Puerto Plata Food: 5 Must-Try Dishes & Drinks

Thinking about heading to Puerto Plata? Well, that sounds exciting! Puerto Plata, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, it’s almost like a feast just waiting to happen, it’s got such yummy food and drinks. Way more than just beautiful beaches (and seriously, those beaches are unreal), you’ll come across all kinds of tasty treats. So, you could say, that exploring the food scene here lets you in on what the local way of life is all about, where flavors tell the tale of Dominican history. This isn’t your typical tourist trap grub; we are talking dishes that have roots going way back, shaped by a blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno touches. It’s an awesome thing to taste history, wouldn’t you agree?

1. Sancocho: A Hearty Dominican Stew

Oh, Sancocho! That’s one serious stew. You could even call it the national dish of the Dominican Republic. It’s not only food, that you eat when people celebrate or hang out on Sundays; rather, it represents everything that Dominican comfort food stands for. Essentially, picture this: a big ol’ pot bubbling away with up to seven sorts of meat—usually chicken, beef, pork, goat, sometimes even longaniza (sausage). Then you throw in yuca, yams, plantains, and other hearty veggies. That rich broth, loaded with cilantro and a whisper of lime, that’s pretty much heaven in a bowl. Every family’s version is a bit different, but you are sure to agree they’ve all got one thing down: the way they make it is all about savoring each and every bite.

Where to find it? Well, so many local restaurants, also called “comedores,” cook it up proper. Just ask anyone, as you will hear this recommendation again and again! A very well liked one is “El Bohio de Mama,” so very praised because of their extremely tasty Sancocho that’s just bursting with flavor. El Bohio de Mama Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (El Bohio de Mama)

2. Mofongo: Mashed Plantain Magic

Have you heard of Mofongo? Well, Mofongo’s origin is in Puerto Rico, and it is so super popular in the Dominican Republic, too. If you had to describe this dish you’d say that this meal feels like a culinary hug! Imagine this: plantains, and they are normally green ones, that get fried and then mashed together with garlic, salt, and chicharrón (pork cracklings). All that mashed tastiness then gets molded into a kind of bowl and then stuffed with all manner of fillings—shrimp, chicken, beef, you name it! The best bit? It soaks up all those savory juices from the filling. This meal will for sure have your taste buds jumping, because you get different textures, crunchy bits from the plantains, plus the richness of the meat, is there any question that it might just become your new favorite?

Looking for a place to try it? At “La Casita de Damar,” and they actually are so proud of their take on Mofongo. Every forkful is just an explosion of flavor, so totally worth checking out. Read our full review: La Casita de Damar Mofongo Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (La Casita de Damar)

3. La Bandera Dominicana: The Dominican Flag on a Plate

If there ever was a meal that explains Dominican cooking, then La Bandera Dominicana it has to be, also, very directly translates to “The Dominican Flag.” It symbolizes what’s normally on people’s plates at lunchtime and that they will fill you up, for sure! It is a mix of rice (that is the white on the flag), beans (usually reddish), and stewed meat (normally beef or chicken), there’s also fried plantains on the side, so it’s a whole party. Don’t forget the salad; normally you would get a simple lettuce-tomato-onion mix. That tastes lovely with everything. Very very simple, absolutely yummy, that is what it is. This trio provides the Dominican’s daily grub in almost all houses in the country.

If you’re eager to dig into some proper La Bandera, then give “Restaurant Casita Azul” a look, the local food there is so excellent and really captures the essence of the island! Check out their place: Restaurant Casita Azul Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Restaurant Casita Azul)

4. Mamajuana: The Dominican Elixir

Mamajuana! Have you ever tried something pretty crazy and truly Dominican? If that’s the plan, then Mamajuana, the Dominican Republic’s infamous drink, is your aim! Imagine this concoction, they make it by mixing rum, red wine, and honey with bark and herbs soaked in a glass bottle. The taste? Mmh, that’s more complex than explaining astrophysics! It’s quite sweet, with something like a herbal undertone. Loads of people also swear it’s an aphrodisiac and is beneficial for what hurts. Either way, one small sip will truly get your curiosity working.

Pretty much every bar and shop selling drinks will probably offer Mamajuana. Should you go looking, the local spots in Puerto Plata often have great homemade blends, so that could really be interesting to try. Talk to locals as they would likely direct you for the best local blends! Try out this recipe too: Dominican Mamajuana blend Full Recipe.

5. Habichuelas con Dulce: Sweet Creamed Beans

Want something sweet? It really would be impossible not to include a dessert and Habichuelas con Dulce is precisely it! Consider a dish very different, as it’s a very, very popular Dominican dessert prepared with beans! Imagine red kidney beans simmered in coconut milk, plus sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and a little bit of salt. When it’s thick and quite velvety, people pour in some raisins, little cookies, or cashews. Served cold; basically, every single family has their unique way of preparing it and most love drinking it all through the Easter season.

During Easter time, that sweet concoction can appear practically at every turn. Lots of Dominican families so enjoy preparing Habichuelas con Dulce, also it’s often handed out to all friends and relatives. If you’re roaming through Puerto Plata at other times of the year, check restaurants or dessert stores that might have a serving, as it’s really worth giving it a try! Also this a very popular recipe from El Cibao in DR: Sweet Creamed Beans Recipe

Read our full review: Dominican Cuisine Puerto Plata Full Review and Details