You may be wondering what kind of local food you can find in Punta Cana.
By now you know that the hotels and resorts serve a variety of international cuisine that includes Asian, American, Italian, German and more.
However, many “foodies” will want to savor the local cuisine — the kind that they serve at home. Here is some information about real local Punta Cana food, for those who want to experience the authentic Dominican Republic.
Real Punta Cana Food
According to Simple, by Clara, some well know Dominican dishes include the following:
- Mangú (Plantain Mash)
- Sancocho (7-Meat Stew)
- Arroz Blanco (White Rice)
- Pollo Guisado (Braised Chicken)
- Tostones (Twice-Fried Plantains)
- Ensalada Verde (Green Salad)
With a rich culinary heritage, the Dominican Republic has dishes that are uniquely Dominican as well as those that have similarities to foods in other Latin American countries.
With a combination that includes a tri-Creole culture, indigenous Taino, African from African slave ancestry, and Spanish, the food reflects a mix of influences that creates some extraordinary tastes.
Many of the dishes make use of the abundant natural ingredients, such as beans, rice, bananas, chicken, pork, fish and other seafood.
A staple of this cuisine is influenced by the native Taino and is called casabe; it is a flatbread that is made from the yucca plant.
This dish can have fresh meat and spices heaped on it or just a sprinkle of salt, spices, and lime. Fried chicken is also served, with a particularly Dominican flavor.
Punta Cana Info mentions the Bandera, the most popular dish. Served in one dish, rice, beans and cooked meat (chicken, pork or beef) are combined.
This dish usually has fried plantains and ensalada (green salad) to accompany it.
Sancocho is a time-intensive stew that has many ingredients and is often served on special occasions.
Moro is similar to Bandera, but the rice and beans, accompanied by a meat stew, are mixed together and then cooked.
Locrio is seafood combined with rice and vegetables and is similar to paella, the Spanish dish. It can also be made with shrimp or chicken.
Where to Eat Dominican Food
Occasionally the restaurants at the hotels will offer a theme night, at which point Dominican fare might be served.
However, the place to savor the local fare is outside the hotel at the genuine local restaurants in town.
Adventurous travelers seek out the local cuisine, and there are some favorites.
The Like a Local Guide mentions a few restaurants that can be located for authentic fare.
- Picapollo Chino
- El Rincon del Marisco
- Comedor Anny
- Las Leñas
- Huracan Cafe
- Delicias de Bávaro
- Tropical fruit
- Joy nutricional popsicles
At these restaurants, you’ll have a chance to savor the local cuisine as well as traditional Dominican cuisine.
Included in the list above are two places you can go for traditional dessert, Punta Cana style.
Picapollo Chino
The closest thing to Kentucky Fried Chicken, it serves fast food fried chicken with Dominican flavor. Tostones are on the menu, but no vegetables!
El Rincon del Marisco
Quality seafood at good prices is the mark of this restaurant. You will also be able to savor other Dominican fares.
Comedor Anny
The place to eat “the flag” as the Dominicans call the traditional dish of rice, beans, and meat salad or tostones.
Prices are very reasonable and there is a buffet for those who want to fill up. Special plates can also be ordered here. Another bonus, it is near the beach.
Las Lenas
An old bakery, set in the Bavaro area. Find tortilla, juices, sandwiches, coffee and more. Homemade bread is sought after.
Huracan Cafe
In a setting of Los Corales beach, the restaurant also has dancing, DJs and drinks. A friendly atmosphere draws locals and visitors.
Delicias de Bavaro
It is near the beach and has a menu of traditional Dominican fare at reasonable prices.
You can get a quick meal, even late at night; it is open 24 hours. The atmosphere is trendy and somewhat European.
The two dessert stops are Tropical Fruit for a plate of fruit or a drink. Joy Nutricional popsicles serves a rainbow of handmade ice cream, all-natural and made in Punta Cana.
Flavors include avocado, chocolate, and sweet potato. It is close to the beach for those who want to cool off deliciously.
La Casita de Yeya
In the Galerias Puntacana, has also been praised as a destination for very good Dominican food.
It has been rated as a great place to bring kids and serves authentic fare.
El Pollo Borracho
Has been praised for authentic food, with the favorite being their Sancocho.
These are some of the popular local eateries; however, there are many more that can be recommended by friends, hotels or other locals.
The whole idea is to step out of your comfort zone at the resort and discover what Punta Cana is really about when it comes to a gastronomical adventure and the culture of the people.
The experience of the Dominican Republic, as well as your vacation in Punta Cana, will be much more authentic and memorable when you actually eat the delicious fare that the locals eat.
