Out in front of the clinic and around Cazale there are areas where people set up small tables or stations to sell items. Small stands and vendors stay on the streets, drawing in children on their way to school, workers taking a quick break, and families sharing a treat together. Many of the tables have small snacks like crackers, cookies, candy and sweets. It is also a place where people gather and talk, share news, and see friends.

The hotdog stands are especially popular, with vendors skillfully assembling sandwiches topped with onions, ketchup, mustard, and a dash of spicy hot sauce.

The fried bananas are shaved into paper-thin slices before frying them to crispy perfection. The result? A golden, crunchy chip that’s light, and airy. Sometimes served plain or with a hint of salt, these banana chips are the perfect grab-and-go snack for anyone craving a salty treat. For a sweet treat, there are homemade donuts. Vendors prepare the dough fresh each day, often using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and nutmeg to create a uniquely Haitian flavor. Fried to a golden brown, the donuts are often dusted with powdered sugar. The donuts go well with a hot cup of coffee or a shaved ice drink.

You can also find shaved ice drinks that provide a refreshing drink in the hot sun. It is fun to watch them prepare the drink. They have large bricks of ice that they shaved into thin powder. The cup is filled with the ice part way and then sweet colorful syrup is added.

These street vendors not only satisfy cravings for food but also provide a sense of connection, a moment of joy, and a glimpse into the heart of Cazale’s culture. Have you tried a street snack in Haiti before? What’s your favorite?