Typical Costa Rican food or “Comida tipica” is usually very simple, as the usual meal is made up of rice, beans, salad and some type of meat. Rice and beans are staple foods in Costa Rica. Gallo Pinto, the national dish of fried rice and black beans is particularly served as a breakfast. Almost every restaurant, including fast food places (such as McDonalds and Burger King) offer gallo pinto at breakfast. At lunch Gallo Pinto becomes “Casado” which is rice and beans, a side of salad, fried plantains, and meat. Vegetables do not form a large part of the Costa Rican diet; however fruit such as melons, papaya, mango and pineapple are common snacks. Costa Rica food is usually fried, contributing to the high population of overweight people in the country.
Other popular Costa Rican food dishes include “arroz con atun” or tuna rice, “arroz con pollo” which is rice with chicken mixed together, “pollo sudado” which is chicken made in a pot with achote and other spices.
Acohte, lizano sauce, and cilantro are common spices used in Costa Rican food. Travellers who are allergic should check the menu or ask the waiter before trying food which it may contain.
Seafood is expensive in Costa Rica in general, as the country exports most of its seafood such as shrimp, lobster and fish. Travelers with a low Costa Rica food budget should stick with the casado or ‘plato del dia’ (plate of the day) for most of their meals.
A popular and delicious drink in Costa Rica is “jugo natural “or natural juice. Natural juice can usually be strawberry, mango, pineapple, mixed fruit, or papaya juice (although some restaurants may have more or different choices). Natural fruit juice can be made in either water or milk, although when made with milk it is usually a little more expensive (and is different than a milkshake).
Another popular drink in Costa Rica is the “Imperial” beer, Costa Rica’s national beer. Although it is quite bitter, this is a cheap and popular beverage in Costa Rica. Imperial and other alcoholic beverages can be purchased in grocery stores, corner stores, and at restaurants. Alcohol cannot be purchased at grocery stores on holidays.
Many bars in Costa Rica serve “bocas” or appetizers with each drink. Bocas are different types of food in small amounts, usually “ceviche” or chicken wings or some type of appetizer. Some bars offer them for free with your drink, however others may apply a small charge.
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