Costa Rica, a gem in Central America, is celebrated for its stunning rainforests, immaculate beaches, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking national parks, making it a year-round destination for travelers. Beyond its natural beauty, Costa Rica boasts a rich culinary tradition that is as vibrant and diverse as its landscapes. Let’s embark on a flavorful exploration of Costa Rican food, uncovering the essential dishes and ingredients that define this delicious cuisine.
Whether you are an adventure seeker, a family looking for quality time, or simply a food enthusiast in pursuit of your next great meal, Costa Rica’s Tico and Tica culture offers a warm welcome and a plethora of culinary delights. As a passionate advocate for Costa Rican gastronomy, just as much as for surfing and yoga, I’m thrilled to guide you through the must-try foods that await you in Costa Rica.
The Foundation of Flavor: Locally Grown Costa Rican Foods
The essence of traditional Costa Rican food lies in its deep connection to the land. The dishes that Ticos (Costa Ricans) cherish are largely built upon the country’s rich agricultural bounty. While modern Costa Rican cuisine embraces imported ingredients and global influences, the heart of Tico cooking remains firmly rooted in locally sourced produce.
Staples like rice, beans, plantains, bread, and tortillas are fundamental to Costa Rican meals, and these are predominantly grown within this fertile tropical region. The climate of Costa Rica, characterized by heat, humidity, and ample sunshine, provides ideal conditions for crops like corn. This is crucial for making the dough for tortillas, a daily bread for many.
Long-grain rice also flourishes in Costa Rica, becoming an indispensable part of the diet. As highlighted by the Tico Times, rice’s importance in Costa Rican culture is almost akin to air itself. This sentiment resonates deeply with Costa Ricans who consider rice a cornerstone of every meal.
Red kidney beans and black beans are equally abundant and vital. It’s almost unimaginable to have a meal with rice in Costa Rica without the accompaniment of beans. This powerful duo forms the backbone of many iconic dishes.
Beyond rice and beans, plantains deserve special mention. Whether they are plátanos verdes, the base for crispy patacones, or maduros, offering a sweet and soft indulgence, plantains are versatile and feature prominently in countless delicious Costa Rican preparations.
Costa Rican Fruits: A Tropical Paradise for Your Palate
Experiencing the fresh fruits of Costa Rica is an absolute highlight. The unparalleled taste and quality of locally grown fruit make it difficult to return to imported options once you’ve savored the tropical freshness.
Imagine biting into succulent mangos, juicy pineapples (piña), sweet papayas, creamy bananas, rich avocados (aguacate), and tangy passion fruits. Starting your day with such an array of fresh fruit, accompanied by a cup of Costa Rican coffee and good company, is a guaranteed mood booster.
At Bodhi Surf + Yoga, fresh fruits are a central part of our guests’ dining experience during our Bodhi Family and Bodhi Sessions Surf + Yoga camps. Each breakfast spread features a vibrant selection of three to four seasonal fruits, thoughtfully prepared by our talented chef Fanny.
Interestingly, I had a complete turnaround with papaya after moving to Costa Rica. My prior experience with papaya in the UK had left a terrible impression. However, upon arriving at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, the rave reviews about the local papaya intrigued me. Skeptical yet curious, I tried it again, and it was a revelation! The Costa Rican papaya was incredibly juicy and flavorful, unlike anything I had tasted before. I became an instant convert, but only to Costa Rican papaya!
Passion fruit (maracuyá) is another fruit that captivates both locals and visitors. Before Costa Rica, I wasn’t particularly fond of passion fruit, finding it too sour and unappealing. However, during the hot, dry season in Costa Rica, batidos de maracuyá (passion fruit smoothies) are incredibly popular and for good reason. These smoothies are bursting with flavor and wonderfully refreshing, making them a perfect treat in the tropical heat.
Carlito’s, a fantastic restaurant near Bodhi Surf + Yoga in Bahia Ballena, even serves an exceptional passion fruit margarita, blending the fruit’s tartness with the kick of tequila.
Beyond these well-known tropical delights, Costa Rica offers a range of lesser-known fruits that are worth seeking out:
- Soursop or guanabana: Known for its creamy texture and unique sweet-sour flavor.
