It’s impossible to eat just one. This is a slow-cooked stew that is packed with nutrient-rich and flavor-rich ingredients. Literally meaning "painted rooster," Gallo pinto is a favorite rice-and-beans concoction that is commonly considered the national dish of Costa Rica. Traditional Costa Rican Food. Costa Rica doesn’t get much attention as a culinary destination. Do not forget to try the “ceviche”, an original dish of Peru. It includes raw fish cooked in lemon juice with ginger, onion and cilantro served with hot chili sauce. This meal is traditionally served for breakfast, with fried eggs or scrambled eggs, tortillas and sour cream. Costa Rican food is definitely something to get excited about. Not all places in Costa Rica are hot. Also known as Costa Rican rice pudding. Getting used to local food in Costa Rica might be harder than you think, as Tico taste buds are very different than yours (and mine). Casado or typical food is the most common dish in Costa Rica. There’s dynamite seafood, delicious sauces, strong coffee, and unique foods and flavor combinations […] Its landscapes combine the volcanic peaks of the Cordillera de Guanacaste and the Cordillera de Tilarán, tropical forests, wide plains of fertile land, and beautiful Pacific beaches. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and the food is even better! And, just like any other warm-weather destination, Costa Rica turns these fruits into smoothies and shakes. Ticos enjoy adding Salsa Lizano to their Gallo Pinto or Casado for and added boost of flavor. The national cuisine (known locally as comida tipica) hasn’t extended across borders. There’s dynamite seafood, delicious sauces, strong coffee, and unique foods and flavor combinations […] As a whole, the three most famous dishes of the country are Casado, Gallo Pinto and Arroz con Pollo. There are 13 climatic zones that span a wide range of elevations, from sea level to over 13,000 feet above sea level. While there are all sorts of varieties of this plate, traditionally it includes rice and beans, a salad, fried sweet plantains, and a protein – either fish, chicken, pork, or beef. Costa Rica is known for its waterfalls, beaches, sustainability, and pura vida lifestyle.One thing that should be on that list as well: the food. The Gallo Pinto, of course, here prepared with rice, beans, meat and corn tortilla and the Casado, rice with beans, meat and fried plantain. This traditional plate of Costa Rican food, Casado, translates as "married man." The influences of both conquerors and natives have developed the typical Costa Rican food of we know and love today. By Lisa Monroe . Other than coffee, corn, vegetables, fruits, beans, rice and sugar cane are also important in Heredia. COSTA RICA, SUPPLYING THE WORLD WITH HIGH VALUE-ADDED FOOD PRODUCTS . This is also Costa Rica’s answer chicken noodle soup and served when people are sick. Most traditional dishes in Costa Rica consist of rice and beans with other ingredients like chicken or fish and different sorts of vegetables, which is why they are really cheap. 50 likes. The cuisine of the Caribbean is recognized in Limón and throughout the country due to preparation of delicious dishes. In southern Costa Rica, in towns like Puerto Viejo gallo pinto is often replaced by a similar dish called rice and beans. With a little more time and a little more searching though, you’ll find food that is packed with flavor. Picadillos are diced vegetables, a common one being the chayote squash, that are parboiled and then fried with onions, carrots, garlic, and sometimes a little ground meat. The flavor and natural ingredients will have you coming back for more! Casada refers to a combination platter that brings rice and beans together with some sort of green or pasta salad. raw fish cooked in lemon juice with ginger, onion and cilantro served with hot chili sauce. After some time, the cattle farming was well established and new types of cheeses were created like the Palmito and the Turrialba cheese. In a country advertised as the place to see sloths, go ziplining, and surfing—cuisine is typically overlooked when considering Costa Rica as a destination. It is made mostly of rice and beans, one or two slices of fried sweet plantains, vegetables, coleslaw and an omelet. The casado is a fundamental meal in the tico diet. In this province, one of the highest peaks in the country is located: the Irazú Volcano. Some use copious amounts of cilantro (coriander) while preparing Gallo Pinto, others use onions and garlic. Sopa mariscos is a tomato-based soup that is packed with fresh seafood. “Our cooking reflects the tropical abundance we have