Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic

1. La Bandera Dominicana

A traditional Dominican meal consisting of rice, beans, fried salty fish or meat, and plantains. Try it at Mercado Modelo.

Authenticity: Experience a genuine taste of Dominican cuisine in a bustling local market.
Variety: Choose from different types of fish or meat to suit your preference.
Value: Enjoy a hearty meal at an affordable price.

A rich, comforting stew made with chicken, yuca, plantains, and various vegetables. Visit El Quijote Restaurant for this dish.

Cultural Significance: Savor a popular Dominican comfort food with roots in African and Taino heritage.
Warmth: Enjoy a hot, satisfying meal during cooler evenings in Santo Domingo Este.
Sharing: Share this communal dish with family and friends for an authentic experience.

A classic Dominican breakfast consisting of mashed plantains (mangú) and fried green plantain slices (tostones). Try it at Café Santo Domingo.

Tradition: Start your day with a traditional Dominican breakfast.
Taste: Savor the sweet and savory flavors of this simple yet delicious dish.
Location: Enjoy your meal at a historic coffee plantation turned cultural landmark.

Crispy fried chicken skin with seasoned and tender meat beneath. Find it at Parrandas La Mula.

Flavor: Savor the unique blend of spices used to season this dish.
Experience: Enjoy a lively, festive atmosphere while dining on this local favorite.
Portion Size: Share this filling dish with friends or save some for later.

A savory pastry filled with seasoned meat and raisins. Find it at Empanadería La Esperanza.

Portability: Grab a quick, tasty meal to go on the streets of Santo Domingo Este.
History: Trace the influence of Spanish and indigenous cultures in this popular dish.
Flavor: Experience a burst of flavors from the savory filling and sweet raisins.

A side dish made with boiled yuca (cassava) and seasoned with a garlic-based sauce called mojo criollo. Try it at Restaurante Casa de Hoyo.

Flavor: Enjoy the tangy, garlicky flavor of the mojo criollo sauce.
Tradition: Savor a side dish that's been enjoyed for generations in Santo Domingo Este.
Pairing: Complement other Dominican dishes with this versatile side.

A sweet pastry filled with guava paste and cheese. Find it at La Picota.

Sweetness: Indulge in a sweet treat made from locally sourced ingredients.
Culture: Discover the fusion of Taino, Spanish, and African cultures in this dessert.
Portability: Grab a quick, portable snack for your adventures around Santo Domingo Este.

A flavorful seafood dish made with shrimp, scallops, and fish in a zesty chimichurri sauce. Try it at Restaurante La Marmita.

A traditional Dominican dessert made with sweet potatoes (caroa) and a rich, anise-flavored filling called sobada. Try it at El Jibarito Restaurant.

Tradition: Experience a beloved Dominican dessert with roots in Taino and Spanish cultures.
Flavor: Savor the sweet, aromatic flavor of the sobada filling.
Texture: Enjoy the contrast between the soft, sweet potatoes and the firm, flavored filling.

Fried green plantain slices filled with a creamy shrimp filling. Try it at Restaurante Casa Blanca.

Flavor: Experience the savory, seafood flavor of the shrimp filling.
Texture: Enjoy the contrast between the crispy fried plantains and creamy shrimp filling.
Portability: Grab a quick, portable snack for your adventures around Santo Domingo Este.

Fried green plantain slices served with garlic and honey. Try it at Restaurante Casa Blanca.

Flavor: Savor the sweet, garlicky flavor of this simple yet delicious dish.
Texture: Enjoy the contrast between the crispy fried plantains and smooth garlic-honey dip.
Portability: Grab a quick, portable snack for your adventures around Santo Domingo Este.

A light, milk-soaked sponge cake topped with whipped cream. Try it at La Picota.

Fried, salted coconut slices. Try it at local street vendors throughout Santo Domingo Este.

Flavor: Savor the unique combination of sweet and salty flavors.
Portability: Grab a quick, portable snack for your adventures around Santo Domingo Este.
Experience: Engage with local vendors and enjoy a traditional treat.

A hot dog-like sandwich made with a grilled, sliced sausage served on a crusty roll. Try it at local street vendors throughout Santo Domingo Este.

Portability: Grab a quick, portable meal for your adventures around Santo Domingo Este.
Value: Enjoy a filling, affordable meal on the go.
Experience: Engage with local vendors and enjoy a traditional treat.

Garlic-fried mushrooms served as a side dish or appetizer. Try it at Restaurante Casa Blanca.

Flavor: Savor the bold, garlicky flavor of this simple yet delicious side.
Pairing: Complement other Dominican dishes with this versatile side.
Warmth: Enjoy a hot, comforting side dish during cooler evenings in Santo Domingo Este.