By Bridget Castner
When visiting Costa Rica there's no question about it, you must try the mouth-watering traditional cuisine. The cuisine is a lively blend of native, Spanish, and African flavors and is influenced heavily by the country's history and geography.
In this article you'll find a bunch of highly recommended foods that will sure to leave you hungry and planning a trip to Costa Rica!
Olla de Carne
Olla de Carne is a classic, staple dish in Costa Rica. This beef and vegetable stew is made in locals' homes as well as served at restaurants throughout the country. It's hearty and delicious, made with beef, green plantains, potatoes, yucca, carrots, and corn. The stew is served in a large bowl with rice and corn tortillas.
Ceviche
While Ceviche is known in other countries as well as Costa Rica, the Costa Rican take on this delicious dish features tilapia, diced vegetables in fresh lime juice, topped with cilantro. Another variation, green plantain ceviche is made with cooked green plantains, onion and garlic, peppers, vinegar, and lemon juice.
Patacones
Speaking of green plantains, Patacones are smashed tarts made with green plantains. It's the perfect snack to hold you over until dinner time, or munch on over a drink with friends. These tarts are usually served alongside refried beans, shredded beef, white cheese, pico de gallo, or guacamole.
Pipa fria
While this is technically a drink, you can certainly eat the inside of these fresh coconuts! You can usually find a vendor on the streets or beach with a cooler filled with these delicious and refreshing beverages. The best part about this drink? The vendor opens up the coconut for you on the spot and then hands it to you with the straw. This is definitely a must when on vacation in Costa Rica!
Tacos Ticos
This is hands down one of the most popular street foods in Costa Rica. They are made with delectable soft corn tortillas and filled with your meat of choice such as chicken, pork, or shredded beef, and then topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, cheese, and cilantro. Then, the tacos are drizzled with a Costa Rican sauce made of ketchup, mayo, and mustard called Tico sauce. You can eat these as a snack, or make it a meal with fried plantain chips and an invigorating fruit drink.
Casado
Treat yourself to one of Costa Rica's most versatile, popular lunches! This dish is a platter of white rice and beans served with either green salad or pasta salad. You can also choose a side of meat or fish. Vegetarians and vegans can opt for a side of fried plantains, avocado, or fries.
Sopa mariscos
Get a taste of the ocean with Sopa mariscos! This tomato-based soup is filled with all sorts of fresh seafood. Head to a restaurant to try this delicious dish that uses everything from shrimp and clams, mussels, squid, and more. Depending on where you go, the soup can even contain some fresh vegetables.
Chorreadas
Chorreadas is a scrumptious classic Costa Rican breakfast food. This is a great option for vegetarians because it's made with sweet corn batter made up of milk, eggs, fresh corn kernels, and sugar. The batter is cooked on a hot griddle and served with a side of sour cream, cheese, or both!
Gallo Pinto
Gallo Pinto is considered to be the national dish of Costa Rica. This dish is so loved and versatile, it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's made of rice and beans, and served with the egg style of your choice, some friend plantains, cheese, and chorizo. For a vegetarian option, just ask for the dish without chorizo.
Chifrijo
A common bar food snack, Chifrijo is a terrific dish to pair with some drinks. It has a base layer of rice, then black or red beans, chicharrones, pico de gallo, and then topped with avocado slices. The dish is served with tortilla chips, and if you like spicy food you can request a topping of chile to give it that extra kick!
Now that you have a little knowledge on some Costa Rican cuisine, which one of these mouthwatering dishes will you try?
