The Dominican Republic boasts one of the most vibrant cultures this planet has to offer. Influenced by African, Spanish, and native cultures, it provides much in the ways of music, art, and, most importantly, food! Just imagine the Dominican Republic food!
Filled with tons of unique restaurants, the country serves delicious dishes of all kinds. They range from small, tasty appetizers, to large, filling entrees. This article will provide you with (in no particular order) the top 10 in Dominican Republic food dishes. You may have heard of the most delicious items from the Carribean food selection. It’s time to meet this one in particular. While there are a number of other terrific foods present in the country, these are the ones that you must indulge in. Our list will include:
- Entrees;
- Sides;
- Appetizers;
- Desserts.
10 Delicious Stars of the Dominican Republic Food Menu
1. Fried Plantains
- Known in the Dominican Republic as tostones, fried plantains make a staple appetizer of almost every Dominican restaurant. You can find them in other countries as well, but are most popular in the Dominican.
- This Dominican Republic food is made by frying unripe plantains in oil, giving them a crunchy and crispy exterior which is like heaven to the senses.
- Often served alongside chicken, beef, and fish entrees, tostones are loved by just about every person living in the Dominican Republic.
- Type of food: Appetizer or side.
2. Sancocho
- Sancocho is a dish which you might call the ruler of all Dominican Republic food. Though it’s served in quite a few latin countries, it’s especially prominent in the Dominican Republic. All sancochos are a little different, typically varying from country to country.
- A stew, the Dominican version of the food is generally made with 7 different meats, including chicken, beef, and pork, to name a few.
- It also contains a bevy of different vegetables, including plantains, potatoes, carrots, celery, and more. Again, this is very arguably the Dominican Republic’s signature food. If you want to try authentic Dominican Republic food, you need to try sancocho.
- Type of food: Entree.
3. Pica Pollo
- Just about every country has their own version of fried chicken, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. The signature fried chicken of the island is pica pollo. It is a crispy and delicious entree that’s served by just about any street vendor you’ll come across.
- Fried to perfection with garlic, lemon, and oregano, it possesses a spicy and citrusy flavor that goes great after a night of drinking. A trip to the Dominican Republic without trying pica pollo is a trip wasted.
- Type of food: Appetizer or entree.
4. Kipes
- Derived from Lebanese kibbeh, kipes, or quipes, make an appetizer which is appreciated by the majority of the Dominican population. Brought to the island by Middle Easterners in the 19th century, much has been added to the food over the years in order to give it a unique, Dominican flavor.
- This food is essentially a ball of crispy dough stuffed with various meats, and fried with various spices.
- Kipes are often fried with onions, peppers, garlic, and other foods which are popular in the Dominican.
- Type of food: Appetizer or side.
5. La Bandera
- While it’s known by many names, perhaps the most popular name for this dish is La Bandera. In English, this translates to, the flag. A classic Dominican Republic food, it can be found at almost any restaurant existing in the country.
- This entree is essentially a plate of rice, beans, and meat.
- It’s likely to contain a number of Dominican spices, including garlic, oregano, and pepper.
- Type of food: Entree.
6. Los Tres Golpes
- If you’re eating breakfast in the Dominican Republic, your best bet is to order Los Tres Golpe. This breakfast entree is a signature Dominican Republic food, and is sure to fill you up with ease.
- In English, Los Tres Golpes translates to, the three strikes. This is fitting, as the dish consists of three different foods: fried salami, fried cheese, and fried eggs.
- Not only is it the most filling breakfast dish in the Dominican, but also the most famous.
- Type of food: Breakfast entree.
7. Mangú
- In the United States, we have mashed potatoes. In the Dominican Republic, they have mangú. This popular food is essentially just plantains which have been mashed to a soft consistency.
- Often served with Los Tres Golpes, you can also have mangú for lunch and dinner entrees as well. If you patronize any Dominican restaurant, it’s likely to have this side on the menu. Make sure to give it a try!
- Type of food: Side.
8. Habichuelas con Dulce
- Meaning sweet cream of beans in English, habichuelas con dulce is one of the most popular foods in the Dominican Republic. Almost every Dominican family has their own recipe for the dish. But it’s also served frequently in restaurants.
- A dessert, habichuelas con dulce is made out of sweet beans and milk.
- It is is often garnished with cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, and more. In summary, it’s the best and most popular dessert on the island. You don’t want to leave without giving it a try.
- Type of food: Dessert.
9. Bizcocho Dominicano
- Bizcocho Dominicano is, simply, cake. Dominican cake to be precise. However, it’s not just any typical cake. Like any Dominican Republic food, it possesses ingredients which give it its very own unique and individual flavor.
- The cake possesses a soft, chewy texture, and is baked with a pineapple filling which gives it an absolute explosion of flavor. Its sweetness is unique among any other Dominican dessert. Once you try it, you’ll never be able to get enough.
- Type of food: Dessert.
10. Morir Soñando
- If you’re looking for a delicious beverage to try while in the Dominican Republic, there’s nothing quite like Morir Soñando. It is a mixture of orange and milk.
- This drink possesses a fruity, yet creamy taste which hits your right in your taste buds.
- It’s by far the most popular drink in the Dominican. Also, you can serve it with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a must-try for every person who visits the island.
- Type of Food: Beverage.
Buen Provecho!
The Dominican Republic is faithfully represented by a number of things. But one of the things that best represents the country is its food. From desserts, to breakfast foods, to entrees, and more. There is no shortage of delicious and unique Dominican Republic food. Since you’re in the Dominican Republic, you can also try a trip to the impressive Punta Cana.
This article provides you with only ten of those foods. Make sure to try at least a few while you’re on the island!
The images are from pixabay.com.
