Caribbean: Dominican Republic
Think glittering white sands fringed with nodding palms. Mountains and Valleys fragranced by orchids, ginger lilies and frangipani. The sizzling sounds of Merengue fizzing through your blood. And you've got the essence of the Dominican Republic down to a T. In fact, it's easy to see why Columbus labelled these shimmering shores 'the fairest land under heaven'. Throw a little laid-back Caribbean spirit into the mix, sprinkle liberally with Latino party passion and season with plenty of sunshine - you've got all the right ingredients for an enchanting paradise getaway.
TYPICAL LOCAL DISHES
Dominican Flag derives its name from the colours of the national flag, and Dominicans eat this dish for lunch nearly every day. It consists of stewed beef or chicken, with white rice and red kidney beans, and is normally accompanied by local salads and fried plantains. Sancocho is a slightly spicy stew which can include up to seven different types of meat, along with vegetables. Locals often serve it at family parties and other celebrations.
Chivo is goat meat, and it's very popular here in the Dominican Republic. You might find it roasted with herbs, lime juice and garlic, or stewed in tomato sauce. We think you'll find it surprisingly tasty! Fish is widely served around the coast, and tends to be fried (frito), grilled (a la plancha), in tomato sauce (a la criolla), or cooked in coconut milk (al coco). You'll also find freshly caught prawns and lobster. Desserts tend to be extremely sweet. You might find gateaux swamped in sticky icing, fruit preserved in sugary syrup, or the sweetest pudding of all, dulce de leche, which is sugar and condensed milk boiled to a caramel texture, and flavoured with cocoa, vanilla, fruit or coconut.
DRINKS OF THE REGION
Presidente is the local lager style beer, and comes in two sizes, one glass and three glasses respectively. Rum is locally made and good value. You can try dark or light rum, and it's often mixed with coke, sprite or made into a cocktail. Mixed with coke, it's called Cuba Libre. Pina Colada is often served in a pineapple or coconut, with lots of trimmings, and you'll find plenty of daiquiris and rum punches too.
