Except for the handwritten menu on the wall, the interior of this Haitian takeout joint is much less colorful, but the portions are certainly hefty. A large container of griot (fried pork), banane (sliced, fried green plaintain), and piklis (spicy cabbage slaw) was just $5. As at most Haitian eateries, the griot and banane can be on the dry and plain side; piklis is essential, and some hot sauce wouldn't hurt.
Yo Yo Fritaille
2811 Glenwood Rd., Flatbush, Brooklyn
718-724-1844
Hard by the bus stop, this Guyanese bakery serves up a pine tart (as in pineapple; $1) that could pass for a hamentash, if not for the tropical filling. Have them warm it for you.
Shaborn Juice Bar
2093 Nostrand Ave., Flatbush, Brooklyn
718-951-8880
This unassuming Jamaican storefront prepares exceptional patties that are flaky on the outside, moist on the inside. I passed up today's other choices, beef and vegetable, in favor of spicy chicken ($1.25), but the one I'm waiting on is the shrimp.
Angel Flakes Patties
2114 Nostrand Ave., Flatbush, Brooklyn
718-434-0816
The subtle tropical motif gives a hint: There's more behind the counter than sandwiches, salads, and the grill. Half the menu is Haitian, though since that half was somewhat depleted in midafternoon, taste testing will wait for another time.
Best Grilled Chicken & Fish
2925 Avenue H (near Nostrand Ave.), Flatbush, Brooklyn
718-421-1640