- Mangosteen: Often called the “queen of fruits,” prized for its delicate, sweet, and tangy taste.
- Lychee, locally known as rambután or mamones: Sweet and slightly acidic, with a jelly-like texture.
- Pejibaye: A type of palm fruit, often boiled and served with mayonnaise.
- Sweet granadilla: A cousin to passion fruit, with a milder, sweeter flavor profile.
Soursop has always been a favorite of mine, even back in the UK, but in Costa Rica, its flavor is amplified. Sweet granadilla was a new discovery. Its appearance might be unusual, leading some to jokingly call it “brain fruit” due to its interior. To enjoy it, you cut it open like a passion fruit and discover a pulp that tastes similarly sweet and tangy, with a delightful tropical and floral finish.
Without a doubt, Costa Rica stands out as a prime destination for exploring and savoring the diverse flavors and textures of tropical fruits.
Culinary Cornerstones: Essential Costa Rican Meals
When thinking of Latin American cuisine, many automatically picture Mexican food. While Mexican cuisine is indeed globally celebrated, it’s important to remember that Latin America is a tapestry of diverse culinary traditions. Although there are shared ingredients and techniques across the region, each country boasts its own distinctive dishes and flavor profiles.
Costa Rica, with its rich cultural mix, doesn’t necessarily have one single, rigidly defined “Costa Rican cuisine.” However, there is a wealth of staple foods and iconic meals that are unmistakably Tico.
Let’s delve into some of the most beloved and unique dishes that define Costa Rican food culture, as well as Latin American classics with a distinctive Tico twist.
Popular Costa Rican Breakfasts: Fueling Your Tropical Days
Breakfast is a cherished meal in Costa Rica, and at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, it’s given the attention it deserves. Here are some of the best Costa Rican breakfasts to energize you for a day filled with sunshine, surfing, and yoga.
1. Gallo Pinto: The Heart of Costa Rican Breakfast
Gallo pinto rightly claims the top spot as the most iconic Costa Rican food. It’s so deeply embedded in the culture that every family and restaurant has their own cherished version.
If you guessed that rice and beans are key ingredients, you’re absolutely correct! But gallo pinto is more than just rice and beans.
The name gallo pinto translates to “spotted rooster,” inspired by the speckled appearance created by black beans against white rice. Using rice cooked the day before is a common practice for achieving the best gallo pinto. This method results in a delightful crunch and prevents the dish from becoming overly soggy when mixed with the bean liquid.
Typically, gallo pinto is served alongside eggs, fried plantains, avocado, tortillas, and sour cream. The beans are often pressure-cooked with seasonings and then combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pan, along with some of the bean broth. Rice is then incorporated, followed by a generous dash of Costa Rica’s famous Salsa Lizano and fresh cilantro.
Trying gallo pinto is essential when you visit Costa Rica. Many guests at Bodhi Surf + Yoga declare it the best breakfast they enjoy during their entire stay!
2. Gorditas: A Taste of Mexican Influence
Gorditas, meaning “little fat ones,” are a popular Mexican import that has found a place in Costa Rican cuisine. These fried corn cakes are pockets of flavor, filled or topped with various delicious ingredients.
In Costa Rica, gorditas are commonly served with fried black beans, a fried egg, avocado slices, parmesan cheese, or a vibrant red salsa ranchero.
While not a strictly traditional Costa Rican breakfast staple found in every household, gorditas are a delightful option when available. If you’re seeking these flavorful corn cakes, you’re in luck at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, where they are a regular feature on the weekly menu rotation.
3. Chorreadas: Sweet and Savory Corn Pancakes
Photo by Lucy Toner on Public Domain Pictures
Chorreadas are Costa Rican corn pancakes, a common sight at food stands and festivals. For an authentic taste of Costa Rican street food, chorreadas are a must-try.
Made from fresh ground corn, similar to corn tortillas, chorreadas gain a pancake-like texture from the addition of milk to the dough. Unlike tortillas, which use corn flour, chorreadas require freshly ground corn.
The cooking process is akin to making pancakes. The batter is poured onto a hot pan, just enough to coat the surface, and cooked until it achieves a pancake-like consistency.
Chorreadas can be enjoyed both sweet and savory. For a savory version, salt is added to the dough, while sugar creates a sweet pancake. Common toppings include honey, butter, or sour cream. They are a personal favorite snack to pair with a cup of coffee.
