Luqman Notebook: No ugali in Dominican Republic…but La Bandera has me covered

Food experience is something any visitor in a new country will have to come across with. It is a must thing to happen especially if you’re staying in the new territory for more than a day.

My sojourn here in the Dominican Republic is no different. This Caribbean nation, which is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, also boasts a delicious and diverse culinary scene.

From traditional dishes to street food, the country has a lot to offer for food enthusiasts like yours truly.

With no Ugali here, I have savored almost all the flavors of the Dominican Republic foodie in Santo Domingo like La Bandera Dominicana, Sancocho, Mangu, Tostones, Chicharrón, and many more.

La Bandera Dominicana (Dominican Flag) will have a special place in my heart, it is the country’s national dish.

It consists of white rice, stewed beans, and your choice of meat, usually chicken or beef, cooked in a flavorful sauce.

It’s a colourful dish that refers to the national flag. The red is represented by the beans, the white by the rice, and the meat (usually chicken or beef) represents the third color.

I’m told no foodie trip to the Dominican Republic would be complete without trying La Bandera Dominicana.

The dish is typically accompanied by a side of fresh salad or avocado slices. Any Kenyan here who doesn’t want his stomach to take long to get used to other local dishes, goes for La Bandera Dominicana.

This type of food is similar to what back in Kenya especially among the Swahili people is popularly known as ‘Mseto’.

No food joint or even hotels can miss the Bandera Dominicana as it is known here on their daily menu as locals enjoy it and even visitors because rice is something you can find worldwide.

"We sell a lot of foods especially the local ones but you can’t miss rice and beans because many people here enjoy it," said Leila Cruz, a local food vendor in Colonial streets in Santo Domingo.

Another delicious food here is Sancocho, a stew that is a broth that combines several ingredients, made with seven different types of meats, which, mixed with tubers and different vegetables, form a most succulent compound.

It’s slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a rich and savory dish that will warm your soul.