a larger surface area. The plantains are then returned to the oil for the second fry, which makes them crispy and golden brown.
The finished plantains are sprinkled with salt and served immediately, often with Pikliz on the side. Some households enjoy them with sauces or dips, but in Haitian tradition, the sharp bite of Pikliz is the perfect complement.
Bannann Peze as everyday food
Bannann Peze is a versatile dish that appears at almost every kind of meal. It is part of the classic fritay platter, which includes fried pork, fried turkey, and fried fish. It is also served at breakfast with eggs, at lunch with rice and beans, and at dinner alongside stews. For street vendors in Haiti, Bannann Peze is one of the most popular offerings, sold hot and fresh to customers on the go.
In the diaspora, Bannann Peze remains a beloved comfort food. Whether cooked at home, ordered from Haitian restaurants, or shared at cultural events, it carries the taste of home. It is often one of the first Haitian dishes that non-Haitians try, thanks to its simplicity and universal appeal.
The cultural meaning of plantains
Plantains are more than just an ingredient in Haitian cooking—they are a cultural symbol. They represent sustenance, resilience, and the resourcefulness of Haitian people. Affordable, filling, and versatile, plantains have long been a staple in Haitian households. Bannann Peze, in particular, embodies the idea of transforming something humble into something celebratory. Its crispy, golden slices remind Haitians of gatherings, street food markets, and the warmth of home kitchens.
Bannann Peze in the global food scene
As Haitian cuisine gains visibility worldwide, Bannann Peze has emerged as one of its most recognized dishes. Restaurants in New York, Miami, and Montreal frequently serve it as both a side and a starter. Food festivals and cultural showcases often highlight it as an approachable entry point into Haitian food. In 2025, Bannann Peze continues to attract attention for its delicious simplicity, winning fans far beyond the Haitian community.
Generational connections through Bannann Peze
For many Haitian families, Bannann Peze is a recipe that children learn early. Peeling plantains, slicing them carefully, and watching the double-fry process become part of family cooking lessons. Grandparents teach grandchildren how to use a tostonera, while parents emphasize the importance of pairing plantains with Pikliz. This passing of knowledge ensures that Bannann Peze remains a thread of continuity across generations.
In the diaspora, preparing Bannann Peze becomes even more symbolic. It is a way of keeping Haitian heritage alive in new environments, of making sure that culture is not lost even when far from home. Every crispy slice represents both memory and pride.
Why Bannann Peze matters in 2025
Bannann Peze is important because it embodies what makes Haitian cuisine so powerful—simplicity elevated through technique and tradition. It shows how a humble plantain can be transformed into a cultural icon. In 2025, as global cuisine continues to celebrate authenticity and comfort, Bannann Peze is recognized as one of the Caribbean’s essential dishes. Its popularity also helps introduce more people to Haitian food, opening the door to deeper exploration of the culture.
Celebrate Haitian pride beyond the kitchen
Eating Bannann Peze is one of the most delicious ways to celebrate Haitian culture, but pride can extend beyond the table. Visit CreoleSizzle.com for Haitian-inspired kitchenware, apparel, and accessories that keep traditions alive every day. Just as Bannann Peze brings energy to meals, CreoleSizzle brings Haitian spirit into your home and lifestyle.
