Costa Rican Cuisine

Costa Rican cuisine is simple, fresh and wholesome, reflecting the laid-back pura vida way of life rather than bold spice or elaboration. Its cornerstone is rice and beans, most famously in gallo pinto, the beloved breakfast of seasoned rice and beans often served with eggs, and the casado, a hearty lunch plate of rice, beans, plantain, salad and a meat or fish. Add abundant tropical fruit, fresh seafood on the coasts and superb coffee, and it is honest, healthy fare.

What you actually see

• Gallo pinto - the seasoned rice-and-beans breakfast.
• The casado - the hearty lunch plate of rice, beans, plantain and more.
• The tropical fruit - the abundant fresh fruit and juices.
• The soda - the small local eatery serving home-style food.

When to go

Year-round; the best and cheapest home-style food is at the small local eateries called sodas, and the coasts add fresh seafood and, on the Caribbean side, a distinct coconut-infused cuisine.

Honest expectations

Costa Rican food is simple, mild and wholesome rather than exciting or spicy, so its appeal is freshness and honest comfort rather than bold flavour; some find it plain. The Caribbean coast offers more distinctive, coconut-and-spice cooking. Eating at a local soda is cheap, filling and authentic. The fruit and coffee are highlights.

Nearby

The Caribbean coast for its distinct cuisine; the highlands for coffee.