Best Dominican Republic Food: 50 Best Dominican Republic Dishes And Traditional Food in Dominican Republic To Try

Last updated on November 18th, 2023 at 12:55 am

Best Dominican Republic Food: 50 Best Dominican Republic Dishes And Traditional Food in Dominican Republic To Try

We will write about the best Dominican Republic food with the best 50 Dominican Republic dishes. The Dominican Republic cuisine is not yet world-famous, but one thing is for sure, the food in Dominican Republic is good!

There are also some dishes that are an authentic traditional food in Dominican Republic to try and drinks in Dominican Republic. Click here to book online Punta Cana activities and day trips

Dominican cuisine has Spanish influences, indigenous Taíno, Middle Eastern and African influences. You can have a budget of $20 USD a day and it can already get you more than enough decent meals in Dominican Republic. Read here beach resorts in Punta Cana

Read here fruits in Dominican Republic, vegetarian food in Dominican Republic, breakfast in Dominican Republic and drinks in Dominican Republic.

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Best Dominican Republic Food: Best Dominican Republic Dishes And Traditional Food in Dominican Republic To Try

Best Dominican Republic Dishes: Traditional Dishes in Dominican Republic

1. LA BANDERA (THE DOMINICAN FLAG)

La Bandera also called The Dominican Flag is the national dish. La Bandera is made of rice, meat and beans as a symbol of Dominican Republic flag colors. You can also add salad, plantains, avocado or similar ingredients.

2. MOFONGO

Mofongo is a traditional Dominican dish from African roots. Mofongo is made of mashing fried plantain, garlic and pork. Mofongo is served for lunch or dinner in a bowl like an ice cream and you can add avocado and shrimps.

3. SANCOCHO

Sancocho is a Dominican Republic traditional soup made with chicken, beef, tomatoes, yellow onions, yuca and corn. Sancocho is usually served for lunch or dinner. Prices are around $5-6 USD in a local restaurant.

4. Concón

Concón is basically just rice cooked crispy and roasted. Concón is the crunchy, slightly burnt rice at the bottom of your cooking pot. Concón is very famous in Dominican Republic.

5. Chenchén (Cracked Corn Pilaf)

Chenchén is a very good substitute for rice for a different texture. Chenchén dish packs more fiber than rice. Salty dishes could also complement Chenchén a lot that’s why it’s a famous food in Dominican Republic.

6. Las Habichuelas Guisadas

Las Habichuelas Guisadas, also known as Stewed Red Beans, is another bean dish that’s fairly common in Dominican Republic. Las Habichuelas Guisadas is great dish to be paired with plain white rice or Concón.

7. Asopao de Camarone

Asopao de Camarone or Asopado is an easy-to-make Dominican dish. You’ll just need rice, shrimp, tomato sauce/paste, and seasonings. Even though it’s easy to make, it’s still a very tasty version of cooked rice in soup. Some Dominican Republic people just eat it as a soup.

8. Locrio

Locrio is the Dominican Republic version of Paella. Locrio is just like Paella, Locrio consists of spiced rice and marinated meat. It is common to see marinated zesty chicken as the meat and rice cooked in tomato sauce/paste for Locrio.

9. Moro de Guandules Con Coco

Moro de Guandules Con Coco is the Dominican Republic cuisine version of Arroz Con Gandules. The main difference between the two is the “coco” or coconut. Moro de Guandules Con Coco will really satisfy you because it’s yummy and filling!

10. Pollo guisado

Pollo Guisado is an aromatic spicy stewed chicken dish. Pollo Guisado secret is in the spices that you add to the dish. Most Dominican Republic restaurants add adobo spices, coriander, and a bit of cumin.

11. Bacalao Guisado

Bacalao Guisado is a dish close to Pollo Guisado, you just replace the chicken with Codfish. The other key thing in Bacalao Guisado is the spices you’ll use are supposed to be light and not overpowering. It’s also important not to overcook the Codfish.

12. Mondongo Stew

Mondongo Stew will hit you differently because of the tripe as its meat. Mondongo stew is delicious because the tripe adds depth to the taste and thickness of the stew. Remember that you could also play around with the tripes. Try to switch it up with goat or pork, some even love to eat it with pork intestines.

13. Pipian de Chivo

Pipian de Chivo is a traditional Dominican Republic dish made of goat meat. Goat dishes are hard to master but it’s very worth it. You could try to start practicing Pipian de Chivo, a very delicious scented goat stew.

