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What to eat in the Dominican Republic? Top 63 Dominican Foods

Last update: Thu Mar 20 2025
Top 63 Dominican Foods
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Dominican Foods

01

Dessert

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC and  3 more regions
4.3
Flan de coco
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Flan de coco or coconut flan is a delicate dessert that is popular in Colombia, Costa Rica, and parts of the Caribbean. It is typically made with eggs, coconut milk, condensed milk, cream, vanilla extract, and flaked coconut. The dessert is usually baked in small ramekins with caramel on the inside, so when flan de coco is inverted, it has a nice caramel layer on top and on the sides.


Before serving, the dessert is often topped with flaked coconut.

02

Fried Chicken Dish

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
4.2
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Pica pollo refers to Dominican-style fried chicken that is often eaten with a side dish of fried plantains and paired with a refreshing beverage on the side — usually beer or Coke. The freshness of the chicken comes from lemon juice in which it is marinated, while the coating mostly consists only of flour, or rarely, cornmeal.

MOST ICONIC Pica pollo

1
03

Breakfast

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
4.2
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Mangú is a traditional dish that consists primarily of mashed plantains. It is a staple breakfast food in the Dominican Republic but can also be served at other meals.


The preparation of mangú is quite simple: green plantains are peeled, cut into chunks, and boiled until they are soft. After boiling, the plantains are mashed with some of the water they were boiled in, along with butter, oil, or margarine to create a smooth, creamy consistency. 

MOST ICONIC Mangú

1
2
04
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Dominican food is a unique mixture of African, Spanish, and Taino Indian influences, without spiciness but with a lot of herbs and sauces. La bandera Dominicana (literally translated as the Dominican Flag) is one such dish and a staple of Dominican cuisine.


Similar to many Latin dishes, it starts with stewed beans and white rice, with the addition of meat, either stewed or roasted. The rice used in the dish is usually long-grained, cooked until it gets tender and dry on the exterior. It is mandatory to create a bit of concon - a dry, golden and crispy layer of rice, slightly burnt on the bottom of the pan. 

MOST ICONIC La bandera Dominicana

1
2
05

Stew

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
3.9
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Chivo guisado is a Dominican goat stew. It is usually prepared with pieces of goat meat, onions, bitter oranges, garlic, and tomatoes, while the secrets to this delicacy are wild oregano and Scotch bonnet peppers. Local goats feed on wild oregano, which is the reason for great flavors of chivo guisado.


It is recommended to serve this tender and flavorful stew with chenchén (cracked corn pilaf), which is another delicacy from this country.

MOST ICONIC Chivo guisado

1
06

Stew

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC and  2 more regions
3.9
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Carne guisada is a simple, traditional beef stew flavored with cumin, jalapeños, and chili powder. It is popular throughout Latin America, especially in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The dish is usually simmered over low heat for about two hours until the meat becomes tender.


It is recommended to serve it on flour tortillas, although it can also be paired with rice or potatoes.

07

Offal Soup

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC and  4 more regions
3.7
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Sopa de mondongo is a term that is widely used all across Central and South America when referring to a hearty tripe and vegetable soup. The star of the dish is beef or pork tripe, the rather tough edible part of animal stomach which is cut into smaller pieces and cooked with other ingredients in a flavorful broth.


Different versions of the soup are found all across Latin America, where it has been adapted with locally available ingredients and spices. Typically, sopa de mondongo employs plain and sweet potatoes, cassava, corn, cabbage, plantains, onions, sliced avocado, and generous amounts of chopped cilantro, which is used as a garnish. 
08

Cookie

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC and  one more region
n/a
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Conconetes are traditional cookies originating from Dominica. These rustic cookies are usually made with a combination of grated coconut, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon water, ginger, and salt. The cinnamon water is made by boiling cinnamon sticks in water.


The ingredients are mixed together into a homogenous mass, and scoops of the mixture are then placed on cookie sheets and baked in the oven until golden brown and crunchy. They can easily be found in most colmados (corner stores) in the country. It's recommended to serve them with fruit shakes, coffee, or cocoa on the side.

09

Flatbread

SANTO DOMINGO PROVINCE, Dominican Republic
4.5
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Yaniqueque or yanikeke is a Dominican fried bread with a crispy and crunchy texture. It is made with flour, salt, melted butter, and baking powder. The dough is rolled into thin circles with crimped edges, and it is then fried in hot oil until golden brown.


Yaniqueques are typically placed on paper towels in order to let out excess oil. They can be found throughout the country, on numerous streets and beaches. It is believed that this is a variation on the johnny cakes, and the dish was brought to the country in the 1900s by Afro-Caribbean immigrants. 
10

Stew

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
n/a
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Palmito guisado is a traditional dish originating from the Dominican Republic. This stew is usually made with a combination of cooked heart of palm, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, olives, oil, salt, and black pepper. The onions are sautéed in olive oil until translucent, and the remaining ingredients except the heart of palm are then added to the pot.


