Costa Rica is a country with a rich history and culture, and its food is no exception. There are a ton of delicious must-tries if you plan to visit Costa Rica. In general, what you’ll find here is a mix of your favorite comfort food, that cozy grandma’s cooking, and nothing short of a Latin-inspired flavor bomb! Does that description confuse you? Well, the only way to figure out what we’re talking about is to give the wonderfully delicious dishes that Costa Rica has to offer a try.
That said, with so many dishes to try, you might be wondering which ones to keep an eye out for. Here are some of the many options you can give a go:
- Gallo Pinto
This is a national dish of Costa Rica, made with rice and beans. It is usually served for breakfast but can also be eaten for lunch or dinner.
- Tamales
Tamales are a type of cornmeal pudding that is steamed in a banana leaf. They are typically filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese and are popular street food in Costa Rica.
- Arroz Con Pollo
This is a dish of chicken and rice, which is popular in many Latin American countries. Costa Rican arroz con pollo is usually made with white rice, chicken, and vegetables.
- Casado
Casado is another popular Costa Rican dish made with rice, beans, meat, and vegetables. It is typically served for lunch or dinner.
- Empanadas
Empanadas are fried or baked pastries that are typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They are popular in many Latin American countries and can be found on the streets of Costa Rica.
- Plantains
Plantains are a type of banana that is often cooked and eaten as a side dish. They are often fried but can also be boiled, baked, or grilled.
- Yuca
Yuca is a type of root vegetable that is popular in Costa Rica. It is often boiled or fried and is often served as a side dish.
- Sopa Negra
Sopa Negra is a type of black bean soup that is popular in Costa Rica. It is usually made with black beans, pork, and vegetables.
- Arroz Con Leche
Arroz Con Leche is a type of rice pudding that is popular in Costa Rica. It is made with rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Tres Leches Cake
Tres Leches Cake is a type of sponge cake that is soaked in three types of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and whole milk. It is a popular dessert in Costa Rica.
Conclusion
All in all, these are just some of the many things you should give a try when you visit Costa Rica. Remember, there are many more dishes that we did not talk about here, but they’re still something you should try. So, keep an open mind and try these foods as part of your adventure. Not only will you keep your taste buds excited, but you might just discover your next all-time favorite delicacy!
If you want to try tastes from the major regions of Costa Rica in one dinner then you should book a stay at the award-winning boutique hotel Tierra Magnifica. Their restaurant Huacas offers every Monday a Chef’s tasting dinner at a community table for 12. Chef Valerios will take you to each canton in Costa Rica sampling truly authentic dishes created in the traditional way by Abuelas of that region.
