La Bandera

La Bandera is one of the most popular meals in the Dominican Republic. The dis includes rice, beans and meat .

For Dominicans, rice makes up most of the entrée. Using rice as a staple makes sense because it is versatile, inexpensive, and filling. Just like rice, chicken is an inexpensive ingredient which is used in La Bandera recipes.

The earliest this national dish could have existed was in the 1840s when the Dominicans declared their independence from Haiti.

How does La Bandera represent the red, white, and blue? The meat represents the blue in the flag, which stands for liberty. As you may have guessed, the rice means white, which signifies salvation. The red beans represent the red or the blood of heroes.