Chen chen is a mashed corn dish that is mainly prepared during Holy Week to commemorate the death and resurrection of Christ.
It is made by crushing corn and prepared in two versions: savory or sweet. A distinctive feature is that it is preferably served with goat meat, beans, or avocado.
The creation of Chen chen is linked to Haitian cultural influence; however, there are different perspectives that trace its origins to African customs. Chen chen is a dish enjoyed throughout all 31 provinces and the capital of the Dominican Republic.
The fusion of flavors in Dominican cuisine allows it to conquer foreign lands. For example, chef Inés Páez, known internationally as Chef Tita, is an ambassador of the flavors and gastronomic culture of the Dominican Republic in Europe. She was honored as an exemplary figure at the 2019 Gourmet Awards in Spain, where Chen chen with goat is considered a delicacy that represents the country and highlights its multicultural roots that influenced its cuisine.
Chen chen has the unique ability to be presented in two textures (creamy and spherical). For this reason, this dish was awarded on February 17, 2020, in Stuttgart, Germany, with a gold medal at the country's Culinary Olympics. This prestigious international culinary competition is the most important and renowned worldwide, recognizing the culinary artistry of the Dominican Republic.
