Dominican food may be slightly less well-known in the US than Cuban food or Puerto Rican food, but it is absolutely just as delicious as the cuisine of its Caribbean neighbors. It shares many of the same staple ingredients, like rice, beans, plantains, and pork, but preparations are slightly different and Dominican recipes often have their own twist that totally makes them stand out flavor-wise. Plus, there are some down-home dishes that you just will not find anywhere else.
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Dominican food is all about basic ingredients prepared really well and it's full of rich flavors and varied textures. Lots of simmering, stewing, and frying, using fresh herbs and earthy spices make Dominican cuisine a true treat for the taste buds. It's totally worth learning how to prepare at home so you can enjoy it whenever you want.
From mangú to habichuelas con dulce, there are amazing and unique Dominican recipes for every meal of the day. If you're Dominican, you already know this. But, even if you're Dominican, you may not know how to whip up all your favorites. Thankfully, the internet is full of authentic recipes for some of the most popular dishes from the Dominican Republic. Keep reading to find recipes for 30 of the best Dominican dishes.
Pollo guisado is part of a classic Dominican meal.
Pollo guisado–chicken stewed in a tomato-based sauce–is a traditional dish that is often served as the meat component of what Dominicans call "La Bandera," a classic Dominican meal of meat, rice, and beans. It is so flavorful and filling, and it will become one of your go-to recipes once you try it.
Get the full recipe from Seriously Hungry.
Dominican spaghetti is simple and savory.
Dominican spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. It's super simple, like most spaghetti dishes, but gets lots of deep, zesty flavor. This is a dish that people can get creative with, with the addition of anything from salami to bell peppers.
Find the full recipe on Dominican Cooking.
You can make Dominican-style meatballs in a slow cooker.
Sure, meatballs are known as a traditional Italian dish but once you've tried these, you'll see why they are a favorite. Dominican-style meatballs are a classic served over white rice or pasta. The meatballs simmer in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce for hours, so they get a deep flavor.
Get the full recipe from Chef Zee Cooks.
Oxtail stew will remind you of your abuela.
Oxtail stew is a traditional, old-school Dominican dish that will probably bring your straight back to your childhood if your family is from the D.R. Lots of root vegetables, like yuca and potatoes, make sancocho con rabo really hearty.
Find the full recipe on MamásLatinas.
Moro de habichuelas makes for a quick and tasty dinner.
A moro–or mixed rice dish–is basically a complete meal in one pot. Moro de habichuelas rojas comes together quickly and is so versatile that it can be served simply with sliced avocado or a salad or with any traditional meat dish.
Get the full recipe from La Cocina de Idelisa.
Moro de gandules is another popular moro.
Arroz con gandules–rice with pigeon peas–is another classic and popular moro. Although it is often served during celebrations, it's simple enough to make any night of the week. Teach your non-Dominican friends this recipe, and they will thank you for life.
Get the full recipe from Smart Little Cookie.
Dominican corn pudding is a unique dessert.
After all the savory flavors from your favorite Dominican dish, a sweet treat always comes in handy. Corn isn't actually used a ton in Latin countries in the Caribbean, which makes the sweet, creamy dessert that is Dominican corn pudding extra special.
Find the full recipe on MamásLatinas.
Sweet and savory pastelón is a classic.
The combination of beefy, meaty ground beef, sweet plantains, and cheese that makes up the Dominican casserole-style pastelón is always a winner. The sweet and salty flavor is totally addicting. Skip the ground beef and serve it to your vegetarian friends and family and they will love you forever.
Find the full recipe on The Noshery.
Mangú is the highlight of any Dominican breakfast.
Mangú is a Dominican dish of plantains that are boiled and then mashed with butter and their cooking oil. It's incredibly simple, but also incredibly delicious, especially when served as the base for a traditional Dominican breakfast with eggs, salami, fried cheese, and pickled onions.
Get the full recipe from Chef Zee Cooks.
Pescado frito is a shoreside staple.
In the Dominican Republic pescado frito — whole fried fish — is commonly found at roadside stands near or on the beach, especially Boca Chica beach, which is popular with locals. The fish is marinated in garlic and spices and served piping hot. Yummy!
Get the full recipe from Dominican Heat.
Tostones are a universal side dish.
Tostones–plantains that are sliced and fried twice until they're perfectly crispy–are the side dish that goes with pretty much everything in Dominican cuisine. They are absolute crunchy, salty perfection. Serve them for breakfast, lunch, dinner or simply a guilty-pleasure snack.
Get the full recipe from Taste the Islands.
Every Dominican family has its own recipe for habichuelas con dulce.
While most typically served — and shared — during the Lenten season, habichuelas con dulce is a favorite comfort food for many people with roots in the Dominican Republic. It's essentially a puree of soft-cooked beans, coconut milk, evaporated milk, sugar, and spices, including cinnamon.
Get the full recipe from Dominican Cooking.
Dominican potato salad has an unusual ingredient.
Thanks to the addition of beets, Dominican potato salad probably looks a little strange to people who didn't grow up with it, but once you taste it, it will definitely win you over. The pink color might throw some people off at first, but once they try it, they will convert. It's also perfect for barbecues.
Get the full recipe from Goya.
Dominican pasta salad has a nice crunch.
