#3 Helados Bon

Usually, it takes at least 3 hot dancing women in thongs to make any product appeal to the masses. However, when it comes to Helados Bon-advertising is not necessary. Simply open up an Helados Bon and Dominicans will swarm to them like moths to a flame. Although, it has to be said, the scantily clad women are still included in the advertising as a courtesy to the people-kidding it’s mostly little kids looking REALLY happy. (all that sugar!)

Helados Bon is the Dominican version of Ben & Jerry’s or Baskin Robbins only reasonably priced and more widely adored. Since 1972 this magical little place has been bringing Dominicans happiness and much needed empty calories. Remember children, nothing bad can come of cream, sugar, ice & cake chunks. Bon flavors range from the typical chocolate & vanilla (zzzzz) to ciruela (plum) & bizcocho (cake).

Aside from the more exotic flavors, not-so-catchy names, and acid trippy advertising, Helados Bon is pretty much your average ice cream place. It’s a great place to visit on just about any occasion (dates, long walks, beach days, birthday parties). Interestingly enough, it was founded by an ex-presidential candidate-a true Dominican patriot. From politics to ice-cream, if that isn’t a great story I don’t know what is. He took the simple idea of selling ice cream and turned it into a bona fide mega-successful franchise. Kind of like the story about the guy who founded Starbucks…only not…come to think of it the only thing Starbucks has in common with Helados Bon is they are both found on just about every corner in their respective countries.

The best part about Helados Bon? Way too many to name. The worst part? Helados Bon is only available in the Caribbean. The downright sad part that causes many Dominicans to cry themselves to sleep every night? You can’t bring Helados Bon back to the U.S. in your suitcase.