Explore Authentic Flavors with The Most Popular Food And Drink in The Dominican Republic!

Are you someone who really appreciates the authentic discoveries of a destination? Would you like to know more about the Dominican Republic and its most popular foods and drinks? Join us as we take a good look at the most traditional and the most loved dishes, delights, and delicious beverages that you can find on this tropical island.

The most popular drinks in the Dominican Republic

Let us begin with the drinks. Despite being a hot country, the Dominican Republic brings a decent selection of both ice-cold and piping hot beverages for you to try. Some of these you may be able to find in your All Inclusive resort in Punta Cana, whilst others you may have to ask around a bit to find locally. Nevertheless, these are the top drinks people enjoy in the Dominican Republic.

1. Mamajuana 

If you ask anyone about drinks in the Dominican Republic you are for sure going to hear about the Mamajuana drink. This is a spiced alcoholic drink made by mixing rum, wine, honey, and a special combination of tree bark and herbs. It tastes somewhat like port but with a lot more flavor. Some people keep the bottle of bark and spices and use it to flavor Mamajuana drinks repeatedly for years and years. 

2. Morir Soñando

Whilst you may find this beverage in some other Latin American countries, its origins start here. As a popular drink, this unusual combination of milk and orange juice somehow just works really well even though it seems like it shouldn't. This cold and refreshing beverage is as delicious as it is unusual and needs to be experienced to be understood.  

3. Dominican Coffee

The Dominican Republic is famous for its small coffee plantations all over the island. However, if you want to try the most popular coffee then that is without a doubt the Santo Domingo coffee. There are a bunch more you should try but another worth a look is the Volcanica Dominican Red Honey Coffee 

4. Coco Loco

This drink's name literally means “the crazy coconut” and it is a blend of coconut milk, pineapple juice, amaretto, Dominican white rum, and grenadine. It can be served in a glass but the fun and classy way to drink it is straight from a coconut. 

5. Dominican Rum

Whether you are thirsty for a Cuba Libre, fancy a Piña Colada, desire a Banana Mama, or just want a good rum on the rocks, The Dominican Republic is a really good place for a high-quality rum. The obvious and most popular rum is the Centenario rum with its many different offshoots but there are also some other Dominican rum brands that are equally as good such as Barcelo, Brugal, and Bermudez rum.

6. Smoothies & Juices 

Need some refreshment on a hot day? The Dominican people have devised every cold and rejuvenating drink you could imagine. From coconut water to tamarind juice, sugarcane juice, soursop juice, acerola cherry juice, and every blend of delicious tropical fruits and flavors for your delight. 

7. Ginger Tea

Most places have some type of ginger tea available but in the Dominican Republic ginger tea is deploy ingrained in the culture. Often used as a remedy for every condition, Dominicans are famous for prescribing ginger tea to their family at every opportunity possible. 

8. Dominican hot chocolate

Hot chocolate tastes different everywhere you go. Dominicans love a good hot chocolate and it's definitely worth a try. Popular brands of hot chocolate include Munnè, Embajador, and Cortez. Note, however, that whilst you can get ready-made hot chocolate, the best Dominican versions are made with real chocolate from the same brands. 

9. Guavebarry

This is very famous and very traditional to the city of San Pedro de Macoris which is just under an hour and a half away from Punta Cana. This drink is so popular in fact that the famous Juan Luis Guerra included it as a core part of one of his Merengue songs. It's a strong alcoholic beverage that has many variations that usually base the drink around sugarcane, rum, and Guavaberrry which is also known as cambuizeiro or rumberry. 

10. Dominican Beer

Who doesn't enjoy a nice cold one after a long day of relaxing on the beach? Though there is quite a variety to choose from. The classic choice for the Dominican Republic is by all means the Presidente beer. Fun fact: when your beer is so cold that it gets that lovely white frosting covering the outside of the bottle Dominicans call this the “Wedding Dress” due to its presentation and the preference for a really cold beer. 

The most popular food to try in the Dominican Republic

Ok, now that you are refreshed and recharged with a nice local beverage, let us take a look at the local dishes and delicacies that you can try. This will be everything from local street food to homey dishes that the locals eat as a family. For some authentic Dominican foods, you can also ask the staff in your resort about some of their favorite flavors and yummy delights. 

1. Yaniqueque 

What is the first thing you would have when you get to the beach? In the Dominican Republic, it would be a Yaniqueque. These are savory Dominican crepes (they don't taste like crepes) that are deep-fried in a flavorful oil until they puff up into crunchy discs. Some Yanuqueques include a wonderful selection of fillings but the traditional way to eat them is as they are.

2. Tostones with Longaniza

Twice-fried green plantains create a yummy crunchy carb that for many can be better than a side of fries. This is accompanied by Longaniza which is a long sausage that is somewhat similar to chorizo but is specific to each Dominican region. Spiced sausage and plantains is as classic as it gets. 

3. Mangu & Los tres golpes

When you translate “Los Tres Golpes” it literally means “the three hits”. These three items refer to fried Dominican salami, sunny-side-up fried eggs, and local fried cheese that is able to avoid melting when cooked. These are accompanied by Mangu which is boiled plantain that is pureed a bit like mashed potatoes. Together these make the most traditional Dominican breakfast for you to enjoy. 

4. La Bandera

You can tell just from the name which translates to “The Dominican Flag” that this is going to be a traditional Dominican dish. White rice, stewed meat, and beans are supposed to represent the colors of the flag although the plate is technically just white and red without the blue. This plate often has some other additions but is always made from the foundation of these three parts. 

5. Chimichurri Burger

For the burger lovers out there, make sure that you do not miss out on the Dominican-style burgers that have homemade chimichurri sauce slathered atop the burger meat for a classic combo of flavors that always just works. 

6. Mofongo

Whilst there are some disputes regarding the origins of this dish, this is a delicious carbohydrate that is frequently served in the Dominican Republic, It consists of a green plantain that is mashed with garlic and crispy pork rind and then scooped and served on your plate like a ball of ice cream. 

7. El Sancocho

Whilst you may think that a soup is best suited to colder climates, Dominicans would disagree and research suggests that hot foods and drinks can actually cool you down quicker than cold ones. Sancocho is a stew made up of your choice of meat with local vegetables traditional to the area like sweet potato, squash, sweetcorn, and more. 

8. Fried fish and coconut

The ultimate beach meal? Quite possibly. Using very Caribbean tastes, this Dominican meal cooks whole fish and flavors it with a curry-like coconut sauce. This can be accompanied by tostones but is often served with a side of white rice. 

9. Dominican Kipes

This is basically a Dominican version of Lebanese Kibbeh. Whilst not a main course, it makes for a great appetizer or snack with friends. Kipes or Quipes are essentially oval-shaped balls of minced beef and bulgur which is a type of cracked wheat. Crispy on the outside, and deliciously soft in the middle. 

10. Roast pork and Moorish pigeon peas. 

A classically roasted piece of pork with plenty of rind still on it is often served with Moro de Guandules which is a flavorful rice with puffy pigeon peas and Latin spices. This simple pork and rice is traditional, simple, and yet surprisingly enjoyable. 

Visit the Dominican Republic!

Now that you have a good idea as to what tastes and authentic flavors await your palette in the Dominican Republic, why don't you start planning out your island experiences? 

An easy choice for travelers looking to stay by some of the best beaches is Finest Punta Cana. Here you will find a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and lounges where you can sit back, relax, and indulge your senses. 

The Dominican Republic awaits your arrival!