14. CEVICHE

Ceviche is served in all parts of Latin America. The raw fish is marinated in lime for 12 hours, so it is no longer so raw. Ceviche usually spends on shrimp, lobster, lemon, cilantro, tomatoes, and plenty of seafood. Dominican Republic cuisine serves ceviche usually for lunch and dinner as one of the most popular food in Dominican Republic. Prices are around $6-7 USD.

15. Niño Envuelto Dominicano

Niño Envuelto Dominicano is a meat filled vegetable pocket dish. What’s surprising about Niño Envuelto Dominicano dish is that the cabbage pocket used can be seasoned well to enhance the seasoned meat inside. It just works wonders and you must try this when you go to Dominican Republic.

16. Lechón Asado

Lechón Asado or Roast pork is highly popular around the world. You’d notice this a lot when you’re travelling. The dish doesn’t get boring because of this and Dominican Republic has its own version. Lechón Asado’s main taste is the garlic-citrus marinade of the roast pork.

17. Sopa criolla Dominicana

Sopa criolla Dominicana is a comforting, tasty and aromatic soup. With the variety of meat and vegetables you can add to Sopa criolla Dominicana, it’s infinitely easy to cook and that’s why it’s one of the most famous food in Dominican Republic cuisine.

18. Pastelón

Pastelón varies household to household. Also, it resembles lasagna a bit. The difference is the sweet plantains and vegetables. Just like Lasagna, the meat could be beef in your Pastelón. Don’t forget your oozing melting cheese!

19. Pica Pollo (Fried Chicken)

Pica Pollo or Dominican Republic’s version of fried chicken, is very rich in spices! Salt and pepper aren’t the only spice that’s going to be added for this deep fry chicken. Pica Pollo will vary from household to household.

20. Los Tres Golpes or Mangú

Mangú is one of the most popular Dominican traditional dishes and you can eat anytime for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Mangú is made from a boiled stew of plantains and mashed mixed with oil or butter. Mangú is served with egg, avocados or meat.

21. LOBSTER

Lobster season in Dominican Republic is usually from August to March. Outside the season isn’t allowed to fish but when the lobster season is up you will find in most of the restaurants in Dominican Republic and is a must to try.

Dominican Republic Food: Snacks in Dominican Republic

22. Domplines

Domplines is a variation of a dumpling. Domplines is a meat filled dough mixture that is usually served with sauce. Lots of Dominicans love this affordable snack.

23. Pasteles en Hoja (Dominican Tamales)

You might have heard of Mexican Tamales already if you like Mexican food. Pasteles en Hoja is a variation of that. Pasteles en Hoja is savory because of the filled meat and delicious scenting plantain dough.

24. AREPAS

Arepas is made of flour egg and milk a kind of small pancake. Mostly people love eating with chocolate syrup or similar sweeteners but you can also eat with cheese. Arepas are a popular dish in Costa Rica and in the other countries in Latin America.

25. Yanikeke

Yanikeke is another Dominican Republic snack to try! Well, if you’re in a rush to add dishes on the table it’s a good idea to add Yanikeke or Yaniqueque on the list. It’s easy to make. Just fry your seasoned dough, and lightly season it again with salt afterwards.

26. Pastelitos

Pastelitos is another Dominican food on the list that is not unique to Dominican Republic. Not saying that it’s a bad thing, it adds more variety and familiarity to Pastelitos. Pastelitos are a meat filled fried dough dish that’s nearly identical to Empanadas.

27. Yaroa

Yaroa is one of the most popular street food in Dominican Republic. Yaroa is made of fried plantains, French fries and meat mixed with sauce. If you’re travelling in Dominican Republic and you happen to see Yaroa on stalls, try it and you’ll like it! Yaroa is simple, cheap and tasty. Some street stalls will let you choose to do extra on your Yaroa. Just a tip, add more meat!

28. Cativia 

Have you had an Empanada before made from Cassava flour? Then, you might have tasted Cativia before. Cativia is just like other empanadas, fillings vary from beef, cheese, vegetables, or combination of all. Cativia is also famous as a street food because it’s easy to prepare.

29. GREEN SALAD

Green Salad in Dominican Republic will be available in the restaurants. Just make sure that they don’t ask chicken and fish especially tuna. You will find cucumber, tomato, lettuce, corn and onion mixed with oil and vinegar. Prices are around $5 USD.

30. CHICHARRON

Chicarron is fried pork belly served with lime and salt. You can have as a snack or in a dish with yuca and mixed with vegetables too. Prices are around $6-7 USD in local restaurants.

31. TOSTONES

Tostones are deep fried green plantains. Tostones are served as a snack with black beans, guacamole or spicy sauce. Tostones can be a side dish too in Dominican Republic.

