25 Nov All About Gastronomy in Punta Cana

Gastronomy in Punta Cana

Dominican food is characterised by its variety and many different styles. Rice, starch, coconut, potatoes, cassava or tapioca are often used in dishes and are commonly served in large portions as accompaniments. The plantain is also very typical, which is served in all different styles, whether cooked, confit or stewed. 

The gastronomy in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic in general is the best example of the Creole cuisine that characterises this country, the result of the mixture of Spanish, African and Taino influences. 

From region to region, the typical dishes vary and have different culinary elements. In the northwest, where there are more coconut trees and where fishing is abundant, fish dishes and coconut-based condiments predominate. 

In the central region, where the vegetables and other non-tropical products such as strawberries that are grown are the basis of their diet, a more vegetarian gastronomy predominates. However, something common to all regions is the way in which Dominicans prepare their traditional recipes, with fresh ingredients and no hot spices. 

Although dinner is the main meal, breakfast and lunch are abundant. Breakfast usually consists of mango, mashed banana puree and bacon or salami with fried red onion. Meat is the protagonist at lunch while, at dinner, the accompaniments are usually rice, beans or salad.

The most typical dishes in Dominican gastronomy

To make sure you don’t miss out on a single dish during your next holidays, here are the most common ones:

Mangú 

Fuente imágen: buenprovecho.hn

This is a traditional dish from the Dominican Republic that’s made from green plantains. It is usually eaten at breakfast, but can also be served at lunch or dinner. It can be presented as an appetizer or starter when people are over and we want to surprise our family or friends.  

Mangú is never lacking in the country’s gastronomy, since it can be found in all regions. It’s the most popular food and, regardless of whether it’s served hot or cold, it’s always a good choice.

It is very easy to prepare, you can even make it before your holidays to check if your version and the authentic one are anything alike at all. In our blog, we give you the recipe so you can make it yourself.

You can serve mangú with salami, cheese and fried eggs. Although this combination is quite caloric, it’s the most tasty and popular. As a recommendation, you can fry the cheese in a pan with a little oil. To do this, you need to buy a special type of cheese for frying. You’ll quickly see how it enhances the flavour. 

On the contrary, if you prefer to opt for a healthier combination, you can serve it with vegetables such as fried aubergines, courgette and squash. It will be delicious!

Dominican Flag

The Dominican Flag is a very typical dish in Punta Cana and in the Dominican Republic in general. You could say that it is the national dish par excellence. White rice is the basic ingredient that is complemented with beans, stewed meat, salad and fried green plantains, and it is usually served with a fresh fruit juice. It’s a very healthy and nutritious dish.

Fish and seafood

One of the typical foods in Punta Cana is grilled fish and seafood. Being a coastal area, fish and seafood abound on restaurant menus. One of the most common dishes is a Creole fish fillet -grouper, bonito or red snapper-, served with garlic and coconut. Another very common sauce is criolla, a mild tomato-based condiment, or diabla, a spicy tomato sauce. One of the things that you can’t miss if you go to Punta Cana is the seafood grill with shrimp from the coast, spider crabs, squid, crab, prawns or conch. 

Asopao 

Although Punta Cana is a hot destination, its gastronomy also includes copious soups made with local ingredients such as Asopao, an exquisite rice, chicken and tomato soup garnished with coriander and sometimes olives. Some restaurants also add seafood to give it a different touch. This dish is usually eaten for dinner, although today you can also usually find it at lunchtime.  

Moro 

Moro is a traditional dish you can find more in a domestic setting in Punta Cana. It is very simple to prepare and is made with beans, rice and meat, and is often served with a coconut sauce. Cod is sometimes also added. 

Sancocho 

Sancocho is one of the favourite and best-known dishes among Dominicans, although there are other countries in Central America and Latin America that also tend to cook it often. The base of this delicacy is meat, which is cooked with yucca, potato, plantain and coriander, among other ingredients. The result is highly nutritious and delicious. 

Mofongo

Mofongo is made with fried plantains, garlic and “chicharrones” (fried pork skins) that are crushed in a mortar known as a “pilón”. Although it is originally from Puerto Rico, it has become a staple of Dominican cuisine. 

Mabí and Mamajuana

When it comes to trying Dominican cuisine, you can’t forget their drinks. Mabí is one of the most popular drinks in Punta Cana and in all of the Dominican Republic. It is prepared with the bark of tropical vine, the native fruit of the region. In addition, another typical liquor from the region is Mamajuana, an alcoholic drink made with rum that is combined with ingredients such as cinnamon or sweet cloves. 

A representative sample of Punta Cana’s gastronomy can be found at the Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino. An incredible culinary experience awaits you here, even for the most demanding palates, since not only will you be able to try the country’s typical dishes, but you will also enjoy world-renowned cuisines such as the Mediterranean or Italian. Your holidays will taste great!