Costa Rican Dishes to Try on Your Next Vacation
Costa Rica is a country with many different types of food. Costa Rican dishes are influenced by their geographical location and the people who live there. Costa Rican dishes can be found all over the world but they're generally unknown outside of Costa Rica itself. Below we will give you some ideas about what Costa Rican dishes you should try when visiting this beautiful country!
Some popular Costa Rican dishes
Costa Rican food is a unique and delicious mix of indigenous, European, and African flavors. Costa Ricans love their fresh fruits and vegetables, which are grown locally year-round. Costa Rican cuisine is based on simple dishes with few ingredients, many of which are indigenous to the country. Tourists will enjoy trying traditional Costa Rican dishes like Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), Casados (a plate of meat, rice, beans, and salad), Chorreadas (thick corn tortillas filled with cheese), and fried plantains.
Gallo Pinto
Gallo Pinto
Claimed by both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, gallo pinto is the national dish of Costa Rica. It is made up of rice and black beans, which are cooked together in saltwater. After cooking, it is served with scrambled eggs, fried plantains, assorted vegetables like red bell peppers, cilantro, and onions.
A Costa Rican breakfast is incomplete without gallo pinto, which many Costa Ricans eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Read more: When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?
Casado
Traditional plate of Casado
A typical Costa Rican meal of casado is served with rice, beans (either kidney or black), plantain, cabbage salad with tomato dressing on top, chile (pepper) sauce, and corn tortillas. Costa Rican dishes like casado vary depending on where you are in the country.
Many restaurants in Costa Rica have a bottle of Chilero Sauce on the table. This is a very popular, spicy sauce.
Chorreadas
Chorreadas, or corn cakes
Another popular Costa Rican dish is chorreadas, which are Costa Rican sweet or savory corn pancakes. They are made with fresh, ground white corn. Costa Ricans like to prepare chorreadas for breakfast or dinner because they go well with Costa Rican coleslaw (ensalada mixta), which is cabbage salad mixed with tomato, cucumbers, onion, and oil dressing.
When sweet, people usually put honey or syrup on them. When savory, they put some kind of sour cream that tastes like natilla on top.
Patacones (Fried Plantains)
Patacones are a Costa Rican staple that goes great with Costa Rican meals such as casado and gallo pinto. Costa Ricans love fried plantain so much that you even find it served in American fast-food restaurants, such as Burger King and McDonalds.
Costa Rica has become one of the world's leading exporters of plantains and bananas. Patacones are a delicious treat that Costa Ricans enjoy at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sopa Negra (Black Bean Soup)
Sopa Negra is a Costa Rican dish that is very filling and a great option for vegetarians. Costa Rican black bean soup is made with split black beans, onions, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and spices. It is served with hard-boiled egg halves as well as white rice. Costa Rican black bean soup goes great with fried plantains.
Other popular Costa Rican dishes include carne frita (fried meat), empanadas, tamales, and chicharrones (deep-fried pork).
What Costa Rican dishes will you try?
Costa Rica truly has a unique Costa Rican Food culture. Costa Rica is full of beautiful landscapes, delicious foods, and kind Costa Ricans. Costa Rican food is sure to make your Costa Rican vacation unforgettable!
If you are looking for a great place to stay during your visit to Costa Rica, look no further than Casa Kia Ora. We are located near the beautiful Dominicalito Beach, tucked away in the jungle. We have accommodations perfect for families and groups of friends looking to spend time together in a private and luxurious place.
For more information about how to book your stay at Casa Kia Ora, please check our current rates and availability, or email us at reservations@casakiaora.com.
