Costa Rican Cuisine

The national breakfast dish made with rice, black beans, and seasonings — often served with eggs, cheese, and tortillas.

A traditional lunch plate that includes rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a protein like chicken, beef, or fish.

A classic dish made with rice, chicken, vegetables, and spices — a favorite at gatherings and celebrations.

A hearty beef and vegetable stew often cooked slowly over several hours — perfect for family gatherings.

A black bean soup flavored with cilantro, onion, and hard-boiled eggs — simple yet comforting.

A popular bar snack combining rice, beans, pork, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips — perfect with a cold drink.

Twice-fried green plantains, crispy on the outside and soft inside — served with beans, guacamole, or cheese.

Pastries filled with meat, cheese, or beans — fried or baked, and commonly eaten as a snack or breakfast item.

Holiday favorite made with corn dough, stuffed with meat and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed.

Tres Leches is a soft, spongy cake soaked in three types of milk: evaporated, condensed, and heavy cream. Rich and moist, it's often topped with whipped cream and a cherry. This indulgent dessert is a Costa Rican favorite, perfect for ending a hearty meal on a sweet note.

This traditional rice pudding is made with milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, creating a creamy, comforting dessert loved across Costa Rica. Arroz con Leche can be served warm or cold, making it a cozy treat at any time of day.

Cajetas de Leche are sweet milk-based candies with a rich caramel flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Handmade in many rural areas of Costa Rica, they are often wrapped in natural paper and sold at local markets—a delicious and authentic souvenir.

Agua Dulce is a beloved traditional Costa Rican drink made by dissolving unrefined cane sugar (tapa de dulce) in hot water. With its deep molasses flavor and warming properties, it’s often enjoyed in the morning or on cool days as a comforting beverage straight from the countryside.

Frescos de frutas are refreshing natural drinks made by blending seasonal tropical fruits like papaya, pineapple, watermelon, or mango with water and a touch of sugar. Served chilled over ice, these vibrant drinks are a staple at Costa Rican sodas and homes alike.

Costa Rican coffee is world-renowned for its high quality and rich flavor, often brewed using a traditional chorreador. Grown in the highlands, Costa Rican beans produce a smooth, balanced cup with subtle fruit and chocolate notes—an essential part of daily life and national pride.

This Costa Rican version of Horchata is made with ground rice, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Sweet and aromatic, it’s a popular cold drink for cooling down on hot days while enjoying the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Guaro is a clear sugarcane-based liquor that is widely considered Costa Rica’s national spirit. Often served in shots, cocktails, or mixed with lime and soda, it brings a festive vibe to gatherings and celebrations throughout the country.