Food and Drinks
Costa Rican cuisine is a reflection of the country’s diverse culture and natural resources. It features a blend of Spanish, Indigenous, and African influences, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Here are some of the most popular foods and drinks you should try when visiting Costa Rica:
Foods:
- Gallo Pinto: This is Costa Rica’s national dish, a flavorful combination of rice and black beans cooked with onions, bell peppers, and spices. It’s typically served with eggs, tortillas, and a side of sour cream and cheese.
- Casado: A traditional Costa Rican meal consisting of rice, beans, a choice of meat (usually chicken, beef, or fish), plantains, and a side salad. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Ceviche: Costa Rican ceviche is made with fresh fish or seafood marinated in lime or bitter orange juice, and mixed with finely chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and cilantro. It’s served as an appetizer or light meal.
- Olla de Carne: A flavorful beef stew with root vegetables like yuca (cassava), potatoes, and corn on the cob. It’s a comforting dish often enjoyed on special occasions.
- Tamal: Costa Rican tamales are made with masa (corn dough) and filled with various ingredients, including meat, vegetables, or cheese. They’re wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
Best Foods
- Arroz con Pollo: A comforting dish of chicken and rice cooked with vegetables and flavored with saffron and other spices.
- Sopa Negra: A black bean soup that’s often served as a hearty breakfast, typically accompanied by rice, eggs, and a slice of white cheese.
- Chifrijo: A popular bar snack, chifrijo is a fusion of two dishes: chicharrones (fried pork) and frijoles (beans). It’s typically served with tortilla chips.
- Tres Leches Cake: A decadent dessert made from a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (hence the name). It’s topped with whipped cream and is sweet and indulgent.
- Flan: A creamy caramel custard dessert, flan is a popular treat in Costa Rica and throughout Latin America.
Drinks:
- Coffee: Costa Rica is famous for its high-quality coffee. Be sure to savor a cup of freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee, which is known for its rich and robust flavor.
- Fresco: A refreshing fruit drink made from fresh fruit juice, water, and sugar. Common flavors include tamarind, blackberry, and passion fruit.
- Agua de Pipa: This is fresh coconut water, often served directly from a young green coconut. It’s a natural and hydrating drink.
- Refrescos: Fruit punches are made from a variety of fruits, often blended with water, sugar, and sometimes milk. The flavors vary depending on the fruits in season.
- Imperial and Pilsen: These are the most popular domestic beers in Costa Rica. They are often enjoyed with beachside sunsets and casual meals.
- Guaro: This is a popular Costa Rican liquor made from sugar cane. It’s often consumed in mixed drinks, such as guaro sour or chiliguaro (a spicy guaro shot).
- Tea: Herbal teas made from locally grown herbs like chamomile, mint, and lemongrass are commonly enjoyed for their soothing qualities.
- Batidos: These are delicious fruit smoothies made with fresh tropical fruits and often blended with milk or yogurt. Mango and papaya batidos are particularly tasty.
Sheraton San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a variety of culinary experiences to delight your taste buds. Be sure to explore the local markets, street food vendors, and traditional restaurants to savor the flavors of this beautiful country.
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