Curious about what to eat on your first trip to the Dominican Republic? Get ready to crave more as we take you through the must-try Dominican dishes – flavor-packed creations blended with Taíno, Spanish, African, and other cultural influences.
Whether you’re after hearty meals, tasty snacks, or just something satisfying between adventures, Dominican cuisine offers something for every palate. From savory staples to unique local bites, there’s plenty to discover.
So grab your appetite and start building your Dominican food bucket list — your taste buds are in for a treat!
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15 Best Dominican Dishes to Try for First-time Visitors
With the variety of Dominican foods, be assured that there is none that would not fit your taste. Without further ado, here are the best Dominican Republic dishes you must try on your ever first trip to the DR!
1. Sancocho
Sancocho takes on a new flavor in every Spanish-speaking country, especially across Latin America. But there’s something about the Dominican version – warm, hearty, and homey – that makes you feel welcome, even miles from home.
This popular and traditional home-style stew includes chicken, pork, or beef, coated in a nutritious vegetable purée made with ingredients like squash and carrots. Slow-cooked to ensure the meat is tender, this dish is a staple at family weekend gatherings.
For a more elevated version of sancocho, sancocho de siete carnes is a must-try as well.
2. Picca Pollo
What’s not to love about this list of Dominican dishes when you find out it includes your favorite – fried chicken?
Compared to other fried chicken recipes, pica pollo (literally “nibble chicken”) stands out with its perfectly balanced salty-sweet, savory flavor.
No matter where you go in the Dominican Republic, you’ll find this deliciously marinated fried chicken – and it’s a taste you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
3. Pollo Guisado
Chicken dishes are a crowd favorite pretty much everywhere, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. So don’t be surprised if another chicken recipe makes the cut.
Pollo guisado is no ordinary chicken stew. It’s simmered with herbs and spices that pack it with flavor and comfort in every bite!
4. Chivo Guisado
Your first visit to the Dominican Republic is a memorable experience, so your meals should be just as unforgettable. Be sure to try chivo guisado, a flavorful braised dish that’s a local favorite.
If you’re not familiar with the name, you might be surprised to learn that the main ingredient in this dish is actually goat meat. What made chivo, or native goats, famous in the country is the belief that they feed on oregano herbs.
This Dominican braised goat meat stew definitely be a dish to remember in your trip.
5. Salpicón
Love seafood? Then you’ve got to try salpicón when you’re chilling on the beaches of the Dominican Republic!
This simple yet super popular dish is a hit with beachgoers, thanks to its fresh, zesty flavors. Made with a mix of chunky seafood and veggies tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, it’s perfect as a light appetizer or even a satisfying main course. Everything is either boiled or well-cooked, so it’s as safe as it is tasty.
And if you’re sipping on a cold drink or a cocktail, salpicón makes an awesome pairing!
6. Sopa de Mondongo
Looking for an authentic and adventurous taste of local cuisine? Sopa de mondongo (mondongo soup) delivers.
Made from tender animal tripe and simmered with vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, and garlic, it’s full of bold flavors and tradition.
Often enjoyed during special occasions, this dish is perfect for travelers looking to explore beyond the familiar.
7. la Bandera Dominicana
If you’re visiting the Dominican Republic, la Bandera – meaning “the Flag” – is a must-try dish. Named for its resemblance to the national flag, it’s a staple of Dominican home cooking and a symbol of national pride.
This hearty meal typically includes white rice, stewed kidney beans, and a choice of meat – usually chicken, beef, or pork – served alongside a fresh salad. Each part is prepared separately but brought together on one plate for a satisfying, well-balanced experience.
8. Mangú
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If you’re a fan of bananas, you’ll be surprised to discover that in the Dominican Republic, bananas are often larger and typically cooked rather than eaten raw. These are known as plantains, and they’re a staple in Dominican cuisine.
