Finding the Most Authentic Costa Rican Dishes in the Country!

Costa Rica is known for its incredible national parks and pristine beaches, where visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, discover the country’s diverse wildlife, or simply enjoy some downtime and pura vida. But what travelers may not realize is that the food in Costa Rica is an adventure in and of itself! If you’re planning a trip to this amazing country, make sure you get outside the tourist areas to the local villages so you can sample the best food in Costa Rica.

What Is Costa Rican Cuisine?

Costa Rican cuisine is a unique blend of locally sourced, fresh ingredients and cultural influences that include indigenous, Spanish, and African flavors. Most Costa Rican dishes are simple and made with readily available, local products. Food in Costa Rica is created from a blend of indigenous ingredients – like corn, beans, yucca, and plantains – mixed with culinary staples from Spain and the African slaves imported into the country during the 16th - 19th centuries.

This blend of flavors has created some of the best food in Costa Rica! Curious to know more about food in Costa Rica? Here are a few fun facts about this country’s cuisine:

• Indigenous influences: Costa Rica was originally inhabited by the Chorotega people. These people relied heavily on corn within their diets, which can still be seen in food like tortillas and tamales today.
• Spanish impact: As the Spanish influence spread across Costa Rica, big changes occurred. Livestock like cattle, pigs, and chickens were introduced into the country, along with items like wheat, rice, olives, garlic, cilantro, and limes.
• African influences: When the African slaves were brought to Costa Rica, they brought their cooking techniques with them. The coconut-flavored dishes prevalent along Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast are remnants of these traditions.
• Cheese production: Cattle farming flourished under Spain’s rule, leading to the development of cheeses like “Turrialba” and “Palmito” that are famous today.
• Cocoa: Entrepreneurial in spirit, the Spanish settlers introduced cocoa plants to Costa Rica, resulting in a thriving chocolate industry and influencing the development of new Costa Rican dishes.
• Regional dishes: Costa Rica’s many regions each have their culinary specialties! For example, Afro-Caribbean flavors are more predominant on the Caribbean coast, while the Guanacaste region specializes in corn-based Costa Rican dishes.

A Deep Dive Into The History of Food In Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a long and storied history. The country that is now famous for its relaxed atmosphere and dedication to Pura Vida did not gain its independence until 1848. Before that, it was part of the Spanish Empire, then the Mexican Empire, and finally – fought for its independence against the threat of colonization from the United States. Along the way, many changes to farming and food took place, influencing the food in Costa Rica. The three main influences on the Costa Rican dishes we see today are listed below:

Eating Your Way Across Costa Rica

One of the best ways to explore a new culture is through its culinary traditions. However, in Costa Rica, if you stick to the main cities and hotel restaurants, you will not experience the true flavor of the country! If you want to discover the best food in Costa Rica, the best advice you can follow is to get off the beaten path, find a small village, and eat like a local. Here is a sampling of Costa Rican dishes to try when visiting this incredible country:

• Gallo pinto (rice and beans): This regional variation of rice and beans is seasoned with bell peppers, cilantro, and onions. It can be served with a fried egg for breakfast, while meat or fish is added for lunch and dinner. In certain parts of Costa Rica, the dish may include black beans or red beans, while in other places the dish’s sauce might change.
• Chifrijo (fried pork with red beans): This dish has been made famous as a bar snack. Served on a base of rice, it often includes toppings like avocados and tomatoes. If you want the authentic version, look for it served over tortilla chips with spicy pickled vegetables on the side.
• Rondón (seafood and coconut stew): Costa Rican cooks like to take whatever fish and vegetables they have and throw them in a pot with coconut milk, herbs, and spices to create a traditional Costa Rican dish. The thick stew might include red snapper, clams, mussels, conch, or sea snails, plus green plantains, cassava, and chiles with a side of coconut rice and breadfruit.
• Chorreadas (corn pancakes): These pancakes, made from ground, fresh corn, can be sweet or savory. They are a staple in Costa Rican kitchens and can be traced to pre-Columbian times. Drizzle with honey or syrup for a sweet taste, or serve with a dollop of sour cream-like natilla to create a savory profile.
• Picadillo (vegetable hash): This homey hash is a mix of chopped vegetables sautéed in fat with onions, stock, herbs, and seasonings. It’s representative of how simple the food in Costa Rica can be, and how easy it is to turn something into a meal when you add protein and rice.
• Copo (shaved ice): On the beaches of Costa Rica, you’ll find kiosks and carts that specialize in a local variety of shaved ice, or copos. The cups holding the ice are topped with milk powder, flavored syrups, fresh fruit, and marshmallows.
• Miel de chiverre (sweetened squash paste): While pan and tres leches are popular desserts in Costa Rica, the chunky, sweet miel de chiverre is a local favorite. The paste is made from the fig leaf gourd and is cooked with panela, cinnamon, and other spices. The filling is often used in sweet empanadas, although it can be used to make candy or is simply eaten with a spoon.

Where Can I Find The Best Food In Costa Rica?

Once you get away from the city centers and tourist traps, you’ll be able to eat like a local! To find the best food in Costa Rica, opt for fresh seasonal produce that is locally raised, as well as fresh-caught meats and seafood. Outside of formal restaurants, you may also want to consider the following dining experiences:

Experience Costa Rica’s Culinary Tradition for Yourself!

Costa Rica is a bucket-list destination for travelers. Not only can you relax on a pristine beach, you can explore the country’s many volcanoes, cloud forests, and rainforests. The biodiversity of the country means you will spot an incredible array of wildlife, and the temperate climate with easy access to the coast means an abundant supply of fresh fruits and proteins. Costa Rica is a feast for the senses – the eyes as well as your taste buds. Consider booking a tour with Gondwana Ecotours today to experience the best food in Costa Rica as you kick back and relax with the locals.