Meet
Ezequiel
Ezequiel was born and raised in Santo Domingo and is passionate about sharing the city's everyday food culture. He studied Hotel Management with a focus on culinary arts, but soon discovered that his true passion was experiencing great food rather than preparing it. Drawing on years of exploring neighborhood eateries, markets, and family-run food stalls, he introduces travelers to the authentic dishes and local businesses that define Dominican cuisine. Through his guided food tours, Ezequiel offers a genuine glimpse into daily life in Santo Domingo, connecting guests with the people, traditions, and stories behind every bite. His goal is not only for guests to taste Dominican food, but to understand why these dishes are such an important part of the country's culture and identity.
What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
Food Tour:
(1-6 guests)
Discover the flavors of Santo Domingo on a small-group, 3-hour walking food tour with local guide Ezequiel. Rather than visiting tourist restaurants, explore the neighborhood eateries, bakeries, markets, and family-run businesses where Dominicans eat every day. These authentic local spots have been shaped by generations of family traditions, neighborhood life, and the city's rich cultural influences. Along the way, taste traditional Dominican dishes while learning about the history, customs, and stories that have shaped the country's cuisine.
Begin your experience at Plaza Arturo Bautista Pellerano Castro (Parque Rosado), where Ezequiel introduces the route and shares how everyday Dominican food reflects the city's people, neighborhoods, and history. Your first tasting features a traditional Dominican meal: morning tours include a classic breakfast of mangú, eggs, fried cheese, salami, and local root vegetables, while afternoon tours feature a hearty lunch of la bandera (rice, beans, meat, and salad) or sancocho, depending on the day.
Continue to La Casa de los Dulces to sample traditional Dominican sweets from across the country while learning about regional ingredients, family recipes, and the role desserts play in Dominican culture. Depending on the tour time, you'll also visit Panadería Cen in Chinatown to enjoy a local bakery snack while discovering the influence of Chinese immigration on Dominican cuisine, or stop for a freshly fried empanada, a popular Dominican snack enjoyed on the go.
As you stroll through Mercado Modelo and its surrounding streets, explore colorful displays of tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, sweets, and other everyday ingredients while learning how they're used in Dominican homes. Ezequiel will also share how the market has evolved alongside tourism while remaining an important part of everyday life in Santo Domingo. Depending on availability, you'll sample seasonal tropical fruits and enjoy a refreshing local juice.
The tour concludes with a walk along historic Calle El Conde, where Ezequiel shares how the city's dining culture has evolved, comparing long-standing neighborhood eateries with newer restaurants that now serve visitors.
This relaxed 2 km (1.2 mile) walking tour offers an authentic introduction to Dominican cuisine, local history, and everyday life in Santo Domingo. Throughout the experience, you'll enjoy a variety of tastings, including a traditional Dominican breakfast or lunch, regional sweets, a local juice, a Chinatown bakery snack or empanada (depending on the tour time), and seasonal tropical fruits. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice. For fully vegetarian groups, Ezequiel can also tailor the route to include a local vegetarian restaurant.
Come prepared not only to taste Dominican food, but to understand the people, traditions, and stories behind every bite.
Notes:
Please note that this is a walking food tour of approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) and lasts about three hours. The pace is relaxed, but some sidewalks may be uneven and the weather can be hot, so comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, and water are recommended.
The experience visits authentic local businesses rather than polished tourist restaurants. Some locations are simple, busy, and may have limited seating or restroom access.
Please inform Ezequiel in advance about allergies, dietary restrictions, or mobility concerns. Dominican food often includes meat, dairy, eggs, and fried items, and some dishes may contain pork. Vegetarian options can be arranged with advance notice, but the local kitchens visited may not be able to guarantee complete protection from cross-contamination.
The exact dishes and stops may change depending on the time of day, seasonal availability, business hours, or local conditions. Additional food, drinks, and personal purchases are not included.
Languages spoken:
English, Spanish
Sample menu
