Haitian Spaghetti (Espageti): A Savory, Comforting Classic

Haitian Spaghetti, or Espageti, is a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish made with tomato paste, sautéed vegetables, hot dogs or sausage, and the essential Haitian seasoning base, Epis. Often enjoyed for breakfast in Haiti—yes, breakfast!—this dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with savory depth. It’s typically served with hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, or a piece of bread to round out the meal.

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Honoring the Culture

Hi there! I do my best to research every cultural recipe I share and ensure I’m honoring its origin accurately. If you’re from Haiti and have suggestions for making this recipe more authentic, I would love your feedback. Please feel free to leave a comment—I’m always open to learning more and improving.

What Is Haitian Spaghetti?

Popular across Haitian homes and sometimes sold by street vendors in Port-au-Prince, Haitian Spaghetti is a flavorful mix of spaghetti noodles coated in a tomato-based sauce, seasoned with Epis, and usually cooked with hot dogs or sausage. While it’s not something you’ll often find in restaurants, this comforting, one-pot dish holds a special place in many Haitian households, especially in the mornings.

Why Is Spaghetti a Breakfast Food in Haiti?

While Americans might find it unusual to eat spaghetti first thing in the morning, in Haiti, this dish is a beloved breakfast staple. It’s hearty and filling, which helps people power through the day. Served with a boiled egg, a slice of bread, or avocado, it’s a complete, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick overview of what you need to make Haitian Spaghetti. Scroll to the full recipe card below for exact measurements.

Spaghetti – Any brand of dry spaghetti works.
Olive oil – For sautéing.

Haitian Epis – A flavorful blend of herbs, garlic, and aromatics that forms the backbone of many Haitian recipes.
Tomato paste – Adds richness and depth.
Maggi Cubes – A key flavor enhancer; bouillon cubes or a mix of soy sauce and Worcestershire can be used instead.

Vegetables – Fresh bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
Hot dogs or sausage – Hot dogs are traditional, but kielbasa or smoked sausage also work well.
Ground cloves – Just a touch for warm depth.

Hard-boiled eggs – A classic Haitian side for serving.

How to Make Haitian Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the spaghetti to al dente according to package directions. Reserve a few ladles of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 2: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Epis and sauté until fragrant and golden.

Step 3: Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in tomato paste, Maggi cubes, hot dog slices, ground cloves, and a bit of the reserved pasta water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss until evenly coated in the sauce. Season with salt as needed.

Step 6: Serve hot, topped with half a hard-boiled egg. Optional but delicious: a drizzle of ketchup or a side of sliced avocado.

Tips for Success

Use what you have: Traditional hot dogs are common, but sausage or even seafood can be used based on availability or preference.
Fry first or after?: Some versions brown the hot dogs or sausage before adding Epis, while others let the meat simmer in the sauce. Either method works—try both and see what you like best!

Adjust thickness: If your sauce feels too thick, add a bit more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Make your Epis: Don’t skip the Epis! It’s essential for capturing that true Haitian flavor. You can make a batch and keep it in the fridge for up to 10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply skip the meat or use a plant-based sausage substitute.

What if I don’t have Maggi cubes?
No problem. Use any bouillon cube you have or try a mix of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce in equal parts.

More Recipes You’ll Love

[Pikliz (Spicy Pickled Slaw)] – A crunchy, spicy Haitian condiment that pairs beautifully with this dish.
[Haitian Griot] – Tender fried pork cubes often served with Pikliz.

[Bucatini Cacio e Pepe] – A classic Roman pasta with cheese and pepper.
[Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce] – A minimalist sauce made with just a few ingredients, but full of flavor.

Haitian Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients:

½ lb Spaghetti
¼ cup Olive Oil
2 tbsp Haitian Epis

1 Onion, chopped
1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
1 Red Bell Pepper, diced

2 Roma Tomatoes, diced
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
3 small Maggi Cubes

4 Hot Dogs, sliced
⅛ tsp Ground Cloves
⅓ cup Pasta Water (reserved)

Salt, to taste
2 Hard-Boiled Eggs (for serving)

Instructions:

Cook spaghetti al dente and reserve some pasta water. Drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add Epis and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in chopped vegetables. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste, Maggi cubes, sliced hot dogs, and cloves. Pour in reserved pasta water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Toss cooked spaghetti into the sauce. Mix well and season with salt.
Serve with halved hard-boiled eggs and optional ketchup or avocado.

Final Thoughts

Haitian Spaghetti is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a nostalgic, flavorful, and comforting taste of Haitian culture. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or lunch, it’s sure to leave you full and satisfied.