Most countries have a sweet spot. I’m talking about the towns/regions where the best desserts are born, produced and sold. That place in Haiti is Petit-Goâve. The sweet dish that makes this place famous is dous makos.
When I visited Petit-Goâve in March 2017, I had never heard of Dos Maco. But I’ve definitely seen and tried this snack before. Actually visiting Haiti is difficult. ~ no Try dos macos. they that Precious and loved.
What is Dos Marcos?
Dous makos (also known as dous makos) is a milk-based Haitian fudge. It is divided into three layers, each with its own color. Traditional colors/layers are beige (vanilla), brown (chocolate), and pink/red (food coloring).
Although it is an essential and ingrained part of the authentic Haitian culinary aesthetic, like dos maco, it is not entirely 100% Haitian.
Belgian inspired by Spain
Dos Macos’ roots go back to 1939 in Petit-Goâve. More specifically, they extend to a Belgian-Haitian man named Fernand Macos (aka Ferdinand Makos).
Editor’s note: Dous makos literally translates to “sweet makos,” a nod to the dessert’s creator.
The story goes that Mr. Marcos took inspiration for his unique fudge from the turrón, a centuries-old Spanish/Mediterranean nougat confectionery. While Turrón is primarily made from almonds, Makos’ creation is more dynamic. Peanut butter, cinnamon, almond, anise, and even rum flavors are all common.
You can find dos macos all over Haiti. Hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, roadside stands…
But at the same time, there is only one best place to get them.
Madame Dauphin: Mecca of Dos Marcos
I came across Mme Dauphin’s after a day of adventuring around Bananier Beach. I can assure you that I am exhausted. The hour-plus drive back to Port-au-Prince that lay ahead of us didn’t help either. But a stop at Madame Dauphin’s brought me back.
The sugar rush I got from here was made even sweeter by the fact that the Dauphin’s wife happened to be there when we arrived.
There’s something even more amazing about meeting or seeing the person behind the beloved treat in the space where the legend began. These special encounters, especially these delicious ones, are what I miss most about traveling to Haiti. I hope the widespread unrest will soon end so we can all experience the best of this magical place again soon.
