Hema, host of The Moreish Podcast, chats with Harry Alvarez about the history, culture and cuisine of the Dominican Republic.
Harry, a Dominican-American and co-founder of Offbeat Travel, shares insights into the cultural influences in the Dominican Republic from the Indigenous Taino-Arawak, Spanish and African people, and how those influences show up in the food from ingredients and techniques used today in preparing everyday meals.
He emphasizes the strong African influence in Dominican culture while addressing the societal reluctance to acknowledge these roots due to colorism and shadism. In this conversation they touch on how the history of Hispaniola is taught in schools, often focusing on the independence from Haiti rather than emphasizing the importance of its independence from Spanish oppression.
To close out this episode, Harry shares some thoughts on tourism and encourages visitors to explore beyond resorts to experience the rich and diverse geographical beauty of the Dominican Republic and the Dominican people.
Resources:
Offbeat Travel website
Offbeat Travel on Instagram
Listen to the Dominican Republic episode from Season 1
What is moreish? | more·ish ˈmōrish | informal, of food, causing a desire for more
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