Dining in the Dominican Republic

With such a cultural and historical melting pot that the Dominican Republic is comprised of, it's interesting that their food is such a point of strong nationalism with the country. Puerto Rican cuisine, Cuban cuisine, and Haitian cuisine is the main ingredients with a dash of Spanish, a smidge of African, a pinch of Italian, a teaspoon of Chinese food, and just a hint of Arabic fair.

Whoever thought that lunches of beans, rice, and meat could be such a treat? La Bandera Dominicana is the traditional lunch in the Dominican Republic. Though some cultures consider breakfast to be the most important meal of the day, in the Dominican Republic, lunch is the largest and most patriotic meal of the day. If you are at a local food stand, you can find fried chicken, and hamburgers, all with a Dominican flair.

This meal, proudly heralded is the Dominican Flag, is often served with boiled vegetables, a side salad, and possibly fried plantains. If you are at a large party like a wedding feast, expect a Sancocho Siete Carnes, a hearty stew that boasts seven different meats. No one could tell me which the seven meats were, either, so be careful.

Breakfast and dinner are typically much lighter fare, a sandwich, cup of fresh fruit juice, or some fruits and vegetables. This is the style of food that you will experience in the best hotels to the smallest homes. Some will serve a mash of eggs, bacon, cheese, and plantains.

Deserts in the Dominican Republic are typically fresh fruit, empanadas, Flan, dulce de leche, and fried treats called frituras. Don't be surprised to find a snow cone called a Frio Frios.

If you are looking for the spicy foods that you've had elsewhere, you will be surprised to know that most of the food in the Dominican Republic is spiced like Minnesotan "Meat and Potatoes". Pepper is hardly used, and most Dominican food isn't spicy in the least, making it far more palatable than many countries whose fare is much hotter.

Drinks in the Dominican Republic can range from the aforementioned fruit juices for breakfast, hot and cold chocolate drinks (made with real, fresh cacao), Coffee, "Presidente Beer", and from their own distilleries in the Dominican Republic, you can have some unique Rum such as Bermudez, Brugal, or if you are visiting Santa Domingo, Barcelo is a must try.

Food in the Dominican Republic is as unique as its individual parts. If your stomach is sensitive, you may wish to skip the street vendors for the first few days of your trip, but if you have the gastronomic fortitude of a well-seasoned traveler, try some of everything.