If you’re wondering where to eat in Punta Cana because you want to immerse yourself in the local culture through food, you’ve come to the right place: this article is your definitive guide to Dominican cuisine through 10 essential dishes you must try.
Dominican cuisine is a delicious fusion of Taíno, Spanish and African flavours, which combine to create dishes full of flavour and tradition. And the good news is that you don’t always have to go to a formal restaurant to taste these delicacies.
Experiences such as La Hacienda Park also offer an authentic buffet of typical food for you to enjoy after a day full of adventure, where you can find all the delicacies you crave in one place. What could be more convenient than that?
10 Typical Dominican Dishes to Eat in Punta Cana
1. Mangu
The king of Dominican breakfasts is a creamy purée made from boiled green plantains, mashed and mixed with butter. It is traditionally served with ‘los tres golpes’ (the three toppings): fried egg, fried salami and fried cheese, and garnished with onions sautéed in vinegar. This delicacy is a symbol of Creole cuisine and Caribbean flavour.
2. Bandera Dominicana
The quintessential lunch in the Dominican Republic is a complete dish that represents the colours of the national flag. It consists of white rice, habichuelas (stewed beans) and carne guisada (chicken or beef stew). It is so fundamental that many families eat it almost every day, as it is a balanced and delicious dish that will give you energy for the whole day.
3. Pescado con Coco
This is an exquisite coastal dish, where fish (usually red snapper or grouper) is slowly cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, creating a mixture of sweet and savoury flavours. It is an emblematic dish of the Samaná region, although it can be found throughout the country, and is ideal for those looking for a seafood option.
4. Pastel en Hoja
This is a typical dish from the Dominican Republic, made with a dough of plantain or yautía stuffed with seasoned meat and wrapped in plantain leaves. It is steamed and especially enjoyed at family and festive celebrations. Its aroma and flavour evoke the tradition and warmth of Dominican cuisine.
5. Mofongo
Although popular throughout the Caribbean, the Dominican version is unique. It is a purée of fried green plantains mashed with garlic and pork rinds. It is often shaped into a dome and can be stuffed with shrimp, meat, or simply served with broth. This dish represents the fusion of African, Taíno, and Spanish heritage.
6. Locrio de Pollo
The Dominican version of Spanish paella is a rice dish cooked with chicken and a mixture of spices that give it an unmatched colour and flavour. It is a celebratory dish prepared in large pots for family parties and gatherings. Its festive nature makes it a symbol of unity and shared joy.
7. Tostones
The quintessential accompaniment to most dishes, tostones are slices of fried green plantain, crushed and refried until crispy. They can be eaten alone as a snack, with a little salt, or as an accompaniment to any meat or seafood. It is such a characteristic dish that there is a special tool for preparing it.
8. Chenchén
A typical delicacy from the south of the Dominican Republic, it is a creamy and slightly sweet dish made from corn, coconut milk, anise, cinnamon and sugar. Although it originated in the town of San Juan de la Maguana, it has become popular throughout the country and is considered the perfect accompaniment to goat stew.
9. Empanadas de Yuca
A delicious, gluten-free street snack. These are fried empanadas made with a dough of grated yuca and filled with meat or cheese. They can be found anywhere in the country and are an irresistible treat at any time of day. This snack, known as catibía, reflects the popular creativity of Dominican cuisine.
10. Habichuelas con Dulce
Although this is the traditional dessert for Holy Week, it can be found at other times of the year and is not to be missed. It is a sweet cream made from red beans with coconut milk, sweet potato and biscuits. It is a dessert unique in the world that surprises tourists with its combination of ingredients, but wins over palates with its creamy and spicy flavour.
Where can you eat these delicacies in Punta Cana?
There are undoubtedly many traditional places in Punta Cana where you can sample local delicacies, but a classic restaurant is not always the best option, as it may not be possible to try all the dishes you would like due to the size of the portions. Sometimes, a traditional buffet is a more practical option for trying a little bit of everything.
La Hacienda Park: Aventura y Gastronomía en un Solo Lugar
If you are looking for an option that combines fun and the opportunity to try the best of typical Dominican food, La Hacienda Park is your best choice. After an adrenaline-filled day of ziplining, horseback riding, buggy rides and safaris, the tour culminates with a delicious and varied buffet of typical Dominican food.
This buffet is designed to let you sample many of the island’s authentic flavours in one place. Spending a day at a venue like La Hacienda Park is a practical and perfect solution for families and groups, as it satisfies both adventure lovers and those curious about new flavours. In fact, at the buffet, you’ll find options that may include several of the dishes we just mentioned.
Where to eat in Punta Cana? Other Options
In addition to all-inclusive experiences, you can find these delicacies at:
- Local eateries or restaurants: Look in the most central areas of Punta Cana. This is where the locals eat and where you will find the most authentic food at affordable prices.
- Beach stalls: Many vendors on the beach offer fresh fried fish, tostones, and other snacks.
- High-end restaurants: Some luxury restaurants offer gourmet versions of these dishes.
Tips for foodies who want to eat in Punta Cana
- Try the natural juices: Don’t leave without trying a ‘morir soñando’ (orange juice with evaporated milk) or a refreshing chinola (passion fruit) juice.
- Don’t be afraid of street food: The empanada and yaniqueque stalls are delicious.
- Ask the locals: The best recommendation on where to eat in Punta Cana will always come from a resident.
Food is a fundamental part of every trip and of the culture of the country you are visiting. Not only do you feed your body, but you also connect with the heart of the Dominican Republic through its flavours.
Is your mouth watering yet, and do you want to eat the country’s typical delicacies in Punta Cana? Dare to try these dishes, and if you’re looking for a complete experience, book your tour with buffet included at La Hacienda Park!