The stew is covered and simmered until the vegetables are fully cooked. The heart of palm is added with some water, and the stew is then simmered uncovered until the liquid becomes reduced to half. Pamito guisado is seasoned with salt and pepper before serving.

11
12
Rice Dish
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
n/a
13
Burger
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
3.8
14
Casserole
SANTIAGO PROVINCE, Dominican Republic
3.6
15
16
Beef Dish
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  and  one more country
3.4
17
Dessert
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
n/a
18
Stew
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
n/a
19
20
Sausage
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Dominican Food Products

01

Spirit

SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS, Dominican Republic
5.0
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Ron Bermúdez Don Armando is a high-quality Dominican rum, aged for up to 10 years in oak barrels, giving it a brilliant, medium amber color. Aromas of caramel, sugarcane juice, and citrus blend with subtle smoky notes of oak and coffee. The flavor is rich and sweet, with finishing notes of toasted oak and dried fruits, delivering a pleasant sensation on the palate.
AWARDS

London Spirits Competition - Gold

2024

02

Wine

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
5.0
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AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2018

03

Chocolate

SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORÍS, Dominican Republic
5.0
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Manteca de Cacao from Conacado is a high-quality cocoa butter derived from the Dominican Republic's rich cacao production. It is a key ingredient in chocolate-making and other confectionery products due to its smooth texture and distinct flavor. Cocoa butter is often used in the creation of fine chocolates, as well as in cosmetics and skincare products for its moisturizing properties.


Conacado's manteca de cacao is a premium product that supports sustainable practices, as it is produced by local farmers who benefit from Conacado's cooperative model. The product is typically sold in bulk to businesses, including chocolatiers and cosmetic manufacturers​.
04

Spirit

SAN PEDRO DE MACORÍS, Dominican Republic
4.9
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AWARDS

The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Gold

2022

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Gold

2024

USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy

2023

05
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95% Dark Chocolate is a premium chocolate product created by Choco Punto by Mabel. This dark chocolate boasts a high cocoa content, indicative of intense and rich flavors that appeal to true chocolate aficionados. The cacao used in this product is sourced from the Oko Caribe Cooperative, known for its high-quality beans and ethical farming practices.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2022

Academy of Chocolate - Top Gold

2022

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2023

06
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The Dark 100% Reserva Zorzal by Choco Punto (Mabel Chocolates) is a pure, unsweetened chocolate crafted solely from organic cacao grown in the Dominican Republic's Reserva Zorzal, a sustainable conservation reserve. This chocolate offers rich, earthy, and fruity notes, capturing the unique terroir of its origin.


Recognized internationally, it won Gold at the 2023 Academy of Chocolate Awards, a testament to its quality and craftsmanship.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2023

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2022, 2021

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2024

07

Spirit

SAN PEDRO DE MACORÍS, Dominican Republic
4.8
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Ron Barceló Gran Añejo is a premium Dominican rum crafted from a meticulous blend of the finest rums, aged for up to six years in ex-bourbon oak barrels. It features an inviting amber color, an aroma with hints of chocolate and vanilla, and a flavor profile that includes subtle notes of caramelized nuts with a semi-dry body, culminating in a finish reminiscent of nut butter and caramel that gently fades.


Gran Añejo is versatile and can be savored neat, over ice, or as a refined base for premium cocktails.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Gold

2024

08
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The product 80% Öko-Caribe Dominican Republic made by Definite Chocolate is a high-percentage dark chocolate bar crafted using fine cacao sourced from the Dominican Republic. The cacao is procured from the Öko-Caribe cooperative, known for its commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices.


The chocolate bar is notable for its rich and intense flavor profile, characterized by deep cocoa notes and a smooth, refined texture.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2023

Academy of Chocolate - Bronze

2020

09

Chocolate

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic
4.7
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AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2022

10
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Dark 70% Oko Caribe With Cocoa Nibs by Choco Punto by Mabel is a high-quality dark chocolate bar. It is known for its rich and complex flavor profile, which is achieved through the use of 70% cocoa content derived from beans sourced from Oko Caribe.


This chocolate is further enhanced with the inclusion of cocoa nibs, adding a crunchy texture and an extra layer of intense, roasted cocoa flavor. The product aims to provide a gourmet chocolate experience through careful selection and preparation of its ingredients.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2023

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Chocolate
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
4.7
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Chocolate
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
4.6
31
Chocolate
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
4.6
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Chocolate
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
4.6
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
Chocolate
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
4.5
53
Chocolate
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
4.5
54
55
56
57
58
59
Chocolate
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
4.5
60
61
62
Chocolate
HATO MAYOR, Dominican Republic
3.0
63
Chocolate
HATO MAYOR, Dominican Republic
2.5

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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