Traditional Dominican Food: 5 Best to Try in Punta Cana
Dominican food is a mix of African, Caribbean, Spanish and Taino indigenous influences. It’s a melting pot of unique and delicious flavours. So be sure to factor in some time to enjoy some authentic Dominican food in Punta Cana.
Here are some of the top dishes and best food in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to add to your must-try list.
1. Mangú
One must-try food in Punta Cana is mangú or mashed plantain. Although it’s also popular as a side, this staple of Dominican cuisine is most often served for breakfast.
To make this powerhouse of a breakfast dish, green plantains are boiled and then mashed in the water they have been cooked in. To enhance the flavour, sautéed red onions cooked in apple cider vinegar are added to the top.
Another variation of mangú includes a topping of fried cheese, fried salami and fried eggs.
2. Ceviche
Popular throughout Latin and South America, ceviche features fresh seafood such as shrimp and tuna “cooked” in lime juice. It’s enjoyed as an appetizer and a beach snack.
In Punta Cana, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy your ceviche with tostones. These twice-fried plantains are exceptionally delicious.
3. Sanconcho Soup
In the Dominican Republic, sancocho soup is considered one of the national dishes. So it should definitely be on your list to try.
Dominican sancocho features meat, tubers (or provision) and other vegetables as the basic elements.
It also has white rice, red beans, and chicken, although sancocho can also be found with pork, sausage, goat or beef meat, as well.
4. Lechon Asado
One of the most popular Punta Cana foods at Christmas is lechon asado – roast suckling pig that’s been marinated in a mix of olives, garlic, naranja agria ( bitter orange juice), oregano and other spices. It’s then roasted until crispy tender.
Perfect for serving a crowd, it’s often the centerpiece of entertaining Dominican style.
5. Locrio
One of the best foods to eat in the Dominican Republic is locrio, the island’s equivalent of paella. This delicious traditional Dominican food is made by cooking seasoned rice and chicken (or seafood) in a large pan.
It’s perfect for serving a crowds so is ideal for parties and special occasions where everyone get a generous scoop of the meats and the crispy crust of flavourful rice baked on the bottom of the pan.
