Want to enjoy the best cuisine that Costa Rica has to offer? Take it from the locals: these staples will not disappoint!
Emerging from a harrowing and complicated history, the Afro-Caribbean culinary tradition has nonetheless blossomed into a joyous expression of passion for fresh food, delicious ingredients, and simple, elegant preparation. It is a tradition that respects the diverse flavors that seafood and produce can impart, but which also does not shy away from aromatic seasonings and, perhaps most of all, spicy heat!
If you are planning to visit Costa Rica or any other country that carries on this culinary tradition, be warned: going forward with low expectations and an unwillingness to experiment with flavor is a huge mistake!
With that said, we spoke to the local experts at Gigi O, a culinary experience and cultural hub located on the beaches of Puerta Viejo, to hear their personal recommendations to locals and tourists alike. They offered a spread of recommendations for all hours of the day. Let's jump right in!
Those in Costa Rica have the privilege of accessing a range of fresh, tropical fruits such as guava and plantain, and this is where the team's recommendations begin. They suggested starting the day with “fruit sashimi”, a simple presentation that allows the fruit to shine, typically served alongside yogurt, granola, and avocado.
Other popular options among locals include breakfast sandwiches (typically containing chicken or ham), eggs prepared in a variety of styles, and authentically prepared breakfast burritos.
The coastal communities of Costa Rica are similarly well served when it comes to seafood, which acts as the basis of many lunchtime staple foods. Gigi O sought to bring particular attention to "catch-of-the-day" options, which are common among lunchtime spots across Costa Rica. These offerings may be served in the form of ceviche, tartare, or in any manner of spiced, baked preparation. Lobster is also abundant in the Caribbean; you'd be hard-pressed to find a lobster more fresh anywhere in the world.
The final meal of the day is the time to indulge in a deeply spiced, intensely seasoned cut of meat - typically beef, pork, or chicken. Costa Rican standouts such as rice and beans con pollo or Caribbean-style curry may marry these proteins with sweet, smoky, and tart elements to add an entirely unique dimension of flavor. Bright, fruity notes find a home among grill-charred, marinated cuts.
Of course, if you missed out on the fruits of the sea during lunchtime, you'll find yourself well-served in the afternoon as well. Consider a surf-and-turf platter paired with a light, tropical salad to really enjoy everything that this culinary tradition has to offer.
Finally, we asked the chefs at Gigi O to recommend a few of their personal favorite dishes, and they did not disappoint. Highlights included Lomito de Res—tenderloin cooked in black pepper coconut sauce and topped with sauteed mushrooms—and Pargo Entero, a whole fried red snapper served in signature Caribbean-style sauce.
The chefs also emphasized that the Afro-Caribbean tradition is serving up something for everyone. Vegan? Gluten-free? No worries! There is fresh produce abound, and most kitchens will be happy to whip up something custom if need be.
So what are you waiting for? Dig in, eat your fill, and, most importantly, enjoy!
