Dominican Republic Food Guide
Daniel Mode
Daniel Mode
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Dominican Republic foods combine distinct flavors and ingredients from Taino, Spanish, and African influences. While the Dominican Republic is typically known as a tropical destination with pristine beaches, incredible scenery, luxurious resorts, and golf courses, another feature that stands out is its unique cuisine. If you are in this country or are planning to visit it, here is a list of the best Dominican Republic traditional food to try. Also, check out our Dominican Republic Restaurant Guide and Punta Cana Restaurant Guide.
This article contains affiliate links. If you click on our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to offer free travel guides, but does not influence our recommendations in any way. Thanks for supporting independent travel content.
The Best Dominican Republic Food
Sancocho
Eating sancocho is a must if you want to try authentic Dominican flavors. Sancocho is cooked with different ingredients such as vegetables, meat (beef, chicken, pork, and goat), tubers, and herbs such as cilantro to produce a meaty and thick stew. It’s often served with avocado, white rice, and a local sauce made with spicy bitter orange, vinegar and peppers.
Tostones
Tostones have a special place on the Dominican table and are also found in other Latin American countries. The meal consists of sliced fried plantains, which are usually served as an accompaniment to different dishes or on their own. Simple but delicious! It could be said that they are the equivalent of French fries in other parts of the world. In the Dominican Republic, they can be found in fancy restaurants or as street food.
Mangu
The distinctive consistency and flavor of Mangu make it one of the most popular dishes in the Dominican Republic. Mangu is prepared by boiling plantains and mashing them with a bit of water, oil or butter, and salt. It’s usually accompanied by sauteed Dominican red onions, salami, a garnish of fried eggs, and fried cheese, which is collectively known as a dish called Los Tres Golpes. Mangu is often eaten at breakfast, but sometimes it can also be found at dinner.
La Bandera Dominicana
If you have the chance to eat with a Dominican family, chances are you will try La Bandera Dominicana (The Dominican Flag). This dish is the most famous in the country and consists of three essential ingredients – white rice, braised chicken or beef, and stewed beans – which are then combined with all sorts of other elements such as tostones, avocado, and green salad, among others. La Bandera intends to represent the colors of the national flag with the rice being white, the beans being red, and with some creativity the meat being blue. It’s a frequently consumed meal in Dominican homes, but you can also find it in restaurants.
Pollo Guisado
Thanks to its affordability, ease of cooking, and abundance, chicken is one of the most popular foods in the Dominican Republic. Pollo Guisado (braised chicken) is a meal marinated with lime juice, onion, oregano, celery, salt, garlic, sugar, and olive oil, dressed with tomato sauce and some vegetables such as olives, and celery. Its exceptional taste will delight your palate!
Habichuelas con Dulce
This Dominican dessert is one you won’t find anywhere else. This soup-like sweet delicacy is based on red beans, milk, coconut milk, sugar, cinnamon, yams, cloves, small cookies, and sometimes raisins depending on the recipe. This bowl of sweet bean cream is prepared differently in every home to share with family and friends. As peculiar as it sounds, you’re likely to love it if you’re open to exploring new flavors.
Mofongo
This culinary gem with African roots is an unmissable plantain-based food. Mofongo is served in a bowl and consists of fried plantains mashed with chicharron (fried pork rinds) and garlic, mixed to form small balls that are then topped with more chicharron or shrimp, and a tasty garlic beef bone broth to moisten them. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? You can try this delicious dish at El Rincon Del Marisco in Punta Cana.
More
CARIBBEAN
The Dominican Republic is known for gorgeous beaches, resorts, and rich cultural history. As one of the most diverse destinations in the Caribbean, you’ll find a bit of everything in the Dominican Republic. Here is our guide to the best of the Dominican Republic.
As a pristine and beachy oasis, the Dominican Republic is perfect for a budget-friendly tropical getaway. From local Caribbean dishes to authentic Italian cuisine, the food selection is delicious and diverse. Here are some of the best restaurants in the Dominican Republic!
Home to fantastic rum, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of national parks, reserves and sanctuaries, the Dominican Republic offers a beautiful experience to all those who visit. Here is our guide to the best hotels in the Dominican Republic!
The Dominican Republic is known for its picturesque beaches, lush jungles, rich cultural heritage and friendly locals. Here is our list of the best Dominican Republic all inclusive resorts to make your visit to the Dominican Republic incredible.
The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola and has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Whether you are looking for quiet and secluded or lively and fun, the Dominican Republic has a beach for everyone.
Packing for beach vacations shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a unique beach vacation packing list to help and included some of our favorite items. From clothes to electronics and everything in between, we've got all the tips to make packing a breeze.
The island of Antigua holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a place where one can access luxurious amenities and STILL find numerous places to get away from it all! Here is some basic info to get you started and many of the best things to do in Antigua.
Aruba is a fantastic mix of cultures, natural beauty and delicious cuisine. Whether you want to relax on the beach sipping cocktails or explore the history of the island, Aruba has something for everyone. Come find out just what this tropical paradise has to offer!
The Bahamas has something for everyone, whether you’re a single wanting to get away, a couple needing quality time to connect, or a family seeking adventure. With 700 islands and 2,500 cays, the opportunities are endless!
Whether you want to enjoy the turquoise water of the Caribbean, explore the wonders of nature, or shop till you drop, the Cayman Islands will excite everyone. From the white sand beaches to the duty-free shopping, you are sure to enjoy every minute in the Caymans.
Jamaica is a famous Caribbean destination and for good reason. From clear turquoise waters to white sand beaches, lush forests to reggae music, there is something for everyone in Jamaica. Here is our guide to the best of Jamaica.
Puerto Rico is an intoxicating combination of tropical, meets a bygone era. This beautiful island has pristine beaches, excellent dining and vibrant nightlife. See what’s waiting for you in Puerto Rico with its perfect blend of charm and adventure!