Dominican pasta salad isn't a whole lot different than American potato salad, except that it includes lots more fresh veggies, which adds tons of flavor and texture. Plus, you can skip the mayonnaise altogether for a lighter version that tastes just as good.
Get the full recipe from Chef Zee Cooks.
People search far and wide for Dominican cake.
A well-made Dominican cake is truly a thing of beauty–incredibly light and fluffy, sweet and filled with a jammy fruit filling–it's sought out for nearly every special occasion. Skip the search for a good Dominican bakery and learn how to make it yourself instead.
Get the full recipe from Side Chef.
Morir soñando is unexpected and refreshing.
Morir soñando is a popular drink in the Dominican Republic that will be loved by those with a sweet tooth. It is made by blending orange juice, milk, and sugar, then serving it over ice. It's sweet and creamy and totally refreshing on a hot day. It can even be spiked with alcohol! Mixing milk and orange juice might seem strange but it's actually a delightful combination.
Get the full recipe from 196 Flavors.
Salad is served at almost every meal in the DR.
Well, maybe not breakfast, but because Dominican food tends to be rich and a bit fatty, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is served alongside nearly every meal. Corn, avocado, and beets are some of the toppings that set it apart from the standard green salad.
Get the full recipe from Jeanette's Healthy Living.
The Dominican version of chicken and rice stew is thick and hearty.
Dominican chicken and rice stew — known as asopao — is so thick and rich it almost has the texture of risotto, but of course with amazing Latin flavors from cilantro, oregano, lime, and tomato. Cook a large pot of this on a cold winter day and its aromas and flavors will warm you right up.
Get the full recipe from Cooking With Books.
You can't get more authentic than mondongo.
Like in much of Latin America, in the Dominican Republic stews and soups are a big part of the cuisine and typically use traditional ingredients. Mondongo also known as tripe stew, is a classic and a big steaming bowl of it is said to cure nearly any ailment.
Get the full recipe from Uncommon Caribbean.
Pastelitos are like mini empanadas.
Pastelitos, which are essentially smaller savory empanadas, are a typical part of any appetizer spread in Dominican cuisine. They can be filled with meat, veggies, spices, or any combination thereof, and the dough is slightly fluffier than some other Latin American versions.
Get the full recipe from Dominican Cooking.
Yaniqueque are another addictive Dominican snack food.
Like pescado frito, yaniqueque–the Dominican version of johnny cakes–is a popular beach snack throughout the Dominican Republic with origins going back to Afro-Caribbean migrations. It's basically tender, fried dough and it's so, so tasty.
Get the full recipe from Lizette Invita.
Avena caliente is the most comforting breakfast.
Dominican avena caliente is made from oats and milk and is more like a warm, thick beverage than a traditional bowl of oats, but it's just as filling and comforting. It's also said to have plenty of nutrients and if you add a bit of vanilla or cinnamon, your little ones might just enjoy it.
Find the full recipe on MamásLatinas.
Locrio de pollo is a flavorful classic.
You can't really go wrong with this meal. In the Dominican Republic, classic arroz con pollo is often referred to as locrio de pollo and it's a classic family dish that is full of flavor from the marinated chicken, garlic, oregano, and spices.
Get the full recipe from Snapguide.
The "chimi" is essential Dominican street food.
In the Dominican Republic, chimichurri isn't an herb sauce, it's a juicy, saucy hamburger that is typically sold by street food vendors and it's especially popular among the late-night crowd. The burger is served on a soft bun with sauteed cabbage, seared tomato and onion slices, and a healthy dose of mayo-ketchup.
Get the full recipe from The Crumby Kitchen.
Papaya milkshakes are ubiquitous in the DR.
Papaya is native to the Dominican Republic and batido de lechoza is an incredibly popular refreshment there. It's super simple to throw together with just fresh papaya, milk, and a bit of sweetener. It's so creamy and refreshing, that it will almost feel like a tasty dessert treat.
Find the full recipe on My Colombian Recipes.
Chenchén is a perfect rice substitute.
Chenchén is a side dish made from cracked corn that comes from the southwestern region of the island. It's a great substitute for white rice and is even prepared similarly, making it a versatile accompaniment to many dishes.
Get the full recipe from Dominican Cooking.
Dominican fried chicken is something special.
Pica pollo–Dominican-style fried chicken–is seasoned with lots of garlic and lemon and dredged in flour before cooking to create an incredibly crunchy crust and chicken with lots of zesty flavor. It's so delightful, just one bite will make your mouth water.
Get the full recipe from Dominican Heat.
Flan is one of the most popular Dominican desserts.
Flan is beloved throughout the world these days and of course, it's a popular dessert all over Latin America, including in the Dominican Republic. Most countries–and most families even–have their own special touches. Try using Dominican-grown vanilla to flavor your flan.
Get the full recipe from Copy Me That.
Pasteles en hoja are perfect for the holidays.
Pasteles en hoja are basically the Dominican version of tamales, but instead of using corn, the masa is made with plantains and root vegetables, and cooked inside a plantain leaf. They are savory and delicious and especially popular around Christmastime.
Get the full recipe from Hungry Food Love.
Dulce de coco is dangerously delicious.
Dulce de coco is an irresistible sweet treat similar to fudge that is made by simmering fresh or dried coconut with evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. The flavor combination is a classic one and the creamy, chewy texture is to die for.
Get the full recipe from Dominican Cooking.