Plantains are the key ingredient in a traditional dish called mangú. While a similar dish, mofongo, is made with roasted or fried plantains, mangú is made by boiling green plantains and then mashing them with butter (sometimes with a splash of water or oil for a smoother texture). The result is a creamy, savory side dish that’s especially popular at breakfast.
Mangú is a must-try if you want to experience a true taste of Dominican home cooking.
9. Pescado Frito
If you’re not into chicken, pork, or beef but prefer fish, choose the pescado frito dish instead. In the Dominican Republic, fish is not only common but also incredibly popular, especially when served whole and fried.
While “pescado frito” simply refers to fried fish, what makes it special is the way it’s prepared in Boca Chica, the main beach in the DR. Using the freshest fish, the right kind of oil, and garnishing it with lime and lemon, the result is a truly unforgettable dish.
A whole pescado frito is a must-try when visiting the Dominican Republic.
10. Mofongo
When it comes to food, Dominican people is very imaginative in using common ingredients like plantains.
Mofongo is a Dominican must try food made out roasted and mashed green plantains mixed with garlic and crispy-fried pork skin called chicharrón. Shaped like ball servings, at first bite it creates a crisps sound yet tender tasteful food.
Traditionally, this Dominican dish is served in a pilón, a wooden mortar that forms the bowl of the mortar and pestle.
11. Moro de Guandules
If you’re a rice lover or follow a vegan diet, don’t worry during your first visit to the Dominican Republic. Be sure to try moro de guandules (“Moorish pigeon dish”), a traditional dish made with rice and pigeon peas, simmered together to create a comforting one-pot meal.
For a twist, you can enjoy moro de guandules con coco, where coconut milk is added to create a creamy, flavorful variation of this simple yet delicious dish.
Moro de guandules originated in Samaná and has since become a beloved dish adopted by Dominicans across the country.
12. Catibías
Catibías are empanadas made with cassava (yuca) flour, also known as empanadas de Yuca. This traditional Dominican dish is especially popular both among locals and visitors, particularly because it’s naturally gluten-free.
Catibías can be filled with a variety of savory ingredients such as cheese, ground meat, or even sweet fillings like guava.
Many people prefer catibías over wheat flour empanadas, as they tend to stay crispier for a longer time. Whether enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal, catibías are a must-try when exploring Dominican cuisine.
13. Tostones
If you enjoy fruits but prefer them cooked, the Dominican Republic has a popular dish you should try: tostones. This delicious side dish is made from unripe plantains and offers a savory, crispy alternative to the usual sweet fruit preparations.
Unlike mashed plantain dishes, tostones are made by slicing green plantains, then frying them twice. First, the slices are fried until lightly golden. Then, they’re flattened and fried again until they reach a perfect crispy texture and deep golden color. A sprinkle of salt finishes them off, enhancing their flavor.
Tostones are often enjoyed like chips – crispy, salty, and perfect for dipping or eating on their own. They’re a staple side dish in Dominican cuisine and a must-try for anyone exploring the island’s culinary offerings.
14. Pastelón
Often referred to as Dominican lasagna, pastelón is a sweet-and-savory layered casserole made with ripe plantains, seasoned ground beef (typically Dominican-style picadillo), and cheese – often cheddar.
In the Dominican Republic, it’s commonly known as a ripe plantain casserole. Unlike the Puerto Rican version, which features horizontally sliced and fried plantains, the Dominican pastelón typically uses mashed plantains, giving it a texture more akin to shepherd’s pie.
This traditional Dominican dish can be served as a hearty main course with a side salad or enjoyed as a flavorful side dish.
15. Habichuelas con Dulce
If you’re in the Dominican Republic during Lent, get ready to see habichuelas con dulce just about everywhere.
This unique dessert might be the strangest (and the most delicious) sweet treat you’ve ever had. Habichuelas con dulce is made with red beans, coconut milk, regular milk, sweet potatoes, raisins, and spices – all blended into a smooth, creamy mixture.
People usually serve this sweet bean liquid dessert with milk cookies, or sometimes with casabe, a crunchy flatbread made from yuca.