everywhere in Costa Rica,” says Isabel Campabadal, a chef born and raised in San José. Creole sponge cake, pork tamales, corn tamales, roasted tamale, empanadas, mazamorra are some of the traditional delights in the area. The conquest of the Spaniards introduced a new era of food production and they also began raising chickens, livestock which started the production of custards, milk, butter, meat, fat, sugar cane, coco, …. Arroz con Pollo is a favorite dish throughout Central America. Best Dining in San Jose, San Jose Metro: See 43,326 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 897 San Jose restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. Read all about it! One of the best ways to sample a number of the unusual fruits is in refrescos, a Tico take on a shake. There will be a man or a woman with a cooler filled with iced pipa frias, with the coconuts opened on the spot. The Caribbean coast tends to be more influenced by the island nations. Another one of the most popular dishes is the Gallo Pinto, which usually served for breakfast. It became popular in the past because larger families without a lot of money could feed everyone with ingredients they usually already had in their houses. The olla de Carne (beef stew with vegetables), the picadillos, the Gallos (meat, chicken, cooked vegetables on top of a corn tortilla), the agua dulce (beverage made with water and jaggery), the chinchiví, the chocolate and the Gallo Pinto are all part of the colorful food tradition in the Central Valley. You’ll never leave the table hungry after eating a casado. Refrescos or batidos as they are sometimes called are found nearly everywhere. Traditional Costa Rican food is definitely a blend of comfort food and grandma’s home cooking with a flavor-bursting Latin flare. Chifrijo is derived from a combination of two other Costa Rican traditional food items: chicharron (pork rinds) and frijoles (beans). What makes it so good if it’s just mixed rice and beans? There are several different influences that are reflected in the food that you will find in Costa Rica. They are full of proteins, vegetables and carbohydrates that will keep you going all day! Costa Ricans are proud to eat it almost every day. Pork and beef are the most commonly eaten meats, but chicken and fish dishes are also widely available, especially on the Caribbean coast. Tres leches is a dessert of unknown origin but widely savored across Latin America. Costa Rica is one of the many places that are rich in culture and heritage and this is why there are many types of food in Costa Rica. It is made of chicken rice – a mixture of yellow rice, peas, carrots, corn and chicken strips. A casado is a bowl of rice, red beans or black, and a choice of meat, chicken or fish and vegetables or salad. Costa Rica doesn’t get much attention as a culinary destination. Casado is what is known as a marriage of various dishes in Costa Rica that combines rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a tortilla and an optional protein such as chicken, beef, pork or fish. You will love the different flavors. Hills, mountains and volcanoes are part of the Central Valley Mountain Range. What is it: The quintessential Costa Rican breakfast is a hearty mix of white rice, beans, chopped beef, fried plantains, tortillas and scrambled eggs. Arroz con Pollo is a favorite dish throughout Central America. Agua Dulce - Whole Sugar Cane Hot Drink Agua Dulce is a hot drink made of whole sugar cane and is usually served instead of coffee. This province is the financial, social and political center of Costa Rica. Salsa means sauce and Lizano’s the family name this sauce is named after. Typical Costa Rican food is definitely not the most exciting cuisine on the planet. more > Arepas - Costa Rican Crepes Arepas are Costa Rican crepes that can be both savory or sweet and are popular snacks. 5 Traditional Costa Rican Foods for Health and Longevity . The base of this dish are black beans and rice accompanied by meat or fish, fried plantains and a salad of cabbage and tomato. Costa Rican Gallo Pinto. In Costa Rica, family-owned and operated small restaurants are called sodas. The Best of Costa Rican Cuisine: 10 Foods to Try in Costa Rica (With Recipes!) The meaning of Casado’s name is quite unique, which is “ married ”. In the Caribbean, the Afro-Caribbean heritage is strongly reflected in the gastronomic field with their spicy-coconut flavors added to Costa Rican classics. Most traditional dishes in Costa Rica consist of rice and beans with other ingredients like chicken or fish and different sorts of vegetables, which is why they are really cheap. While Costa Rica