32. Chimichurri Burger

Burgers are common around the world, but Chimichurri Burger has its own twist. It’s the Salsa golf and the thick tasty burger patty that’s been attracting tourists to try this delicious Chimichurri Burger.

Best Dominican Republic Food: Desserts in Dominican Republic

33. Habichuelas con Dulce

Habichuelas con Dulce is also called Sweet Beans Cream. Habichuelas con dulce de leche is very delicious and spices will vary a lot from household to household, but the main ingredient is bean puree. From there, you can add as you like.

34. Dulce De Leche

Dulce de leche is made from milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. If Dulce de leche is also made to be blocks of candies, you could also add syrup on top. You’ll make your kids never forget Dulce de Leche if you go to Dominican Republic.

35. Bizcocho dominicano

Bizcocho Dominicano is also known as Dominican Cakes. Bizcocho Dominicano shares its cake characteristics with Sponge cakes and Chiffon cakes. It’s light, airy and moist. The meringue frosting adds a contrasting texture to this cake.

36. Suspiritos Dominican

Suspiritos Dominican are also called as Dominican Meringue Kisses. Suspiritos Dominican is easy to make and serving a few times a month will likely improve your dinner or events.

37. Jalao

Jalao is a sweet treat that will give you that sweetness craving satisfaction. Jalao is a bite sized coconut and honey candy. Jalao is full of texture and sweetness.

38. ARROZ CON LECHE

Arroz Con Leche is a mix of rice milk, with sugar, lemon and cinnamon. Arroz con leche is a must to try in the list of Dominican Republic desserts. Prices are $3-4 USD.

39. TRES LECHES CAKE

Tres Leches Cake is a milk cake with meringue cream on the top. Tres Leches Cake is one of the most popular desserts in Dominican Republic and it’s also baked in most of the countries in Central America. Prices are $3-4 USD.

40. Pudin de Pan (Spiced Bread Pudding)

Pudin de Pan is a spiced bread pudding that’s perfect with coffee in the morning. The aromatic blend between the cinnamon, spices, and bitter taste of coffee make it a perfect breakfast match. Pudin de pan is very fragrant and delicious.

41. FLAN

Flan is gold colored caramel custard served with liquid caramel on top. Flan is one of the most popular desserts in Dominican Republic and Latin America.

42. COCADAS

Cocadas is so delicious as sweet snack to try in Dominican Republic. Cocadas is a small cake filled with a coconut sauce with vanilla and milk. You will find as street food in Dominican Republic.

Food In Dominican Republic: Drinks in Dominican Republic

43. MAMAJUANA

Mamajuana is the most popular drink in Dominican Republic made of rum, red wine and honey with herbs. Mamajuana tastes like wine and it’s a must to try in Dominican Republic.

Read here Dominican fruit drinks

44. Mabí

Mabi is a root-beer-like tasting drink that is made from the Mavi tree. The difference with the root-beer is that there’s a bitter taste at the end. There are a lot of variations of Mabi that range from sweet, bitter, and acidic notes.

45. Presidente Beer

Presidente Beer is a very famous beer. Tourists love Presidente Beer because it has that acidic honey lightness. Many people that came from Dominican Republic after finishing travelling often find themselves missing Presidente Beer.

46. RUM PUNCH

Rum Punch is the most popular drink in Dominican Republic and everywhere in the Caribbean. Rum Punch is made with fruits like orange, lime or pineapple mixed with grenadine and rum. When partying in Dominican Republic you will see the red drink everywhere!

47. Tequila and Mezcal

Tequila and Mezcal are very famous drinks in Dominican Republic. They love their drinks a lot! Aside from Presidente Beer, Tequila and Mezcal are also famous drinks for parties and gatherings. You should also know that Tequila is a type of Mezcal. Mezcal is usually stronger than Tequila.

48. FRUIT JUICES IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

You must try fruit juices in Dominican Republic. You will find them everywhere as street food. Prices are around $1-2 USD for a small glass. Tamarind and Guanabana creamy flavor are the most popular. Just try all of them and choose your favorite one!

49. COCONUT

Coconut water is a must to try in Dominican Republic. You will see street vendors at the beach passing by with coconut water and when you under the sun is so refreshing plus so healthy.

50. Orange Juice (Morir Soñando)

Orange Juice also called Morir Soñando is a non-alcoholic cocktail to drink in Dominican Republic. You can have it anytime of the day since morning to evening and Morir Soñando is so refreshing!

Hope you liked our traditional Dominican Republic food. Which one are your favorite Dominican Republic dishes from the list? Let us know which one is your favorite traditional food in Dominican Republic and if we missed any Dominican Republic food in the comments below.

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