From the crystal water beaches, to the bachata dancing capital, the DR entertains all the holiday needs. What most people don’t expect before landing on this Caribbean island is the top tier cuisine. A few nights of taste testing and you might never leave. A bite of quick street food, or a full foodie experience, unique flavours are here for all travellers alike.
Check out our food guide to the Dominican Republic and don’t miss out on what this island has to offer!
Try it and go loco:
Exotic dishes, common snacks done with a local twist, here are a few foods you can’t miss. My suggestion? Try it all! – You’ll want them twice.
Sancocho:
This hearty Dominican stew to fill the hungry, nicknamed the “three meat stew”, as it’s typically made with, yes…, three type of meat (pork, chicken and beef being the most popular). Filled with multiple side starches: yucca, plantains, corn. And the proper spices: cilantro (or parsley) salt, garlic, and lime juice. This dish is known to taste like what might be in each individual kitchen. Maybe you will find it topped with rice or avocado! This is the dish Dominicans are the most proud of, and everyone will tell you that their mom makes the best Sancocho.
Mofongo:
This is pretty much heaven for Dominicans, a dish made of mashed and fried green plantains, mixed with salt, garlic and oil. Traditionally Dominicans add a crunchy secret to make it bomb - chicharrón (fried pork belly or pork rinds), mashed in with the rest. This dish can be enjoyed any time of the day but most people would have it for lunch or Dinner.
Empanadas:
If you spend more than twelve hours inside the DR and don’t try empanadas, I’m not sure you have meaning in your life. Empanadas can be noticed on menus in pricey and affordable restaurants alike, in addition to the street vendors and quick side markets. Stuffed with any and everything from meats to cheese and vegetables to seafood, there’s an empanada for every taste.
Mangú: This is the everyday breakfast kind of dish for Dominicans, Delicious boiled and then smashed plantains with fried cheese, salami & Egg and on top the salty friend onions, after trying this dish you might end up changing countries just to have it for breakfast everyday!
Moro de Guandules con Coco y Pescado: This is seriously a dish brought from heaven, Dominicans would eat it in special occasions or sundays, a dish for family reunions. Its rice with green peas and coconut milk and fish also in coconut milk. the taste of coco with the deliciousness of seafood could not be better combined
Coco everywhere!
It is a tropical island….
Coconut palms aren’t indigenous to the Dominican Republic, but locals and chefs alike have taken full advantage of the tropical fruit, and now, it’s part of daily life. You’ll find beach vendors offering simple coconut water (served in a coconut, of course), to the coconut milk being adapted for a marinade, or just something to flavour to your afternoon beverage, you can have your fill with ease.
Seafood:
I like fish, you like fish. Insects of the sea, but yes, we all like fish – seriously, if you travel to DR and don’t stuff yourself full of seafood, did you really travel to DR?! You’re on an island with endless beaches. The days catch will make it onto your place that evening at any beachside spot. Fresh does not get fresher.
Rum:
Truthfully, why does anyone come to the Caribbean in the first place? You’ll never acquire quality rum outside of the Caribbean unless you can stomach paying the insane import fees. Either way, it’s always manufactured – in the Caribbean! Grab a bottle of Ron Barceló. It’s the only rum in the Dominican Republic manufactured directly from sugar cane juice. Delightful.
When it comes to the Dominican Republic, everyone knows the beaches are beautiful, but you can become one more of those who have experienced the food. Unique cuisines, delicious street food, and unforgettable experiences are here to be found!