When people join our tours, one of the first questions they ask is, “What food should we try in Costa Rica?” While rice and beans are a staple here, we’ve noticed that after a few days, travelers start to crave a bit more variety. The good news? Costa Rica food offers a delightful range of dishes that go beyond the ubiquitous rice and beans, with plenty of unique flavors waiting to be discovered. From fresh ceviche to arroz con pollo, Costa Rican cuisine is rich with options that will make your trip deliciously memorable.
If you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons and taste the true flavors of Costa Rica, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s dive into some of the must-try dishes that will give you a taste of authentic Costa Rican food and leave your taste buds dancing!
1. Ceviche: A Refreshing Start
Ceviche is a must-try dish for anyone experiencing Costa Rican food for the first time. This refreshing and vibrant dish typically features fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and a hint of chili pepper. The acidity of the lime juice “cooks” the fish, creating a bright, tangy flavor that is both light and satisfying, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on a warm Costa Rican day, whether as an appetizer or a light meal by the beach.
While ceviche’s exact origins are unclear, there are several fascinating theories about how it evolved. Historian Javier Pulgar Vidal suggests that the dish’s name comes from the Arabic word escabeche, meaning to pickle or marinate. He further traced the name to the Arabic word sibech, referring to acidic foods. According to this theory, Moorish women used sour oranges and lemon juice to marinate fish, a method that likely influenced what we now know as ceviche.
Despite changes in preparation methods over the centuries, the core ingredients—fresh fish and citrus—have remained consistent. You’ll find ceviche on menus across Costa Rica, offering the perfect introduction to the country’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. It’s a great way to start your culinary journey into Costa Rica’s vibrant food scene.
2. Café con Tortillas Palmeadas: A Perfect Pairing
The tortilla is one of the oldest and most traditional foods in Costa Rica and Mesoamerica, with its origins dating back to 500 B.C. Over time, this staple has evolved, adapting to modern tastes while maintaining its deep cultural roots. Made from corn, tortillas are a key part of Costa Rican cuisine, often served alongside various dishes.
After a morning of exploring Costa Rica’s lush landscapes, nothing beats a cup of freshly brewed coffee paired with tortillas palmeadas. These hand-made corn tortillas are thicker and more rustic than typical versions. The process of palmear la tortilla—the rhythmic hand-patting that shapes the dough into perfect rounds—is a time-honored tradition passed down through generations.
In Costa Rica, tortillas palmeadas are often served warm, either with butter or dipped into rich, dark coffee. For a traditional touch, enjoy them with natilla (sour cream) during coffee time. This simple yet satisfying pairing embodies Costa Rican hospitality and showcases the fresh, comforting flavors that define Costa Rican food.
3. Arroz con Pollo: A Homestyle Favorite
Arroz con Pollo is a beloved dish in Costa Rican households, known for its comforting flavors and versatility. While some say the dish has its roots in Puerto Rico, there’s also speculation that it may have a distant connection to paella, a traditional Spanish rice dish. In Costa Rica, however, Arroz con Pollo has taken on its own unique identity.
Much like how American families have their own treasured stuffing recipes, every Costa Rican chef, mother, and grandmother has their personal way of preparing Arroz con Pollo. Whether it’s the choice of vegetables, the seasoning, or the type of chicken used, no two recipes are exactly alike, and that’s what makes it so special.
Served with a side of fried plantains and a fresh salad, Arroz con Pollo is a hearty, satisfying dish that offers a taste of home for many Costa Ricans.
On our Caño Negro tour, you’ll have the chance to savor a delicious Arroz con Pollo—a true taste of Costa Rica. Book your tour now and experience both the adventure and the authentic flavors of this beautiful country!
4. Rice and Beans: A Caribbean Twist
Rice and beans may sound familiar, but in Costa Rica, this dish has a unique twist. Unlike the popular gallo pinto, which mixes black beans and rice with Salsa Lizano, Costa Rican Rice and Beans is a Caribbean-inspired dish made with red beans, rice cooked in coconut milk, and a touch of habanero pepper.
The influence of Jamaican culture is reflected in both the recipe and the name, often said in English rather than Spanish.
Traditionally served with boiled chicken, this flavorful dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the diverse culinary heritage of Costa Rica.
5. Chifrijo: The Ultimate Costa Rican Snack
When it comes to Costa Rican food, Chifrijo is a must-try. This contemporary dish has been a staple in bars and cantinas since the 1970s, originating from San José, the capital. The name Chifrijo comes from the combination of its main ingredients: chicharrones (fried pork), chimichurri or pico de gallo, and frijoles (beans).
Chifrijo is frequently served in bars and restaurants throughout Costa Rica, making it the perfect snack to pair with a cold Imperial beer.
This dish not only brings together crunchy, savory, and fresh flavors but also offers a taste of Costa Rica’s urban food culture.
6. Casado: The Complete Costa Rican Experience
If you’re looking to sample a bit of everything, then the Casado is the dish for you. Composed of white rice, your choice of meat or fish (sautéed, stewed, or grilled), black or red beans, and fried plantains, the Casado is the ultimate Costa Rican combo plate.
There are a few popular stories about how this dish came to be. One tale suggests that the Casado originated in a humble soda (local diner), where workers would ask the cooks to serve them hearty lunches. The cooks, in turn, combined everything they had prepared into one generous plate, and thus the Casado was born.
Another story says the dish became popular among newlyweds (casados in Spanish). Wives would prepare this abundant meal to learn their husband’s favorite foods, bringing together a variety of flavors and ingredients that are staples in every Costa Rican home.
This dish is a perfect representation of Costa Rica food—simple, hearty, and full of the country’s traditional flavors.
A Taste of Costa Rica: Farm-to-Table Lunch Experience
Imagine sitting down to a meal where nearly every ingredient comes straight from the surrounding land—fresh, organic, and bursting with flavor. This is the essence of Costa Rica’s farm-to-table experience, where sustainable practices meet authentic, traditional cuisine.
In our tours, we take pride in offering more than just a meal. You’ll get an insider’s look at how local ingredients are grown, harvested, and prepared, ensuring that everything you taste has a story behind it. From rich Costa Rican coffee to homemade tortillas, from fresh vegetables to farm-raised proteins, each bite offers a connection to the land and traditions of this beautiful country.
Picture yourself walking through lush fields, learning about the sustainable methods that preserve the environment for future generations. Then, after a day of exploring Costa Rica’s natural beauty, sitting down to a meal where 80% of what you eat has been produced using these very methods.
This is more than just food—it’s a taste of Costa Rican culture, community, and sustainability all on your plate.
Want to experience the true flavors of Costa Rica? Join us for a farm-to-table lunch as part of your tour. Savor the freshness, learn about sustainable farming, and enjoy a meal that supports local communities.
Costa Rica food is a vibrant mix of flavors, textures, and traditions, offering something for every palate. From the refreshing tang of ceviche to the comforting variety of a Casado plate, there’s so much to discover beyond the ubiquitous rice and beans. Whether you’re here for a short visit or planning an extended stay, make sure to indulge in these must-try dishes to truly taste the essence of Costa Rica.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you tried any of these dishes, or do you have a favorite Costa Rican food that we missed? Leave a comment below and share your culinary adventures with us!