Costa Rican cuisine is simple, hearty, and full of flavor. Based on fresh ingredients like rice, beans, plantains, and tropical fruits, traditional meals reflect the country’s agricultural roots and emphasis on home-cooked comfort food.
Here are some of the most common and beloved meals you should try during your visit:
🍳 1. Gallo Pinto (Breakfast Classic)
- What it is: A mix of rice and black beans sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and cilantro
- Often served with: Eggs, toast or tortillas, sour cream (natilla), and coffee
- Where to find it: Everywhere—from hotels to roadside sodas
🍛 2. Casado (Traditional Lunch Plate)
- What it is: A full plate with rice, beans, meat (chicken, beef, pork, or fish), salad, and plantains
- Name meaning: “Casado” means “married,” symbolizing the union of staple foods
- Where to find it: Local sodas and casual restaurants
🌮 3. Chifrijo
- What it is: A bowl of rice, beans, fried pork (chicharrón), pico de gallo, and tortilla chips
- Where to find it: Bars and casual dining spots; popular as a snack or appetizer
- Best with: A cold local beer
🥣 4. Olla de Carne (Beef Soup)
- What it is: A hearty stew made with beef, yuca, corn, carrots, and plantains
- When to eat it: Typically enjoyed on weekends or rainy days
- Where to try it: Traditional homes or rustic restaurants
🍠 5. Arroz con Pollo
- What it is: Chicken and rice cooked with vegetables and seasoned with achiote for color
- Occasion: Common at parties and family gatherings
- Often served with: Russian salad (ensalada rusa) and sweet plantains
🍤 6. Ceviche Tico
- What it is: Fresh fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and peppers
- Where to find it: Coastal restaurants and seafood stands
- Best with: Crackers or fried plantains (patacones)
🥟 7. Empanadas
- What it is: Corn dough filled with cheese, beans, or meat, then fried
- Perfect for: A quick snack on the go
🧁 Typical Desserts
- Tres Leches Cake: Moist sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk
- Arroz con Leche: Creamy rice pudding with cinnamon
🥤 Drinks to Try
- Refrescos Naturales: Fresh fruit juices blended with water or milk
- Agua de Sapo: Traditional ginger and lime drink from the Caribbean coast
- Café: Costa Rica is famous for its high-quality coffee—drink it often and black!
For more Costa Rican travel and food guides, visit cronlinerguide.com