4. Tostadas: Costa Rican Toast with a Twist
Tostadas, translating directly to “toast,” might seem familiar, but Costa Rican tostadas have their own character. Bread is a significant part of the Costa Rican diet, enjoyed in various forms from desserts to savory loaves.
Costa Rican tostadas, particularly at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, involve taking freshly baked bread and loading it up with generous toppings. The bread can be homemade or store-bought, offering versatility.
While toast isn’t unique to Costa Rica, it’s a widely enjoyed breakfast here and deserves its place as a recognized part of Costa Rican food culture.
5. Tortillas: Simple and Essential
Tortillas are a breakfast staple in many Costa Rican homes. While they are used in dishes like gorditas, simply enjoying corn tortillas on their own is also common.
Their popularity stems from their ease of preparation. The dough is basic, made from corn flour, salt, and water. Shaping the dough into tortillas is the trickiest part, requiring practice to master.
Once shaped, tortillas are cooked on a hot pan without oil, for a few minutes on each side. Butter, sour cream, or cheese are frequent additions, either spread on top or used to wrap around sausages or omelets for a heartier breakfast.
Must-Try Costa Rican Lunches and Snacks: Midday Delights
Lunch in Costa Rica often takes on a lighter, snack-like form, especially if breakfast was a hearty gallo pinto. These midday bites are perfect with coffee or other beverages.
1. Savory Fried Empanadas: Handheld Flavor Bombs
Photo by Daniel Torobekov on Pexels
Empanadas are a beloved staple across Latin America and have gained international popularity, including in the US, for their deliciousness and portability.
In Costa Rica, savory fried empanadas are a popular midday snack, often enjoyed with a hot drink, especially coffee.
Made from the same dough as tortillas, fried empanadas start with small balls of dough that are flattened into tortillas. The filling is added before folding the tortilla over and sealing it.
Fillings can vary widely. Cheese and bean empanadas are a favorite at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, but chicken, chorizo, and potato are also common and well-loved fillings among Costa Ricans.
After filling, the empanadas are fried until golden brown and crispy, typically served with homemade guacamole or salsa ranchero.
2. Sweet Baked Empanadas: A Dessert Empanada
Costa Ricans love empanadas so much they have both savory and sweet versions. Baked empanadas are the sweet counterpart to the fried savory ones.
Baked empanadas use wheat flour instead of corn flour for the dough, which also includes butter, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, creating a richer, sweeter base. This dough differs from that used for Argentinian-style savory baked empanadas.
In Costa Rica, sweet baked empanadas are often filled with fruit jams. At Bodhi Surf + Yoga, chef Fanny’s special version features a delightful sweet caramel coconut filling.
3. Tamales: A Year-Round and Festive Treat
Photo by Gonzalo Guzmán García on Pexels
Tamales are a traditional Costa Rican food enjoyed throughout the year, and especially during Christmas.
Tamales are best described as pockets of seasoned vegetables, rice, or meat encased in maize dough, wrapped and cooked in banana or corn husks.
Initially, I found tamales challenging to appreciate, disliking the texture and somewhat bland dough, despite the flavorful fillings. However, after living in Costa Rica for a few years, my taste evolved! Now, I am a tamales enthusiast, particularly those filled with chicken.
4. Ceviche: Refreshing Coastal Flavors
Ceviche is the epitome of Costa Rican food designed for the tropics. It’s a dish perfectly suited to hot days on the coast.
Ceviche is a light, refreshing dish served cold, consisting of raw fish “cooked” in lime juice, mixed with cilantro, onion, finely chopped peppers, salt, and pepper. In Uvita, Bahia Ballena, fresh mahi-mahi or tilapia are commonly used.
Typically served in a small glass dish, ceviche features bite-sized pieces of fish marinated in the citrusy mixture. Enjoy it with tortilla chips or patacones and a dash of hot sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience.
5. Almuerzo Campesino: A Hearty Farmer’s Lunch
Photo by Inicio | Sistema de Información Cultural de Costa Rica
Almuerzo campesino, meaning “farmer’s lunch,” is more than just a snack; it’s a complete meal. It’s not a specific dish, but rather a combination of several Costa Rican staples served together.
