Costa Rican Food and Drink

Costa Rican food is a fusion cuisine. It combines elements of culinary traditions from Africa, Italy, France, China, and Spain, flavored by traditional grains, roots (cassava, taro roots, sweet potatoes), spices, fresh fruits and vegetables. The food is mild to slightly seasoned.<p>The most common dishes that reflect the rural culture and are served in typical food restaurants are gallo pinto (black beans and rice) and casados, which translates to married. Gallo pinto consists of rice and beans seasoned with cilantro, onions and worcestershire sauce usually served for breakfast with scrambled or fried eggs and a cup of hot sugar cane water or coffee. Casados consists of white rice, black or red beans served with pork, steak, or chicken along with cabbage and tomato salad and fried plantains. This is served in one dish for lunch or dinner with a refreshment or coffee.</p><p>Traditional food goes beyond gallo pinto and casados. You can delight yourself with more main dishes, drinks, tapas and desserts. Popular main dishes include arroz guacho (sticky rice), ceviche, arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), papas con chorizo (chorizo sausage with potatoes), and olla de carne (beef stew).</p><p>Common refreshments are Horchata (Ground Rice &amp; Cinnamon Drink), Pinolillo (Corn Cocoa Drink,) Or Resbaladera (Rice &amp; Barley Drink.)</p><p>Common tapas are Platanos Maduros (Fried Ripe Plantains), Platanos asados (Baked Ripe Plantains), Pejibayes (Peach Palm), Picadillo de Chayote con Elote (Minced Vegetable Pear with Corn), Picadillo de Papaya Verde (Minced Green Papaya), And Picadillo de Vainicas (Minced String Beans with Beef.)</p><p>Common desserts are queque seco (Orange Pound Cake), Torta Chilena, Miel de Chiverre (Sweet White Spaghetti Squash), Tres Leches, Arroz con leche (rice pudding,) Dulce de Leche, And Suspiros (Maringues.)</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Last updated: Nov 18, 2023