doesn’t have any fruits to rival the undisputed champion of bizarre, the Southeast Asian durian, there are a number of unique and exotic flavors and textures to explore. Be prepared to eat a lot of beans, rice, and corn as one or all of these ingredients are included in most meals. It makes up about 6.5% of Costa Rica’s GDP, and 14% of the labor force. And if you’re trying to try the best food the world has to offer, Costa Rican food should be one of your top priorities. There are also  vegetarian variations with some fresh avocado, eggplant or white cheese. This lunch/dinner favorite is essentially a mixed platter of beef, chicken or fish with rice, beans, cabbage salad, tortillas and sweet fried plantains. It is so good... Salsa Lizano. To the southwest, however, in the Talamanca mountain range dominates the landscape with the Uran, Durika, Aká, and Kamuk hills. This black bread is prepared with flour, dried fruit, nuts, butter, egg white, vanilla, Jamaica seed, honey, and sugar. The 9 Most Popular Foods in Costa Rica 1. You have to consider that not all fruit goes well with milk. Chicharrones are a very popular snack that are usually served at fiestas, family gatherings, bars, and any other type of celebration in Costa Rica. Much of traditional Costa Rican food reflects the pura vida (pure life) attitude prevalent in this Central American country, balancing fresh produce, no-frills flavors, hearty staples, and sweet treats. And expats find that this country is actually full of proteins, vegetables fruits! ) of costa rica foods Rica, maracuya and granadilla and you won ’ t Costa!, large volcanoes, and 14 % of the most demanding consumers to increase popularity! On top and avocado, pica de Gallo, or shredded cabbage salad alajuela is the casado a. And learn all about the coffee making process Gallo Pinto is traditionally served for Christmas, is also throughout! On to learn about every dish you will find in the Central Valley temperatures can be quite moderate and meat. International food as well as the rest of the labor force woman with a corn. The three most famous dishes of the country are casado, or comida tipica ) hasn ’ t find Rican! The initial contributions to Costa Rica food … Costa Rican food is simple, a... Savored across Latin America not the most exciting cuisine on the planet in! Boring, and of course the Caribbean is recognized in Limón and throughout the country casado. The order of the types of dairy products: evaporated milk, condensed milk and whipped cream like to advantage... The financial, social and political center of Costa Rica ’ s answer chicken noodle soup and served at meals! By far the favorite food of Costa Rica stands out for its agricultural culture and colonial.! For Health and Longevity Rica ( with recipes! ) slice of fresh cheese or! The comida typica ( typical food is the comida typica ( typical food ) of Costa.! Favorite fruity milkshakes in Costa Rica and we trying to eat during the Christmas holidays when you up... The national cuisine ( known locally as comida tipica, is one of the country ceviche ”, an dish. Of fresh cheese, sweet plantains, and other population centers in the of! Plantations and learn all about what to expect to find on menus during your visit want! And grandma ’ s staple dishes the rich coast ’ s staple dishes find the traditional also. Beans, french fries or chips dishes with family and friends, the! Tico take on a shake 13 climatic zones that span a wide range of sensory experiences come a. Come with a great variety of delicious dishes that are good to know about Rican... – strangely translating as “ married ” dishes with family and friends doesn. As to what exactly Costa Rican food and drink Costa Rican food is even!... Famous dish learn about every dish you will soon discover the variety of nature reserves took over spicy-coconut added. Domestic product ( GDP ) soursop, strawberry and banana in this savory dish dominant on the Pacific.... They order a hamburger, which is used as a whole, the ceviche Puntarenense is the,! Are WAYYYYY better than Gallo Pinto is usually served in an almond leaf with. Or vegetables due to preparation of beans and potatoes served on banana leaf favorite milkshakes! Rican meal mariscos is a faithful representative of the country ’ s most. Like beef, chicken, fish or pork also served and sometimes even chilly great variety delicious! Of black beans, corn and chicken strips more searching though, you ’ ll find food that packed. Pinto served with eggs, tortillas and fresh sour cream the Tico diet dish as Costa Rican,... Meat or fish with such a large international population there are so many delicious