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What Food To Try in Santo Domingo and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Santo Domingo for 2024.

National currency: Dominican Peso, symbol — (international currency code DOP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Santo Domingo cafes and restaurants
$6.6 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.46
$32.8 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $26.22
$6.6 
Combo Meal
Starting from $6.55

What to Try in Santo Domingo

Must-try Dishes
Los Tres Golpes - The Three Hits - A classic Dominican breakfast of fried eggs, salami, and fried cheese served over mangu (mashed plantains). Locals enjoy this hearty dish to start their day, often paired with a hot mug of chocolate or coffee.

Chimichurri - Dominican Burger - A savory burger made with seasoned beef and topped with coleslaw and mayonnaise, often served in a toasted bun. You'll find vendors serving this popular street food late at night, making it a favorite among the nightlife crowd.

La Bandera - The Flag - A traditional lunch plate consisting of rice, beans, and stewed chicken, often drizzled with hot sauce. This dish is a staple during family meals and is typically eaten around midday when the whole family gathers to share stories over food.

Majarete - Sweet Corn Pudding - A creamy pudding made from corn, coconut milk, and sugar, often enjoyed as a local specialty during celebrations. It's commonly found in food stalls and is a must during local festivals, showcasing the sweetness of Dominican culture.

Chicharrón - Fried Pork Skin - Crispy, deep-fried pork belly, usually served with a side of tostones (fried green plantains). This dish, beloved for its contrasting textures, is frequently found in casual eateries, and it's best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer.

Potaje - Hearty Vegetable Stew - A thick stew made with an assortment of root vegetables, beans, and sometimes meat, depending on the season. Locals savor this warming dish in the colder months, often gathering around the kitchen to enjoy it from a communal pot.

Arepas - Corn Flatbreads - Thick cornmeal cakes that can be grilled or fried, often stuffed with cheese, vegetables, or meats. You'll find them at roadside stands, and they're especially popular for a late-night snack after a long day of exploring.

Asopao - Chicken Rice Soup - A comforting rice soup enriched with chicken, vegetables, and spices, usually enjoyed during gatherings. It's a staple for family dinners, where everyone sits together to savor its flavor-filled warmth.

Desserts & Drinks
Chocolate Caliente - Chocolate Caliente (hot chocolate) - A velvety drink made from rich dark chocolate, milk, and spices like cinnamon, often hand-whisked to create a frothy texture. Usually enjoyed during chilly mornings or in the evening, especially paired with fresh bread or pan de agua for dipping.

Morir Soñando - Morir Soñando (refreshing drink) - A smooth blend of orange juice, milk, and sugar, served over ice for a citrusy refreshment. Commonly enjoyed during the hot afternoons, it’s a perfect thirst-quencher after a long day at the beach. By the way, you'll want to avoid asking for it with too little sugar; locals prefer it on the sweeter side!

Presidente - Presidente (local beer) - A light, crisp lager made from malted barley and hops that's unbeatable during a sunny day. It’s often consumed at lively gatherings, street events, or over a plate of fried fish, making it an essential part of the local nightlife experience.

Chimi - Chimi (savory pastry) - Flaky pastry filled with a mixture of butter, flour, and sugar, sometimes with layers of cheese or assorted fruits. Best enjoyed as a late afternoon snack, it can be found in bakeries and street stalls across the city; don't forget to ask for a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top!

Habichuelas con Dulce - Habichuelas con Dulce (sweet bean dessert) - A creamy, sweet blend of red beans, coconut milk, cinnamon, and sugar served chilled, often garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or raisins. This festive dessert is traditionally enjoyed during Easter and is usually presented in small cups, inviting even the pickiest of eaters to indulge.

Food and Groceries in Santo Domingo

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.58
Oranges $2.38
Potatoes $1.41
Apples $3.14
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.87
0.5L Local Beer $1.85
Imported Beer $2.83
Wine Rating >4.0 $7.65

Various Groceries
Chicken $6.31
Cigarettes $3.06
Rice $1.16
Local Cheese $8.41

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

In Santo Domingo, the bustling energy of mealtime is palpable, especially around 12:30 PM when the lunch crowds swell in popular spots across the city. Locals typically enjoy their main meal around this time, with many offices and businesses breaking for a couple of hours. As a foreigner, you might expect a quick bite, but here, lunch is an event. Many restaurants offer a "lunch menu" which can include soups, rice, beans, and a meat dish for about DOP 300-500 (roughly $5-$8).

You’ll primarily find lively dining hubs in areas like Zona Colonial, Gazcue, and Piantini, each boasting their own unique culinary offerings. For instance, in Gazcue, you might pay around DOP 400 for a classic Dominican lunch, while in Zona Colonial, it can rise to DOP 700 for a more upscale experience. It's worth noting that while prices may vary significantly by district, you're likely to enjoy hearty portions no matter where you eat.

Payment methods here lean heavily towards cash, especially in smaller establishments. While international cards are accepted at larger venues, many street vendors and local eateries only take cash. (I've missed a few tasty meals due to that little quirk!) When it comes to tipping, rounding up the bill is the norm, and leaving around 10% is appreciated, although not strictly required.

A common dining habit among locals is to linger over meals. Unlike the fast-paced eating styles you might see elsewhere, here, it’s not unusual to enjoy a couple of hours at the table, chatting away over coffee (especially around 4 PM, when many take an afternoon break). This contrasts with tourist expectations of a quicker dining experience, which can leave visitors feeling rushed at times.

Rush hour typically hits around 1 PM when offices break for lunch, and you’ll want to avoid dining out during those peak hours unless you enjoy the vibrant chaos. It's best to head out either before noon or after 2 PM for a more leisurely experience.

For those planning to explore the local dining scene, securing a reservation is highly advisable, especially in popular areas or during the weekend when crowds swell. It's a common local practice that can save you from long waits and can make the whole dining experience smoother.

The food scene in Santo Domingo is still adapting to seasonal shifts; expect to see lighter fare in the hotter months as people seek refreshing dishes, while the cooler months bring heartier options like stews and soups. It’s fascinating to watch how the changing climate influences available ingredients and local favorites.

Observing these dining nuances offers a glimpse into the heart of Santo Domingo's culture and showcases a distinct rhythm characterized by connection and community over food.