When you think of Costa Rica, you probably picture beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, or maybe some of its impressive active volcanoes. But that is not all there is to this small, yet lovely, Central American country. Aside from the majestic sunsets that can be witnessed on its Pacific Coast, Costa Rica has an extensive menu of traditional dishes to offer which are equally loved by locals and visitors. From breakfast to dinner, from appetizers to desserts - this country has you covered with its unique food choices, made from fresh ingredients that are widely available in the area.
As most social activities in Costa Rica are centered around food, it is a vital aspect of the national identity of ticos (as Costa Rican nationals are colloquially known). Be its holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or some religious activities, food is absolutely going to be at the main attractions during the celebration. If you wish to get more immersed in the county’s culture, below are five Costa Rican dishes you definitely can’t miss this summer.
1. Gallo Pinto
There is a saying among locals that goes “Es más tico que el Gallo Pinto” (It is more tico than Gallo Pinto) to refer to when something or someone is a big part of Costa Rican culture or is very assimilated to it. Gallo Pinto is the typical Costa Rican breakfast and it is a choice of food in almost every household, restaurant, or hotel’s breakfast table. It is composed of stir-fried rice and beans, usually seasoned with onion, red pepper, celery, and the country’s own seasoning sauce known as Salsa Lizano.
Gallo Pinto can be accompanied with fried or scrambled eggs, cheese, and sometimes even bacon. If you try a plate of Gallo Pinto, make sure to eat it alongside a glass of freshly made orange juice, or the delicious coffee Costa Rica is known for to guarantee the best possible flavor.
2. Casado
If a good Gallo Pinto can’t be absent during breakfast, what you can’t miss during lunch is Costa Rica’s Casado. This signature Costa Rican dish is also centered around rice and beans served with some type of meat, most frequently beef, chicken breast, fish, or pork chop. It is usually accompanied with cheese, salad, and Costa Rica’s plátano maduro (fried sweet plantain). Casado goes well with the country’s topical fruit juices, such as papaya, mango, pineapple, or even fruit punch to give your lunch time not only a balanced meal, but also a sweet and tasty beverage to help you stay refreshed in the warm weather.
3. Chifrijo
Another great lunch or maybe dinner dish in Costa Rica is the chifrijo. It is named after its two core ingredients “chi” from chicharrones (fried pork), and “frijo” from frijoles (beans). It is typically served in a bowl with rice, avocado, and Costa Rican chimichurri or pico de gallo, a dressing made of tomato, cilantro, onion, and sweet pepper. If you eat a chifrijo, there is a big chance it is going to be made with either red beans or another variety of beans known as cubaces, which are slightly bigger than regular ones. Chifrjo can be eaten while enjoying beer or a fresco natural (natural juice).
4. Costa Rican Ceviche
A great appetizer to try while in Costa Rica is its version of the dish that originated in Peru called ceviche. In Costa Rica it is common to find ceviche in the coast areas as well as seafood restaurants. This cold dish is served cold and is typically made with a fish called corvina, or tilapia. This fish is marinated in lime juice and placed in the fridge for at least an hour. This process is referred to as “cooked cold” in the juice. Ceviche can be prepared with different seasonings such as onion, black pepper, cilantro, and minced pepper to add to the flavor, and it is usually served with chips. Nothing gives more the refreshing and relaxing vibe of sitting at a Costa Rican beach than eating a good ceviche while drinking cold beer or soda.
5. Granizado
You can’t talk about traditional Costa Rican food without mentioning at least one of the desserts. A granizado (also known as copo by some people) is Costa Rica’s own version of a snow cone. It is shaved ice topped with a sweet flavored syrup and powdered and condensed milk. Granizado is the perfect dessert to beat summer heat with while at the beach, listening to the sound of the waves, and feeling the gentle breeze that often accompanies the ocean. It is common in Costa Rica to find street vendors, especially in beach areas, selling granizados. And in some areas you can even get a deluxe version known as churchill, which is bigger and includes ice cream.
Costa Rica is a country that has a lot to offer to those who visit its beautiful territory. While it is most widely known because of the quality of its coffee and the kindness of its people, county’s traditional dishes shouldn’t be ignored. A visit to Costa Rica is not complete if you don’t try at least one of the many delicious dishes served within its borders.
At Out of Office Villa we can help arrange for a private chef during your stay so that you can experience some of the dishes mentioned above in the comfort of the home.
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