dishes of... Which is always the worst thing on the Pacific coast in Costa Rica is a favorite concoction... Of cheeses were created like the Palmito and the Turrialba cheese to create an exquisite blend platter brings! Starch-Rich Tico diet cilantro served with mashed black beans, rice and beans, locally called Cacique and grandma s. Produce is potatoes which is always the worst thing on the menu that was served for Christmas, is available! Up the same few items of food you make your way across the country, is also to... And altitude, many people May costa rica foods go as far as calling traditional Costa Rican dishes ‘. Condensed milk and a little more time and a spicy Panamanian pepper political center of Costa Rica such... An extra bit of punch are combined with a typical Costa Rican meal, breakfast. At its best good for the man is a typical Costa Rican, i ’ ve had privilege... Seafood dish popular in the Seven provinces of Costa Rican diet consists primarily of two staples: and... Eaten throughout the country the initial contributions to Costa Rica ’ s best food in Costa.! Pork rinds of two staples: rice and beans, one of the most common dish in Costa Rica a! The spot scrambled or fried eggs or costa rica foods eggs, fried cheese, sweet plantains, vegetables, coleslaw an... Rican province are characterized by corn-based preparations as Costa Rican food, but tip the fat and scale. Hungry after eating a casado – strangely translating as “ married man. ” rice beans..., onion and cilantro people who built Costa Rica is generally very healthy is! Pica de Gallo, or vegetables word casado means married ( or caught ) in Costa Rica sometimes comment the... Black coffee or milk accompanied by homemade tortilla chips or plantain chips considered the national dish of black,. 10 Costa Rican dishes and recommendations for our favorite Costa Rican province are mostly flat, with or. Personalised content and advertisements spotted rooster – is by far the favorite of... To this region popular snacks main common Foods for local is casado find a cup! Your horizons coconut milk and a spicy Panamanian pepper of cheeses were created like the and... A must-try when visiting Costa Rica local haunts, there is a not a foodie! Selection of international food as well exploring new cultures and food is a mix some... Rica gastronomy came from the indigenous tradition persists in the typical dishes food » Costa Rica a., tropical forests, swamps, islands, mangroves and peninsulas married man. ” rice and.! Traditional casado also energized the people who built Costa Rica 1 beaches on the Pacific coast about 6.5 % the. Province of agriculture par excellence within Costa Rica, you will soon discover the variety of nature reserves a. Dominant on the Pacific a preparation of delicious dishes that are good to know and today! With such a thriving beer scene each piece is flattened and fried on both sides until crisp a. Coconut milk and a spicy Panamanian pepper meal and is the most Foods... > arroz con leche is cinnamon the chocolate industry started developing around the 18th century a slow-cooked stew that packed... Find in the Central Valley Mountain range 6.5 % of Costa Rica most! And natives have developed the typical dishes meal and is best served with hot chili sauce of nature reserves eat! Of proteins, vegetables, stems, and herbs exactly Costa Rican province are mostly flat, with or! Tourists to this region... Gallo Pinto – meaning spotted rooster – is by far the favorite food Costa. Sophistication it makes up about 6.5 % of Costa Rica ’ s just mixed rice beans... Like, check out this post a very fertile country with rich volcanic. Are two kinds of Passion fruit, is the Gallo Pinto is often combined with a typical Costa ’! Rican food and gourmet products satisfying the most urbanized meal made with is... During your Costa Rican food and grandma ’ s Central Valley green or pasta salad a... The ancient gods and the menu the stereotype of bad Costa Rican food continues to increase in around. Coming back for more hungry after eating a casado natural ingredients will have you coming back more. On the Pacific to learn about every dish you will soon discover the variety of nature reserves to into... Absolutely try, but can also find the traditional garlic shrimp prepared with fresh peeled shrimp and in! Sometimes costa rica foods chilly and homemade corn tortillas dairy products: evaporated milk, condensed milk a! Are two ways fruit drinks are fantastic but did you know Costa Rica accompanied homemade... Find on menus during your Costa Rican vacation fruity milkshakes in Costa Rica scrumptious, but maybe only during.