Food

The Dominican Republic is a unique place where the magic of Africa, Spain and Taino combine in a single culture, offering visitors a variety of opportunities to experience the traditions and flavors of this land. If you’re traveling around the island, you should definitely try some of the most interesting and delicious dishes that the local cuisine has to offer. And to get to the restaurants and cafes where you can taste these dishes, you can use a taxi or take a car at the rent point.

1. Cangrejo guisado

Cangrejo guisado (shrimp fried with garlic and olive oil) is a popular Dominican dish. In the Dominican Republic, you can try it in many restaurants that specialize in local cuisine.

One such restaurant that offers Cangrejo guisado is located in the city of Punta Cana and is called “El Pollo Rockero”.

Address: Calle Los Corales, Plaza Tropicana, Local 8, Bávaro, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic.

2. Pescado con coco

Pescado con coco is a traditional dish of the Dominican Republic that consists of fish baked in coconut milk and served in coconut. This dish is an example of how Dominican cuisine combines local products with traditional cooking methods.

Pescado con coco uses local fish such as mahi-mahi or red perch, which are soaked in lemon juice to give them flavor and softness. The fish is then fried with tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers and other spices. Then coconut milk is added, which gives the dish a delicate and creamy flavor. Baked fish fried with vegetables and coconut milk is served in coconut, which gives the dish a unique flavor and visual appeal. Pescado con coco is usually served with rice and salad.

One of the places to try this dish in the Dominican Republic is La Yola Restaurant on Punta Cana Beach.

Address:  Puntacana Resort & Club, Playa Blanca, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic.

3. Arepitas de Maíz

Arepitas de Maiz are a popular snack in the Dominican Republic. They are small corn cakes made with corn flour, water, salt, and sometimes cheese or other seasonings.

These little cakes are typically fried until crispy and golden brown, and they are often served with a variety of toppings such as shredded chicken, avocado, and cheese. They make for a delicious and satisfying snack or light meal.

As for a specific restaurant that serves “Arepitas de Maiz” in the Dominican Republic, there are many options throughout the country. One popular restaurant in Santo Domingo that serves them is called “La Casa de los Arepitas”.

Address:  Calle Isabel la Católica #211, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic.

4. La Bandera

La Bandera is one of the most popular dishes in the Dominican Republic. The name translates as “flag” and is a reference to the fact that the composition of the dish symbolizes the colors of the country’s flag. La Bandera consists of rice, red beans, and meat (usually chicken or beef). You can enjoy this dish in many restaurants and cafes around the country, but one of the best places for it is El Conuco, located in the city of Santiago.

Address: Avenida 27 de Febrero 232, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

5. Chivo Guisado

Chivo Guisado is a beef stew with vegetables. The name translates as “goat stew,” but this dish is actually made with beef. Onions, tomatoes, paprika and other spices are added to the beef. This dish can be tasted at La Casa de Esteban Café, which is located in Puerto Plata.

Address: Calle Beller 14, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic

6. Mofongo

Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is also popular in the Dominican Republic. This dish is made from green bananas that are grated and then mixed with garlic and pork cutlet. You can try this dish at Café El Conuco, which is located in the city of Santiago.

Address: Avenida 27 de Febrero 232, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

7. Locrio de Pollo

Locrio de Pollo is a rice dish with chicken pieces that is made with tomatoes, peppers, onions and spices. This dish uses the same ingredients as the famous La Bandera, but in a different combination. Locrio de Pollo is often served for lunch or dinner, and it is one of the most popular dishes in the Dominican Republic. You can try Locrio de Pollo at Pat’e Palo European Brasserie in Santo Domingo.

Address: Plaza Espana, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic

8. Asopao

Asopao is a traditional soup dish made with rice, vegetables, and seafood. Shrimp, squid, mussels, and fish are usually added, along with spices and herbs such as garlic, oregano, and chili peppers. It’s a rich dish that can be found in many restaurants and cafes around the country. One good option is La Casita de Yeya restaurant in Punta Cana. This restaurant specializes in traditional fish and seafood dishes, including asopao.

Address: Calle Italia, Plaza Progreso, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic.

9. Sancocho

Sancocho is another popular soup that is made with meat, vegetables and root vegetables. Chicken, beef or pork are usually added to it, as well as potatoes, zucchini, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and other ingredients. The soup is so rich that it could replace a full meal. The best place to try sancocho would be the restaurant “El Conuco” in the city of Santo Domingo. This restaurant is known for its traditional cuisine, and it offers authentic sancocho on its menu. You can try it here along with other dishes of Dominican cuisine.

Address: Calle Hostos # 210, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic.

10.Cala Cala

Cala Cala is a traditional dish made with meat and root vegetables. It usually includes beef or chicken, as well as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yams, and other ingredients. The dish is so rich that it is usually served as a main course. One of the restaurants where you can try this dish is La Casita de Yeya, which is located in the city of Punta Cana.

Address: Avenida Barcelo, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic.

11. Hugua

Hugua is a meat dish made with veal or beef. The meat is usually baked in the oven with vegetables and spices. This is a very popular dish in the Dominican Republic, which is often served for lunch.

A great option would be a restaurant called Adrian Tropical. This restaurant has a menu with eggs, including traditional Mediterranean and Latin American breakfasts such as scrambled eggs, omelets and hash browns.

Address:Avenida George Washington No. 82, Santo Domingo 10205, Dominican Republic

12. Arabica

Aravika is a popular dish in Azua. It is fried rice with seafood, vegetables, and spices. Unlike other rice dishes, aravika is usually cooked in a pan and has a crispy crust. This dish is perfect for fans of seafood and spicy dishes.

Excellent arabica is served at Restaurant El Mesón De La Cava. This restaurant is located in the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, and offers a wide variety of local dishes. It is located in a beautiful cave and has a beautiful view of the city.

Address: Calle Los Restauradores 54, Santo Domingo 10210, Dominican Republic

13. Pastelitos

Pastelitos are a popular snack available on the streets and in restaurants. It is minced meat, vegetables, and spices wrapped in dough and fried. Pastelitos can be found with different fillings, such as chicken, beef, pork, seafood or cheese. This snack is perfect for a snack on the go or to share with friends.

You can try this dish at El Carrito Cafe. This is a popular place among locals and tourists where you can try authentic Dominican food.

Address: Avenida República de Colombia 16, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic