Name: Chino de Mariscos
Location: Ave. Sarasota No. 38-A , Tel: 33-5249
Reason why?: Among the Asian communities, this choice is a non-brainer. It serves authentic Chinese/Cantonese food with consistent quality and reasonable pricing. Dim Sum menu available during Sunday lunch.
This is probably the oldest existing Chinese restaurant in Santo Domingo. Too many others have come and go. This one has survived the test of time and has become an institution among the Chinese-speakers living in DR. Lots of weddings, banquets and special functions specific to the Chinese-speaking community take place here.
However, you'll need to go with a somwhat knowledgeable Chinese-speaker to taste the best food there as many exotic and authentic dishes are strictly made on request off-the-menu. (You will still see Dominicans ordering chow-fan, chop-sui and other "psuedo" Chinese to go with papas fritas while the Chinese order entirely different food, such as steamed whole fish, seafood served in sugarcane basket, soup served in carved melon, stewed king crab...etc) If you see a round-table (seating 10 heads) full of Chinese people, go and have a peek of what they order/eat. If you are brave enough, ask them to write down the names of the dishes (in Chinese) for you so you can ask for them on your own. Many will gladly help you out.
A close 2nd choice is:
Bella Cristal
Roberto Pastoriza No. 458
Tel: 540-2923
The decor is much better here and the food is excellent, though not as good as Chino de Mariscos. The chef here used to work at Chino de Mariscos but left in the late 1990's to set up his own.
Location: Ave. Sarasota No. 38-A , Tel: 33-5249
Reason why?: Among the Asian communities, this choice is a non-brainer. It serves authentic Chinese/Cantonese food with consistent quality and reasonable pricing. Dim Sum menu available during Sunday lunch.
This is probably the oldest existing Chinese restaurant in Santo Domingo. Too many others have come and go. This one has survived the test of time and has become an institution among the Chinese-speakers living in DR. Lots of weddings, banquets and special functions specific to the Chinese-speaking community take place here.
However, you'll need to go with a somwhat knowledgeable Chinese-speaker to taste the best food there as many exotic and authentic dishes are strictly made on request off-the-menu. (You will still see Dominicans ordering chow-fan, chop-sui and other "psuedo" Chinese to go with papas fritas while the Chinese order entirely different food, such as steamed whole fish, seafood served in sugarcane basket, soup served in carved melon, stewed king crab...etc) If you see a round-table (seating 10 heads) full of Chinese people, go and have a peek of what they order/eat. If you are brave enough, ask them to write down the names of the dishes (in Chinese) for you so you can ask for them on your own. Many will gladly help you out.
A close 2nd choice is:
Bella Cristal
Roberto Pastoriza No. 458
Tel: 540-2923
The decor is much better here and the food is excellent, though not as good as Chino de Mariscos. The chef here used to work at Chino de Mariscos but left in the late 1990's to set up his own.