Top Haitian Restaurants in Laurel You Need to Try in 2025
, by Seo Guy , 4 min reading time
Haitian culture in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel, located between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, has become a thriving center for international cuisines. Thanks to a vibrant Haitian community in Prince George’s and Howard counties, the city has developed into one of Maryland’s best places to find authentic Haitian food. Laurel may not have the same population size as Silver Spring, but it makes up for it with family-owned Haitian kitchens that serve bold flavors and foster cultural pride.
In 2025, Haitian restaurants in Laurel are not just places to eat; they are spaces where the diaspora gathers to share memories, celebrate holidays, and pass traditions on to new generations. From griot and tassot to pikliz and bouillon, Laurel’s Haitian food scene is about blending authenticity with hospitality.
Chez Yala Restaurant
Chez Yala is one of the most recognized Haitian restaurants in Laurel. Known for its homestyle cooking and welcoming atmosphere, it serves dishes like fried pork (griot), fried goat (tassot kabrit), and fried fish paired with rice and beans. What makes Chez Yala stand out is its balance between quality and consistency. Locals love it for weekday meals as well as special occasions, and many consider it the best starting point for anyone curious about Haitian food in Laurel.
Lakay Restaurant Laurel
Like other “Lakay” establishments across the country, Laurel’s Lakay lives up to the name, which means “home.” The restaurant specializes in Haitian comfort food that feels like it came straight from a family kitchen. From crispy plantains to fiery pikliz and soulful stews, Lakay embodies both tradition and community. Customers frequently mention the generous portion sizes and the welcoming staff, making it a go-to spot for family dinners.
Creole Delices
Creole Delices brings a slightly modern touch to Haitian dining in Laurel. While it remains true to traditional recipes, its presentation and service give it a contemporary edge. The menu covers staples like legim, stewed chicken, and fried turkey, while also offering seasonal specials. This blend of authenticity and innovation attracts both Haitian families and younger food enthusiasts looking for new cultural dining experiences.
Bon Gou Taste of Haiti
Bon Gou, meaning “good taste” in Creole, is another local favorite. It’s known for flavorful rice-and-bean platters, bouillon, and fried seafood dishes. The restaurant focuses heavily on seasoning, ensuring every bite captures the essence of Haitian cooking. It also doubles as a small cultural hub, hosting community events and serving as a gathering spot for Laurel’s Haitian population.
Ti Kay Restaurant
Ti Kay, meaning “little house,” is exactly that—a small but vibrant eatery offering big flavors. It specializes in griot and tassot, but its soups, especially joumou, keep customers returning year after year. On New Year’s Day, Ti Kay becomes especially busy as the Haitian community comes together to celebrate independence with bowls of steaming joumou.
Spotlight: Chez Yala Restaurant
Among Laurel’s Haitian restaurants, Chez Yala shines as the most consistent and widely recognized. Its ability to deliver authentic dishes while maintaining a family-oriented atmosphere makes it a standout in Prince George’s County. Many Haitians in Laurel view Chez Yala as a cultural anchor, while newcomers find it approachable and inviting. If you’re exploring Haitian food in Laurel for the first time, Chez Yala is the place to begin.
How to plan your Haitian food crawl in Laurel
Laurel is smaller than Silver Spring, but that makes its Haitian food tour easier to manage. Start your day at Ti Kay with a bowl of bouillon or joumou, enjoy lunch at Lakay for griot and pikliz, and finish your evening at Chez Yala or Creole Delices for a celebratory dinner. For a snack or casual meal, Bon Gou is an excellent stop in between. Within a day, you’ll taste the full range of Haitian flavors Laurel has to offer.
Haitian food as a cultural bridge
Laurel’s Haitian restaurants serve more than food—they act as cultural bridges. For the Haitian diaspora, these spaces preserve language, traditions, and a sense of home. For non-Haitians, they serve as accessible gateways into Haitian culture, making dishes like tassot or pikliz part of everyday dining in Maryland. The presence of these restaurants demonstrates how Haitian culture enriches Laurel’s already diverse identity.
Laurel as part of a larger Haitian food network
Haitian cuisine in Laurel doesn’t stand alone. It’s part of a broader regional network that includes Silver Spring, Baltimore, and D.C. Visitors often plan food tours that take them across cities, with Laurel providing a quieter but equally authentic dining experience. In 2025, as Haitian food gains national recognition, Laurel’s restaurants are helping put Maryland on the culinary map.
Support Haitian culture beyond the table
Haitian pride isn’t confined to the plate—it’s something you can carry into your everyday life. After enjoying Laurel’s Haitian food scene, celebrate your connection to the culture by visiting CreoleSizzle.com. From authentic kitchenware to apparel inspired by Haitian heritage, CreoleSizzle helps you represent your culture and keep traditions alive no matter where you are.
