January 16, 2019
When most people think of Costa Rica, they think of natural beauty — the rainforest and the country's many tropical beaches. People who have visited may think of its pura vida lifestyle. But what you may not realize is that this Central American vacation hotspot also has a rich culinary tradition with some iconic dishes.
Let’s take a look at some of the famous foods and beverages that visitors to Costa Rica should definitely give a try.
Gallo Pinto (And Salsa Lizano)
Sometimes considered the national dish of Costa Rica, Gallo Pinto (which translates to “spotted rooster”) is a hearty mix of beans and rice.
While this delicious duo is common throughout Latin America, they take it especially seriously in Costa Rica. Combining tender stewed beans, fluffy rice, and a mix of local veggies, Gallo Pinto is a classic dish that’s prepared slightly differently throughout the country. For example, on the Caribbean side of the country, Gallo Pinto becomes "Rice and Beans", a dish made with coconut milk, coconut oil, red beans, Panamanian chili, and thyme. No matter where you try this dish, you’re sure to be experiencing a little bit of the local culture and flavor.
And if you’re looking for a thoroughly Costa Rican experience, don’t forget to ask your server for some Salsa Lizano.
Created in 1920 by Prospero Lizano, this savoury condiment was modeled on Worcestershire sauce from England — but it packs a signature kick that makes it worth seeking out. Much like Gallo Pinto, every Salsa Lizano is different, made from ingredients as diverse as carrots, chili peppers, cucumbers, and cauliflower, and it’s a sauce that goes great with almost everything in Costa Rican cuisine.
Frescos Naturales
If you’re a lover of fresh fruit, this Costa Rican beverage just might hit the spot. While Americans are mostly used to a soft drink selection limited to sodas (and maybe iced tea), in Costa Rica fresh fruit juices are the star of many drink lists.
While classic fruits like pineapple and watermelon are almost always available, for the adventurous there are some key Costa Rican specialities worth trying. Guanábana, also known as soursop, tastes something like a cross between a banana and a pear. Cas, a form of sour guava found only in Central America, is another local favorite. And Maracuyá, aka passionfruit, is a tangy, sour Latin American specialty. When mixed with some sweetener in a juice, it tastes a bit like a tropical lemonade, excellent for a day on the beach!
Cacao Fresco
Everyone knows that Costa Rica is famous for its rich, sustainably produced dark chocolate, but when you take a trip to the source of this beloved sweet you’re in for a surprise treat. Cacao fresco, Spanish for fresh cacao, is the name for the sweet, tangy flesh of the cacao fruit — the one that surrounds the seeds that will be processed into chocolate. Just one taste and you’ll have a new perspective on one of the world’s favorite foods.
Ceviche Tico
Spend any time on Costa Rica’s shorelines and you’re bound to develop a craving for fresh seafood. And while there are plenty of classic Costa Rican preparations, if you want the freshest flavor possible then you’ve got to try ceviche tico.
While the basics of ceviche are relatively standard throughout Latin America — fresh raw seafood, citrus, chili peppers, and cilantro — Costa Ricans add their own special ingredient: ginger ale. Usually served in the country with a side of crackers (galletas soda) and ketchup, this unique addition to the recipe gives ceviche tico a subtle sweetness and tang that makes it memorable and one-of-a-kind.
Beyond its natural beauty, Costa Rica has a rich culinary culture that has given rise to some iconic favorites. Whether you’re tasting cacao fresco while touring local chocolate farms or enjoying a ceviche tico during a sunset stroll along the beach, the many flavors of Costa Rica are sure to have something for every traveler’s palate.