A traditional almuerzo campesino features the beloved Costa Rican trio of rice, beans, and tortillas, alongside plantains. It often includes picadillo (a vegetable medley), chicken, and torta de huevo, which is similar to an egg tortilla.
What makes this meal unique is its eco-friendly presentation. All the components are wrapped together in a banana leaf, tied with string. To eat, you simply unwrap the leaf and enjoy the meal directly from this natural plate.
Best Costa Rican Dinners: Savoring the Evening Flavors
Bodhi Surf + Yoga offers guests three dinners during their stay, two prepared at the lodge by chef Fanny and one at Carlitos Restaurant, allowing guests to experience both home-cooked meals and local dining. Explore more dining options with our community restaurant guide.
Here are five must-try Costa Rican dinners that are essential to experience during your visit.
1. Casado Tipico: The Quintessential Costa Rican Dinner
Casado Típico, often simply called casado, is the dinner version of gallo pinto. Translating to “married,” casado aptly describes the harmonious blend of various ingredients and flavors.
Casados are similar to almuerzos campesinos, sharing many components like white rice, beans, picadillo (chopped and seasoned vegetable medley), fried plantains, corn tortillas, and meat.
The primary distinction between a casado and an almuerzo campesino is that casado typically does not include an egg, and it is not served wrapped in a plantain leaf.
2. Arroz Con Pollo/Camarones: Rice with Chicken or Shrimp, Costa Rican Style
Photo taken by jcomp on Freepik
“Rice with chicken or shrimp” (arroz con pollo/camarones) is a staple in Costa Rican cuisine, but it’s far from simple.
When you order arroz con pollo/camarones, you receive a plate of rice cooked and mixed with either chicken or shrimp, along with vegetables and seasonings.
It resembles chicken fried rice but features savory yellow rice, colored naturally with Achiote, rather than the soy sauce base of typical fried rice.
In restaurants, arroz con pollo/camarones is often served with french fries and a side salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
3. Patacones: Crispy Plantain Perfection
Patacones, also known as tostones, are made from green plantains, sliced, fried, and then flattened and fried again until perfectly crispy. They are often topped with pico de gallo, guacamole, or refried beans.
Patacones are incredibly addictive. Their crispy texture and the combination of toppings make them hard to resist.
Using green plantains is crucial for patacones. Ripe plantains would become too soft. The green plantains are cut into pieces, fried, then crushed and fried a second time to achieve their signature crispiness. After the final fry, they are salted and topped with your favorite sauces and accompaniments.
4. Seafood Dinner: Freshness from the Coasts
Photo by Julia Khalimova on Pexels
Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts are abundant with marine life, making seafood a highlight of Costa Rican cuisine. Sustainable seafood sources like MarTec ensure fresh and responsible options.
Restaurants often feature extensive seafood menus, offering shrimp, mussels, squid, octopus, and a variety of fish.
A quintessential Costa Rican seafood experience is the fish fry, often featuring a whole red snapper, seasoned and deep-fried to perfection. Be aware that a traditional Costa Rican fish fry typically includes the whole fish, head and all, which can be a surprise for some diners!
5. Chicharones: Indulge in Crispy Pork
For those willing to indulge in something less health-conscious but utterly delicious, chicharones are a must-try in Costa Rican food.
Chicharones are small pieces of pork skin, deep-fried in pork fat until incredibly crispy. While not a health food, they are undeniably flavorful.
Chicharones can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or as a side dish. They are also a key component of chifrijo, a popular dish consisting of rice topped with beans, chicharones, tortilla chips, avocado slices, and pico de gallo.
Delectable Costa Rican Desserts: Sweet Endings
Photo from Deposit Photos
After exploring Costa Rican breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, it’s time to discover the sweet side of Tico cuisine. While Costa Rica may not be as renowned for desserts as some other culinary traditions, it offers a delightful array of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Arroz Con Leche: Creamy Rice Pudding
Arroz con leche, a Latin American classic, is a simple yet comforting rice pudding. Costa Rican arroz con leche is known for its straightforward and delicious preparation.
Recipes typically include sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and regular milk, along with water. Flavorings such as cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg are added during cooking. Raisins are sometimes sprinkled in to add a touch of tartness and sweetness.
