The eastern coast of Costa Rica is not just Caribbean because of its bordering sea. It’s the heart of the country’s Afro-Caribbean culture and African diaspora! The region has a distinct and amazing flavor all its own, which has resulted in several unique dishes you HAVE to try when you’re in the area. It was difficult, but we’ve narrowed down this list to our five absolute favorite things to try on your first trip to Costa Rica.
CARRIBEAN RICE AND BEANS
Okay, we’re going to be mentioning rice and beans a lot in this post, so we might as well start with it too. This dish made with white rice is often served for lunch or dinner (so as not to be confused with gallo pinto, which we’ll get to later!) and in Costa Rica is made with a star ingredient — coconut milk. Red beans are mixed with thyme, onion, sweet chili, Panamanian pepper, garlic if desired, and salt to delicious effect. The coconut milk is what makes it ‘Caribbean’, and in Jamaica, it is often known as ‘Rice and peas’ as they use pigeon peas instead of red beans.
CASADO
This is about as traditional as traditional gets: a lunch consisting of rice, beans, meat, and a green or pasta salad. This balanced meal can come with a variety of different sides, ranging from eggs or stew to plantains or avocado. However you accent it, a Casado is a staple from coast to coast. Made up of readily available ingredients that provide protein, carbohydrates, and some veggies it has been a fundamental dish for energizing working Costa Ricans affordably.
PHOTO CREDIT: LAYLITA.COM
PATACONES
Green plantains, peeled, and cut crosswise into rounds…and then fried twice. Hungry yet? Patacones are often served as an appetizer but we’d like a whole plateful, please. The name Patacones comes from the various colonial-era Spanish and Portuguese silver coins, but we won’t hold that against them. In Costa Rica, patacones are usually pressed into larger discs that can measure several inches across and can often be found next to some beans or chimichurri.
BATIDO
There is nothing more commonly available or refreshing than a Batido! Whether con agua or con leche, you really can’t go wrong. These Costa Rican ‘smoothies’, also known as refrescos or naturales, are made with either water or milk and a fruit flavor of your choice. They are exceptionally smooth, far more so than the traditional American version of a smoothie. Our favorite is mango but other delicious options include banana, papaya, pineapple, coconut, watermelon, strawberry…with so many to choose from, you’ll be trying one a day! It’s also a great way to experiment with a Costa Rican fruit you might not be bold enough to try on its own, like cas (sour guava), guanábana (soursop), or passionfruit.
GALLO PINTO
Gallo Pinto translates to ‘colored rooster’. Yes, this dish takes its name from the rooster’s stained feathers that ‘resemble’ the combination of rice and beans on the plate. A staple to the Costa Rican breakfast, gallo pinto is often served alongside eggs, bread, and cheese, with a meat option and again, fried plantains! The pinto is traditionally prepared with onions, peppers, coriander, and garlic but there is a ‘secret ingredient’ you have to ask for. Salsa Lizano — or Lizano sauce — is a liquid mixture of spices and vegetables somewhat similar to a Worcestershire sauce. But of course, created with local and Caribbean ingredients. Halfway between acidic and sweet with a soft texture and brown color, it will compliment your breakfast nicely and maybe even your lunch and dinner too!
Ready to dig in? Check out our Costa Rican tours, including our Afro-Caribbean Costa Rica itinerary. There’s no shortage of delicious options in our favorite country, so let us know what you would have picked for your top 5 in the comments!
