Simple meal reflects national identity

La Bandera, meaning the flag, is widely regarded as the quintessential daily meal of the Dominican Republic, reflecting the colours and rhythms of national identity through a simple yet balanced plate of rice, beans and meat.

Its origins lie in the colonial and post-colonial blending of Spanish culinary traditions with African and Taino influences, which together shaped the foundations of Dominican cuisine. While not tied to a single historical moment or inventor, La Bandera evolved...