Costa Rican cuisine is not only nutritious but also boasts of jaw-dropping flavors and spices. The latter is due to the heavy reliance on fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Influenced by the Spanish tradition, corn, rice and beans form a staple part of the native cuisine.
What is it: Literally meaning ‘married man’, it is rice served with black beans, bell peppers, onions, fried plantains and any meat like beef, chicken, fish or pork.
What does it taste like: The meat is never overcooked, the rice has a slight taste of the traditional herbs like cilantro and the salad has a tickle of acidity. Imagine the effect of this on your taste buds.
What is it: The quintessential Costa Rican breakfast is a hearty mix of white rice, beans, chopped beef, fried plantains, tortillas and scrambled eggs. It is topped with a unique salsa sauce called Salsa Lizano.
What does it taste like: The combination of black beans and rice is a traditional pick in Costa Rica, and if you have Gallo Pinto you’ll realize why. It has a subtle flavor that blends with the tangy sauce and the slow-cooked meat.
What is it: Chicken and rice cooked together with clove, garlic, cilantro, turmeric, cumin, and oregano.
What does it taste like: The color of the dish makes you drool and then, of course, you have the tenderly cooked chicken followed by the mild fragrance of the rice! A rare treat!
What is it: A stew made with beef, potatoes, carrots, plantains and yucca.
What does it taste like: A wholesome, nutrient-rich soup but its delicate and meaty flavor will keep any food enthusiast interested.
What is it: Cubes of fish mixed with diced red onion, red pepper, cilantro and then marinated in a citrus juice like lemon.
What does it taste like: The tang of this dish and the tender fish along with the accompaniments of plantain or soda crackers will make sure you can never have enough of this dish.
What is it: Boiled plantains are filled with a mixture of corn, pork, saffron rice, and vegetables.
What does it taste like: This popular pick is a side dish served on special occasions and rightfully so because it is a burst of spicy and creamy flavors.
What is it: White rice cooked with bell pepper, cilantro, shrimp, squid, mussels, clams and any fish. The special ingredient is turmeric which gives that exotic yellow color.
What does it taste like: A fulfilling meal that is sumptuous; the shrimps have a unique flavor which blends with the aroma of the herbs.
What is it: Baked or fried wheat dough filled with cheese, potatoes, beans or any meat filling like pork, chicken, beef.
What does it taste like: A savory delight of the choicest filling in the world. Forget the calories for a day and gorge on these!
What is it: Served as an accompaniment, it is made with rice, corn tortilla, beans, and chicharron (fried pork). It can be made hotter by adding a bit of Tabasco sauce atop.
What does it taste like: The spices play with your tongue, the fried pork acts as the perfect appetizer, and the rice quietly numbs the senses!
What is it: Pejibaye is the palm fruit, which apart from being eaten raw is also blended in a broth of chicken stock, onions, cilantro, and olive oil.
What does it taste like: The texture is thick, and the beans are squishy enough so that you can chew them before they melt in your mouth. A cup of tasty nutrition!
What is it: A refreshing beverage made with milk, cinnamon, sugar and rice flour.
What does it taste like: Creamy and delicious! The exotic fragrance of cinnamon complements the thick texture created by the milk and rice flour.
Hello there! My name is Jay and I run this website. I'm a full-time traveler and freelance writer. This is where I share travel advice and help people pursue their traveling dreams.
You can learn more about me and my mission on the about me page.
It's nice to have you here :)
