Costa Rica, a gem in Central America, is celebrated for its stunning rainforests, beautiful beaches, incredible national parks, and abundant wildlife. But beyond the scenic landscapes, Costa Rica boasts a rich culinary heritage that’s just waiting to be explored. If you’re planning a trip, get ready to discover the delicious answer to the question, “What Foods Are In Costa Rica?”
Locally Grown Goodness
Much of Costa Rican cuisine revolves around what is grown locally. Traditional Tico (Costa Rican) meals are deeply connected to the country’s agriculture. While some ingredients are imported, the heart of Costa Rican food lies in homegrown staples like rice, beans, plantains, bread, and tortillas.
Corn, essential for making tortilla dough, thrives in Costa Rica’s hot and humid climate with plenty of sunshine and water. Long-grain rice is another cornerstone, so integral that, as Tico Times puts it, “Rice is essential to every meal, almost as air is to breathing.” Red (kidney) and black beans are equally important, rarely absent from any meal that includes rice. And let’s not forget plantains, whether platano verdes for crispy patacones or sweet maduros, they’re a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
The Abundance of Costa Rican Fruits
Fresh fruits are a highlight of the Costa Rican experience. The flavors are so vibrant, it’s hard to go back to imported fruit. Imagine biting into fresh mangos, juicy pineapples (piña), sweet papayas, creamy bananas, rich avocados (aguacate), and tangy passion fruits. Starting your day with these delights, along with coffee and good company, is a surefire way to lift your spirits.
Beyond the well-known tropical fruits, Costa Rica offers some lesser-known gems. Be sure to try soursop (guanabana), mangosteen, lychee (called rambután or mamones), pejibaye, and sweet granadilla. Sweet granadilla, while not the most visually appealing, has a delightful sweet and tangy flavor with a tropical and floral aftertaste.
Culinary Staples: A Taste of Costa Rica
While Mexican cuisine might be more globally recognized, Costa Rica has its own unique culinary identity. Although there are similarities among Latin American countries, Costa Rica boasts distinct flavors and staple foods. Let’s explore some of the most popular and unique meals that define Costa Rican cuisine.
Popular Costa Rican Breakfasts
Breakfast is a serious affair in Costa Rica, offering hearty options to fuel your day.
1. Gallo Pinto
Gallo pinto, meaning “spotted rooster,” is the undisputed king of Costa Rican breakfasts. This iconic dish consists of rice and beans, typically made with rice cooked the day before for a perfect crunch. The beans are pressure-cooked with seasonings and then mixed with sauteed onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Salsa Lizano and cilantro add the final touch. It’s commonly served with eggs, fried plantains, avocado, tortillas, and sour cream.
2. Gorditas
Gorditas, meaning “little fat ones,” are fried corn cakes stuffed with delicious fillings. In Costa Rica, they’re often filled with fried black beans, fried egg, avocado slices, parmesan cheese, or red salsa.
3. Chorreadas
Chorreadas are Costa Rican corn pancakes, a common sight at food stands and festivals. Made from fresh ground corn and milk, they have a pancake-like texture. They can be eaten sweet or savory, topped with honey, butter, or sour cream.
4. Tostadas
Costa Rican tostadas involve baking a fresh loaf of bread and piling on as many toppings as possible. While toast isn’t exclusive to Costa Rica, it’s a popular breakfast item.
5. Tortillas
Tortillas are a staple in many Costa Rican households. Made from corn flour, salt, and water, they’re cooked on a hot pan and often topped with butter, sour cream, or cheese. They can also be filled with sausages or an omelet.
Must-Try Costa Rican Lunches and Snacks
Lunch in Costa Rica often takes the form of a midday snack, perfect after a hearty breakfast.
1. Savory Fried Empanadas
Empanadas are a beloved snack throughout Latin America. In Costa Rica, savory fried empanadas are made from the same dough as tortillas, filled with cheese and bean or chicken, chorizo, and potato. They’re typically served with homemade guacamole or salsa ranchero.
2. Sweet Baked Empanadas
Costa Rica also has sweet baked empanadas, made with wheat flour, butter, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. They’re often filled with fruity jams or a sweet caramel coconut filling.
3. Tamales
Tamales are a traditional Costa Rican food eaten year-round, especially during Christmas. These pockets of seasoned vegetables, rice, or meat in a maize dough are wrapped and cooked in banana or corn husks.
4. Ceviche
Ceviche is a light and refreshing dish perfect for a hot day. It comprises raw fish cured in lime juice, cilantro, onion, finely chopped peppers, salt, and pepper. It’s typically served with tortilla chips or patacones.
5. Almuerzo Campesino
Almuerzo campesino, meaning “campers lunch,” includes rice, beans, tortilla, and plantain combo, along with picadillo (vegetable medley), chicken, and a torta de huevo (egg tortilla). It’s all enveloped in a banana leaf, making it an eco-friendly meal.
Best Costa Rican Dinners
Costa Rican dinners offer a delicious array of flavors and ingredients.
1. Casado Tipico
Casado Típicos, meaning “married,” is the dinner version of gallo pinto. It includes white rice, beans, picadillo, fried plantains, corn tortillas, and meat. The main difference is that casado doesn’t include an egg and isn’t enveloped in a plantain leaf.
2. Arroz Con Pollo/Camarones
Arroz con pollo/camarones (rice with chicken or shrimp) is a popular dish featuring rice cooked and mixed with chicken or shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s similar to chicken fried rice but with a savory yellow rice.
3. Patacones
Patacones or fried plantains are crushed and fried slices of green plantain, topped with pico de gallo, guacamole, or refried beans.
4. Seafood Dinner
Costa Rica offers a variety of seafood options, including shrimp, mussels, squid, and octopus. A popular choice is a whole fish (usually red snapper) seasoned and deep-fried.
5. Chicharones
Chicharones are fried pieces of pork skin, often eaten by themselves or as a side. They’re a key ingredient in the popular dish chifrijo.
Delectable Costa Rican Desserts
No culinary exploration is complete without desserts!
1. Arroz Con Leche
Arroz con leche is a rice pudding with sweetened condensed, evaporated, and regular milk, flavored with cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
2. Tres Leches
Tres leches is a light cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated, sweetened condensed, and heavy cream.
3. Torta De Maracuyá
Torta De Maracuyá consists of a crunchy crust with a sweet passion fruit mixture on top, set in the fridge instead of baked.
4. Chocolate
Costa Rica is renowned for its high-quality chocolate, thanks to its location, soil, and climate. Chocolate tours are a common activity.
5. Empanadas De Chiverre
Empanadas de chiverre use traditional Costa Rican dough without sugar and are baked, offering a unique twist on empanadas.
Traditional Costa Rican Drinks
To complete your culinary journey, explore these traditional drinks.
1. Coffee
Coffee is a central part of Costa Rican culture, consumed any time of day.
2. Agua Dulce
Agua Dulce, meaning “sweet water,” combines hot water and boiled sugar cane.
3. Coconut Water
Fresh coconut water is abundant in Costa Rica, offering a refreshing and sweet drink.
FAQs
Can I bring food to Costa Rica?
Yes, but there are restrictions on fruits, vegetables, poultry, seeds, and beef meat with bones. Prepackaged commercial items are generally fine.
Are there vegetarian/vegan foods in Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica offers plenty of vegetarian options. Gallo pinto is a great vegan alternative, and many restaurants offer vegan-friendly casados. You can also opt for patacones and arroz con pollo o camarones with veggies instead of meat or seafood.
