Street Food & Snacks
Dominican street food is everywhere — vendors with grills, fryers, and coolers stand on every street corner. Here are the essentials:
Empanadas (Empanaditas)
Crescent-shaped, fried pastries filled with minced meat (Carne), chicken (Pollo), or cheese (Queso). In the Dominican Republic, they are fried in a yellow-colored dough (with Annatto/Achiote) — crispy, greasy, and available on every corner for 25–50 DOP (about 0.40–0.80 USD).
Chimichurri (Chimi)
Not to be confused with the Argentine herb sauce! A Dominican burger made from seasoned pork or beef with coleslaw, tomatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise, and a special sauce in a sweet bun. The best Chimis can be found at the stands along the Malecón in Santo Domingo — dozens of Chimi carts gather there in the evenings.
Yaroa
A modern Dominican fast food: a layer of French fries topped with seasoned chicken or pork, melted cheese, ketchup, and mayonnaise. It sounds simple but is addictive. Originated in Santiago in the 2000s, now available everywhere.
Other Snacks
- Tostones: Twice-fried green plantains — flattened, crispy, with garlic sauce. The Dominican alternative to fries
- Plátanos Maduros: Fried ripe (sweet) plantains — caramelized and soft. The perfect side dish
- Quipes (Kibbeh): Fried bulgur pockets with minced meat filling — a legacy of Arab immigrants (Lebanese and Syrians came in the late 19th century)
- Catibías: Fried cassava pockets, the Taíno heritage of the cuisine
- Batida: Milkshake made from tropical fruits — Mamey, Zapote, Chinola, Lechoza. Creamy, sweet, and refreshing
- Helados de Paleta: Handmade popsicles made from real fruits. Available on every street corner for 25 DOP