North Coast Dominican Republic Travel Guide
Dominican cuisine has a flavorful blend of Taíno, Spanish, and African influences. Staples include rice, beans, plantains, and various meats and seafood.
Known for its hearty, comforting dishes that deliver substance and flavor.
Plantains, both green and ripe, cornerstone of the diet. Rice, beans, yuca, ñame, sweet potatoes, and tropical fruits like mango, passion fruit, pineapple, papaya are common. Chicken, pork, beef, fresh fish, and seafood appear frequently.
Garlic, onion, bell peppers, cilantro, oregano for aromatic base. Sour orange brings a bright, tangy note. A spice blend called 'sazón' features in many dishes. Dishes are flavorful but not spicy.
Cabarete has standard Dominican fare, coastal areas feature fresh seafood. Inland areas may have more vegetables grown underground and heartier stews. Cabarete's international community also adds global flavors.
The national dish. White rice, red beans ('habichuelas guisadas'), and stewed meat (chicken or beef). Served with salad or deep-fried plantains.
Find it at any local "comedor."
Boiled and mashed green plantains. Served for breakfast with 'los tres golpes' (fried cheese, salami, eggs), topped with sautéed red onions.
Many local breakfast places and comedores offer this.
Mashed green plantains with garlic and 'chicharrones' (fried pork belly). Served with fried pork or shrimp. Can be dry or with broth.
Eateries with Dominican specialties will have this.
Hearty a casserole with various meats (beef, pork, chicken, goat) and root vegetables. A celebratory dish.
Look for it in larger Dominican restaurants or local dwellings.
Fish cooked in coconut sauce. This dish is common in areas by the coast like Cabarete.
Found at beachfront seafood restaurants.
Sweetened milk confection.
Dominican cake, known for its meringue frosting.
Fine dining options are limited. High-end hotels or resorts might feature more high-end restaurants. Cabarete generally favors a casual atmosphere.
Numerous options line Cabarete Bay. They offer international cuisine like Italian, French, Asian fusion, and good for you choices, alongside Dominican dishes.
Find small, family-independent restaurants ('comedores') throughout Cabarete. They offer 'La Bandera' and more local dishes at budget-friendly prices.
Various pizzerias and pasta restaurants catering to overseas tastes.
Look for wood-fired pizza spots popular with inhabitants and tourists.
Several restaurants offer sushi, Thai, or general Asian fusion. Health-conscious cafes serve vegetarian and vegan options.
Many spots cater to the active, health-minded watersports community.
Increasingly common in tourist-focused restaurants and health cafes. Many Dominican dishes are meat-heavy, but options like rice and beans, fried plantains, salads, and vegetable stews without meat exist. Explicitly state dietary needs.
There is a growing awareness, but not universal. Use a Translation card explaining dietary restrictions in The spanish language. Rice, beans, and roasted meats are naturally gluten-free. Plantains serve as a good gluten-free staple.
Some local cooks or guesthouses may offer informal cooking workshops centered on Dominican cuisine.
Inquire locally for availability.
Arrange visits to small-scale coffee or cacao farms in the surrounding hills.
Typically part of a broader day trip.
Regional culinary festivals or culinary events may occasionally happen, especially during peak season.
Often announced locally.
Be adventurous with your food choices. The local fare is filled with unique flavors waiting to be discovered.
Ask for recommendations. Locals often guide you in the direction of best, most authentic eateries.
These options are becoming more common, specifically in tourist-focused restaurants and health-conscious cafes.
Consciousness is increasing, even though it isn't universal. Bring a translation card explaining dietary restrictions in Spanish.
Halal and kosher options are very limited to non-existent. Travelers requiring these diets should plan to self-cater or rely on packaged goods.
Utilize translation apps to help convey your dietary needs effectively in Spanish.
Download offline language packs for areas with limited internet.
Before dining, check restaurant websites or social media for menus and explicit mentions of dietary accommodations.
Look for reviews from other travelers with similar dietary needs.
Learn about chocolate production.
Discover the process from bean to cup.
Less formal, but ask locals for relaxed food walks.
Consider beachfront spots with fresh, grilled seafood.
A popular sweet milk confection, often thick and caramelized.
Found in bakeries and local shops.
Tropical fruit juices (papaya, passion fruit, mango) are refreshing and widely available.
Look for 'Jugos Naturales' signs.
Cabarete's international community leads to a wide range of restaurant types, from casual cafes to more formal dining.
Try empanadas, grilled skewers, or fresh fruit from beach or roadside vendors.
Some local chefs or guesthouses conduct informal cooking classes, focusing on Dominican staples like 'mofongo' or 'La Bandera'.
Visit local farms growing coffee, cacao, or tropical fruits. Learn about the agricultural processes and taste fresh produce.
Sample various Dominican rums, a part of the local culture. Learn about the distillation procedure and different aging profiles.
Visit the local market for fresh produce, spices, and a glimpse into daily Dominican life. A true sensory experience.
Bargain politely for best prices.
While formal tours are rare, ask your local host or guesthouse owner for recommendations on local street food stalls or hidden 'comedores'.
Discover authentic local flavors.
The dining scene is mostly casual and beach-friendly, reflecting Cabarete's relaxed atmosphere.
A wide array of global cuisine restaurants shows the town's diverse expat and tourist community.
Prioritizing fresh local ingredients, especially seafood and tropical fruits, defining the authentic taste.
Always stick to bottled water. Don't drink tap water for drinking or brushing teeth.
