Cibao Kitchen - Salem

I wish all mall food is like what Cibao has: delicious, unpretentious dishes with character. It's the first time I've seen Dominican food in a mall, which really should have been more popular. We had two kinds of pork with Spanish rice, and a stuffed cassava, all very well prepared, and washed with Dominican soda very satisfying! The price was fair and service was fast and friendly

First time trying Dominican food and won’t be my last.

Do get:Pork stewWhite riceDon’t get:Beef stewYellow rice (too much black pepper)

Located conveniently at the Rockingham Mall in Salem New Hampshire, this spot specializes in Dominican food. The first bite of rice filled my mouth with flavor. Then I tried the pernil aka pork shoulder, which was recommended by the young lady who helped me, was a perfect match with it. The pork was soft, tender and filled with flavor. The chicken empanada had potential, it was a bit dry but the chicken did have a good flavor. I think hot sauce or a mayo-ketchup sauce could have added some texture to it. But definitely, I do recommend Cibao, it was nice to see Latino food at the mall food court !!

The pork shoulder was very dry. No sauce of any kind. No inherent moisture from braising (think it was braised originally and then left under a heat lamp for hours or something). Then, my first bite was a giant salt bomb. No actual flavor. Just salt. It was that way throughout. The spanish rice and beans were less salty, but with no other flavor. Just salt again. So disappointing! I ordered from here expecting some lovely Dominican flavors. The fried sweet plantains were fine. I don't understand all the 5-star ratings. This was just not good. Bland but salty. Good thing it was cheap!