Caribbean comfort cuisine at Thamel Kitchen

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel is hosting the much-anticipated Dominican Republic Food Festival from Nov 21 to 27, between the hours of 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. The hotel has invited a guest chef, Addys Jacquez, from the Dominican Republic. She has three decades of working in the food industry. She runs Burla’o Restaurant and Lounge in Belgium where she specializes in authentic Dominican cuisines. The festival will feature an array of dishes meticulously prepared by Chef Jacquez. 

‘It’s comfort food,” says Jacquez describing Dominican cuisine as the fusion of Mediterranean food with African ingredients. What adds intrigue is that Jacquez has curated traditional Dominican dishes for the festival, allowing attendees to savor the richness of the cuisine. 

The festival boosts a variety of food stations. The live grill station offers a variety of options including prawns, chicken, and vegetables. The coconut sauce and Al Ajillo sauce, served on the side, capture the authentic taste of Dominican cuisine.

The buffet has lots of dishes. But one dish that stands out is the Pigeon Peas Rice.  According to Jacquez, the dish is prepared only in Latin America and Africa. It’s fluffy and complements the Red Bean Stew. The pair has a comforting feel to it. Other noteworthy items include braised vegetables and eggplant lasagna. The lasagna had a smoky flavor that was balanced by the tomato sauce and melted cheese. 

The coconut fish is an aromatic dish with a soft, velvety feel to it. The spices are skillfully blended, bringing a touch of the tropics to your table. The lamb stew deserves a special mention. According to Jacquez, it’s mostly prepared during festive occasions. Interestingly, it’s the sole spicy dish in the entire traditional Dominican cuisine. But it’s not fiery enough for those who like their food on the hotter side. 

Sancocho (Meat stew) features varieties of meat like beef, chicken, and chicken. It’s a traditional dish served with broth infused with herbs and spices. It’s actually offered as a symbol of hospitality in Latin American countries. There is also a thukpa counter if you want something warm, comforting, and familiar to beat the winter chill.

Make sure to save some space for Dominican sweet treats. The Sweet Potato Pudding is a creamy blend of sweet potato and coconut that just melts in your mouth. Likewise, the Majarate, made with corn and grated coconut, is another delightful treat that you should try. It’s a ten out of ten.

If you are fond of trying out different cuisines, then mark your calendar and visit Thamel Kitchen at Kathmandu Marriott Hotel to enjoy the authentic Dominican dishes that are bursting with new flavors.

Their Specials:

Sancocho

Eggplant Lasagna

Pigeon Peas Rice

Coconut Fish

Sweet Potato Pudding

 Location: Naxal, Kathmandu

Meal for two: Rs 9000 including VAT

Opening hours:6:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Reservation: 9801911148

Online payment: Accepted

Parking: Available