Costa Rica Food

It is possible to order any kind of food in Costa Rica. From Mexican to Italian to Chinese, many world influences have slid in to the world of Costa Rica food. With that said, there are several typical Costa Rica food dishes, and it is a true joy to explore the local varieties found in Costa Rica food culture.

What is in Costa Rica Food?

You will not find all the preservatives and chemicals in Costa Rica food that we are accustomed to in the more commercial world. Costa Rica food, the “Tico diet”, is low in fat and rich in proteins and carbohydrates. Fruits, fresh vegetables, beef and abundant salads are the trademarks of Costa Rica food. Picadillos are part of Costa Rica food typical in every home. This includes diced potatoes, chayotes (water squash) or string beans that are mixed with finely chopped meat, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, chile dulce (sweet peppers), and what ever the family secrets are to adding flavor to make this typical Costa Rica food.  Left over picadillos, fried with rice, are served for breakfast, ussualy with tortillas, to make the breakfast Costa Rica food called amanecido.

Costa Rica food is seasoned with a mixture of dry spices called condimentos mixtos, which is readily available in all markets. There are many different brands of sauces used in Costa Rica food, the most famous being Salsa Lizano. Don’t worry, it is not spicy, since most Costa Rica food is not as spicy as its Caribbean and Mexican counterparts.

The most Popular Costa Rica Food

The most famous Costa Rica food is gallo pinto (means painted, rooster… but it is not). It is comprised of rice and black or red beans mixed with seasonings. It is traditionally included in breakfast, but in the rural areas it is part of every Costa Rica food meal.

The second most popular Costa Rica food is casado (means husband, but again there is no husband in it, we think). It is a mixture of Costa Rica food of chicken, fish or beef, served with Costa Rica food staples such as plantains, rice, beans, cabbage and salad. This is a Costa Rica food not to miss in any local restaurant.

Other favorite Costa Rica Food

Another typical Costa Rica food dish is olla de carne (literally, pot of meat). This is a hearty stew  that includes a small amount of beef and many vegetables common to the region like camote (sweet patato), chayote (water squash), carrots and pataoes. Ussually served with rice, this Costa Rica food dish can be traced back to Cervante’s novel “Don Quixote”.

Soups are also a big part of Costa Rica food. Olla podrida (rotten pot, yeah I know) is a true favorite Costa Rica food. Sopa Negra (black soup) is also available in restaurants across the country and it is made with black beans, onions, cilantro and hard boiled eggs. Another popular soup in the world of Costa Rica food is caldo (stew) and it is made to differently depending on the cooks tastes.

You can not talk about Costa Rica food with out including arroz con pollo (rice and chicken). Always good, it is a great Costa Rica food standard. Variations on this Costa Rica food are arroz con mariscos (rice with seafood), or arroz con carne (rice with meat). This is a Costa Rica food that is inexpensive, filling, and always available.

The Seafood is unbelievable, a truly important part of Costa Rica food. You can not go wrong, and it is recommended you take advantage of this fresh and delicious variety of Costa Rica food. Most impressive are the lobsters available, as well as the ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon juice). There are many types of ceviche, depending what type of seafood is in it. This Costa Rica food is healthy and delicious, and available in most restaurants.