National cuisine of Dominican Republic for gourmets

The tropical Dominican Republic is famous not only for enchanting landscapes but also for its wonderful cuisine reflecting the influences of Africa, Spain, and the indigenous Taíno people. Meals are predominantly hearty: local eat any meat or seafood with rice and beans, "La Bandera" - a mixture of rice, fried bananas, red beans, meat, and vegetables. Dinner is usually lighter - this is rice, which is washed down with coconut water and fresh fruit juice. Small pastries "Pastelitos" look like dough filled with cheese, vegetables, meat, etc.

Dominicans love to drink "Malta Morena" - a vitamin-rich sweet non-alcoholic drink with hops, corn, malt, and sugar. Locals are very fond of "Manga" - a dish of plantain bananas (extra large bananas) that boiled, mashed and mixed with fried red onions. Favorite desserts are a sweet, thick cream made of beans cooked on low heat, sweet potatoes, as well as "Flan" - a custard dessert, usually with caramel, but often with the addition of coconut, pineapple, and other fruits.

Meat lovers will surely appreciate "Mofongo" prepared with the use of Chicharron (roasted pork rinds), garlic, and plantains. All these ingredients are mashed up into a paste. It is also necessary to try delicious chicken stew with rice. Well, vegetarians should not ignore "Tostones" - slices of unripe plantains baked with the addition of sea salt and vegetable oil. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

On a festive table, especially at Christmas, there must be a roast chicken or pork. This dish is considered basic and prepared with particular care. Nuts and dried fruits are always present. They often serve as appetizers for a living room so that guests waiting there can have a bite before a festive meal. And, of course, holidays cannot do without sweets. "Turron" honey candies containing egg white, roasted nuts and sugar are served separately or prepared in the form of one large round pie. When it comes to festive drinks, "Eggnog " - a sweet drink made from milk or cream and whipped raw eggs - deserves separate mention. Sometimes it contains bourbon, rum or other alcoholic beverages. Each glass is decorated with ground nutmeg or cinnamon.

In a Dominican house, guests do not start eating until a host invites them to enjoy their meals. It's bad manners to leave the table before everyone finishes eating. Try to avoid keeping hands on your knees and putting elbows on the table. If you are no longer hungry, leave some food on the plate, but try to eat a large part. In restaurants, waiters are called by visual contact. It's very impolite to wave your arms, snap your fingers or shout for these purposes. The restaurant bill is usually paid by an inviter, but polite objections are also expected from a partner.

The Dominican Republic there has many wonderful places to eat. One of these places is Blu Pool Bar on Winston Churchill Street in Santo Domingo. The bar is located in the hotel, so there is a swimming pool nearby. Friendly bartenders, first-class service, excellent cocktails and snacks, a view of the city - everything you need for a relaxing holiday in a tropical country. A vegetarian menu is available.

Small family Nam Ñam Restaurant in seaside Punta Cana offers handmade desserts, hearty salads, hot sandwiches, fresh burgers, fine coffee, as well as a vegetarian menu that among other things includes wonderful grilled vegetables. There is also a children's menu. The restaurant is open all week, except Mondays. In north-eastern Las Galeras, right on the beach, is La Playita Restaurant & Beach Bar. It serves fresh seafood, as well as excellent Caribbean and international cuisines. A great place to enjoy the view of the bay while drinking a cold beer with an octopus or lobster salad. In Boga Boga Restaurant decorated in Spanish style on Simon Bolivar Avenue, you can taste Mediterranean and Latin American food. In a small beach town of Cabarete, you'll find The Honey Company - a favorite place for vegetarians and all those preferring healthy food. Smoothies, ice cream, fresh honey and own-produced yogurts are served here. But the most interesting thing about this cafe is a small shop selling natural handmade cosmetics.