2. Tres Leches: The Three Milks Cake
Tres leches cake, meaning “three milks,” is a light and airy sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, creating a moist and flavorful dessert. Holes are poked into the baked cake to ensure it absorbs the milk mixture.
Most recipes use evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream, in addition to standard cake ingredients. The combination of milks makes the cake incredibly sweet, fluffy, and rich.
3. Torta De Maracuyá: Passion Fruit Tart
Torta De Maracuyá, passion fruit tart, is a personal favorite dessert at Bodhi Surf + Yoga. It features a crunchy base topped with a sweet and tangy passion fruit filling.
Unlike traditional baked cakes, torta de maracuyá has a gelato-like consistency for the topping. It’s prepared by setting in the refrigerator rather than baking, creating a refreshing and cool dessert.
4. Chocolate: World-Class Cocoa
Costa Rica is globally recognized for its exceptional chocolate. The country’s unique location, soil, and climate are ideal for growing cacao trees that produce high-quality cocoa beans.
Chocolate is ubiquitous in Costa Rica, and chocolate tours are widely available, offering insights into the chocolate-making process from cacao cultivation to the final product.
5. Empanadas De Chiverre: Sweet Empanadas with a Twist
Empanadas de chiverre are a genuine Costa Rican dessert, especially popular during holidays. These baked empanadas use a traditional Costa Rican dough made from white flour, margarine, and cream, but without sugar.
The filling is chiverre, a type of squash that is cooked down into a sweet, stringy jam. Baked rather than fried, empanadas de chiverre offer a unique texture and flavor profile compared to savory empanadas.
Traditional Costa Rican Drinks: Quenching Your Thirst
No exploration of Costa Rican food is complete without mentioning the drinks that accompany it. Here are three essential Costa Rican beverages.
1. Coffee: Liquid Gold
Costa Rican coffee is world-famous, and for good reason. Coffee production is a major part of the country’s economy, making up nearly 20% of exports.
For Costa Ricans, coffee isn’t just a morning drink; it’s enjoyed throughout the day. At Bodhi Surf + Yoga, we serve coffee from Chirripó, a region near Costa Rica’s highest peak, known for its excellent beans.
2. Agua Dulce: Sweet Water Refreshment
Agua dulce, meaning “sweet water,” is a simple yet popular drink. It tastes like liquid sugar, which is essentially what it is!
Agua dulce is made by dissolving boiled sugar cane in hot water. It’s a common and refreshing beverage, particularly at breakfast.
3. Coconut Water: Tropical Hydration
Coconut trees are abundant along Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts, ensuring a plentiful supply of fresh coconut water.
Coconut water is a naturally sweet and slightly nutty drink, incredibly refreshing and hydrating in the tropical climate. You can even drink directly from the coconut for the freshest experience.
Ready to Taste Costa Rica? Come and Join Us!
I hope this culinary journey through Costa Rican food has been informative and enticing. The best way to truly appreciate Costa Rican cuisine is to experience it firsthand. Consider joining us in Costa Rica to savor these dishes and perhaps even participate in a cooking class with our chef Fanny!
If a trip to Costa Rica isn’t in your immediate future, you can still explore our food content online by joining our Bodhi Surf + Yoga membership program. This includes access to pre-recorded cooking classes and our exclusive cookbook, bringing the flavors of Costa Rica to your kitchen.
FAQs About Costa Rican Food
Can I bring food to Costa Rica when I travel?
Yes, you are generally allowed to bring food into Costa Rica. However, there are restrictions on certain types and quantities of food products.
Costa Rican customs regulations typically prohibit fruits, vegetables, poultry, seeds, and beef with bones. Commercially prepackaged foods are usually permitted. It’s always best to check the most current customs guidelines before traveling.
Are there vegetarian and vegan food options in Costa Rica?
Absolutely! Costa Rica is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly destination, thanks to its abundance of fresh, locally grown produce. Gallo pinto, a staple dish, is often vegan by default as it’s primarily made with rice and beans.
Restaurants and cafes throughout Costa Rica commonly offer vegan casados, and you can easily find plant-based versions of dishes like patacones and arroz con pollo o camarones made with vegetables instead of meat or seafood.
