Costa Rican Food: Flavors You Can’t Miss on Your Next Vacation

The History of Costa Rican food

Costa Rican food tells the story of a country shaped by its history and diverse cultures. Indigenous groups like the Chorotega and Bribri laid the groundwork with ingredients like corn, beans, and squash, which remain staples in traditional dishes. 

When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they introduced rice, beef, and dairy, blending these with local ingredients to create new flavors. 

Later, Afro-Caribbean influences along the coast added even more diversity, bringing coconut milk, spices, and unique cooking methods into the mix. This blend of cultures has shaped Costa Rican cuisine into something both bold and distinctive.

6 Traditional Costa Rican Foods You Have to Try (Plus 3 Sweet Treats!)

If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to eat in Costa Rica, we’ve got you covered. The fresh local ingredients alone will have you hooked from the very first bite. Here are some of the must-try dishes that showcase Costa Rica’s rich flavors:

1. Gallo Pinto

Considered their national dish, this is a must-try for any meal in Costa Rica. Gallo pinto is a mix of rice and black beans with onions, red bell peppers, and cilantro. Its name translates to ‘spotted rooster’ – inspired by the way the black beans stand out against the white rice – though locals often just call it ‘pinto’.

Traditionally, gallo pinto is served with scrambled or fried eggs, sour cream, cheese, crispy fried plantains, and salsa Lizano. If you’ve ever tried Worcestershire sauce, you’ll recognize the tangy taste of this local favorite. And while it’s a cornerstone of Costa Rican breakfasts, it’s great any time of day. 

2. Chifrijo

Chifrijo, a popular street food, gets its name from its two main ingredients: chicharrón (fried pork) and frijoles (beans). It combines the fried pork and beans with tortilla chips, and it’s usually served with a side of spicy pickled vegetables for a little kick.

3. Olla de Carne

Olla de carne is a longstanding favorite in Costa Rican culture and perfect for family meals. This hearty dish features beef – usually short ribs – simmered for hours with a mix of fruits and vegetables like yuca, potatoes, chayote, carrots, corn, and plantains. Served alongside rice and beans, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

4.Arroz con Pollo

Arroz (rice) is a staple in Costa Rica, and arroz con pollo is a classic for a reason. Shredded chicken is cooked with onions, garlic, celery, and fresh vegetables, and annatto, a spice similar to saffron, is added to the rice to give it that vibrant yellow color.

It’s usually served with sides like a simple salad, fries, mashed beans, or ensalada rusa.

5. Patacones

Fried plantains might sound sweet, but patacones are meant to be savory. That’s why green plantains are sliced, boiled, flattened, and fried to make this crispy dish instead of ripe ones. While they’re usually served with lime juice and a sprinkle of salt, they can also be paired with avocado or pico de gallo for a little extra flavor.

6. Rondón

Rondón is a stew from Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, brought to Central America by Jamaican laborers in the 19th century. 

It’s usually made with whatever fish, fruits, and vegetables are on hand – like red snapper, clams, and conch, plantains, cassava, and chilies – simmered in a mix of coconut milk, herbs, and spices and served with coconut rice and breadfruit.

And for Dessert…

No tour of Costa Rica’s traditional foods would be complete without some sweet special mentions! Here are some of Costa Rica’s finest treats:

7. Arroz con Leche

You might know it better as rice pudding – but whatever you call it, arroz con leche is divine! Made with white rice, condensed milk, vanilla, sugar, and (most importantly) cinnamon, it’s a deceptively simple dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor. 

8. Tres Leches

Once you’ve tried a tres leches cake, there’s no going back. This vanilla sponge cake is soaked in evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cream, and then chilled. It's usually topped with maraschino cherries, plus some cinnamon to add a little heat to the sweetness!

9. Soursop

Not a dessert person? No problem! You can find delicious fresh fruit at any market, grocery store, or roadside stand to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The soursop, or guanábana, is a big green fruit with sweet, white flesh. It grows all year in the lowland tropics, and in the Caribbean, people even use it in folk medicine to help get rid of parasites on an empty stomach. Just be sure to scoop out the black seeds beforehand!

You’ll find guanábana juice everywhere in Costa Rica, plus delicious soursop smoothies and guanábana ice cream.

The “Pura Vida” Foodie Experience

These Costa Rican dishes are not to be missed – but the real beauty lies in how the food is made and enjoyed. They truly embody the Pura Vida lifestyle through food in Costa Rica – everything is fresh, vibrant, and made to be enjoyed slowly. 

Whether you're starting your day with a plate of gallo pinto or sipping a cold fresco de guanábana as the sun goes down, enjoying Costa Rican cuisine is a great way to pause, be present, and truly savor the simple things.

Your Costa Rican Foodie Adventure Is Waiting

If you’re already hungry for Costa Rica’s incredible dishes, booking a stay at Monaco Upscale Condominiums is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the local food scene.

Our luxurious condos provide the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring local markets, food stalls, and family-run restaurants. We can even stock your condo’s kitchen with a few of your newfound favorites! 

With top-notch accommodations and personalized service, we’ll ensure your Costa Rican getaway is unforgettable. 

Book your stay with Monaco Upscale Condominiums now and get ready to enjoy the best of Costa Rican cuisine!