El Friturero
El Friturero street vendor is not seen in the streets of Colonial Zone everyday but when he does show up people always are ready to purchase his tasty wares.
This vendor carries a large bowl covered with paper and plastic with a small cutting type board lying across the top of the bowl. If he calls out his wares, which many times he does not, he will yell “Tripita. Tripita”!.
When El Friturero lifts the plastic
of the bowl a sort of unpleasant yet acquired aroma seeps out from within. Once you get past the smell and try what is inside you just may be pleasantly surprised.
Inside the bowl are some very special Dominican style-meats. Typically the bowl is filled with Morcilla, which is blood sausage, Tripe, which are pork intestines, and Panza which is pig stomach. The man cuts these morsels on his little cutting board and gives you a plate. Add some lemon or a vinegar type sauce on top if available. Sometimes he will offer some boiled platano to accompany the meats. Everyone needs to try the Fritureros treats at least one time.