Sancocho is essentially a stew made with large pieces of meat, vegetables, and rice served in a yellowy broth.
Guanabana (soursop) - This is spiky green fruit, which has a soft, sweet white fruit on the inside.
Habichuelas con dulce - This is a spicy, creamy, sweet dessert made with pureed red beans, milk, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Often, people will add chunks of potatoes or little crackers to it. You usually drink it like hot chocolate - in a glass, and with a spoon.
Lucky for me, I like to try new things, and showing interest and appreciation for the local cuisine is one of the best ways to share in the culture and form connections with local people. What I've found living here is that people just really want to share with you! When I go on a walk, I am almost always offered a sack of bananas, fish, a glass of juice, and of course, fried chicken from Doña Gloria! At first, it was my instinct to decline these offers. "That's okay," I would say, as I continued on my walk. Then, I realized sitting down for a snack, sharing a juice, or helping someone peel their pigeon peas was the best way to integrate into Dominican culture. Now, I say yes to everything!
Access has honestly been the biggest adjustment when it comes to food in the US vs food here. In the US, most towns have several grocery stores just minutes away, 24-hour fast food chains and gas stations, luxury restaurants, and even Uber Eats.
