Haitian Creole is the language of our kitchen. Pick up a few words here and use them the next time you walk into Carmichael or Manje Express.
Real guests learning a few words at the counter. Give it a try on your next visit.
The first thing you say sets the whole meal.
Bonjou
bohn-zhoo
Good morning / hello.
Bonswa
bohn-swah
Good evening.
Kijan ou ye?
key-zhahn oo yay
How are you?
M'ap boule
mahp boo-lay
I am doing well (literally, "I am burning"). The classic friendly reply.
Mèsi
meh-see
Thank you.
Mèsi anpil
meh-see ahn-peel
Thank you very much.
Souple
soo-play
Please.
Orevwa
oh-rev-wah
Goodbye.
Pronunciation is written how it sounds — ask us in person and we will help you say it right.
The Kreyòl behind the dishes on our menu.
Manje
mahn-zhay
Food. Also "to eat." It is also our name.
Griyo
gree-yo
Fried marinated pork shoulder. Our signature.
Pikliz
peek-lees
Spicy pickled slaw. The bright kick on every plate.
Diri ak Pwa
dee-ree ahk pwah
Rice and beans. The base of a true Haitian meal.
Pwason Fri
pwah-sohn free
Fried fish. Snapper, hot from the pan.
Bannann
bah-nahn
Plantain. Fried sweet or fried green.
Legim
lay-geem
Vegetable stew. Slow-cooked and rich.
Pate
pah-tay
Flaky hand pie. Beef or chicken filling.
Espageti
es-pah-geh-tee
Spaghetti. The Haitian breakfast version, with herring and peppers.
Epis
eh-peess
The seasoning base. Garlic, peppers, herbs. The soul of the dish.
Try one of these next time you come in. We will love it.
Ban mwen...
bahn mwen
Give me... / I will have...
Mwen vle...
mwen vlay
I want...
Konbyen sa koute?
kohn-byen sah koo-tay
How much is that?
Pou ale
poo ah-lay
To go (take out).
Pou manje la
poo mahn-zhay lah
For here (dine in).
Yon ti pikliz, souple
yohn tee peek-lees soo-play
A little pikliz, please.
Mwen grangou
mwen grahn-goo
I am hungry.
Bon Apeti
bohn ah-pay-tee
Enjoy your meal. What we say before every bite.
Sa te bon!
sah tay bohn
That was good!
New words drop in all the time. Come learn a few next time you order.
Tap a number to dial.