When it comes to Costa Rican cuisine, simple ingredients and big flavor come together in all the right ways. Whether you’re dining in a beachfront café or grabbing a plate from a roadside soda (local diner), Costa Rican food is all about freshness, comfort, and tradition.
If you’re planning to make Costa Rica your new home, here are 11 Costa Rican dishes you absolutely need to try.
1. Gallo Pinto (Rice and Beans)
This is the national dish of Costa Rica and the star of the breakfast table.
Gallo pinto is a hearty mix of white rice and black beans, cooked with onions, peppers, cilantro, and Salsa Lizano (Costa Rica’s go-to condiment). It’s usually served with eggs, fried plantains, and sometimes cheese or sour cream.
You’ll find it everywhere — and every family has their own twist.
2. Casado
One of the most common Costa Rican meals, casado is more of a combo plate than a single dish.
It typically includes:
- Rice
- Beans
- A choice of meat (chicken, pork, beef, or fish)
- Fried plantains
- A fresh salad
- Sometimes a slice of avocado or a tortilla
It’s a complete, filling meal — and a staple of everyday dining in Costa Rica.
Whether you’re eating at a roadside soda or a family-run restaurant, a casado is a great way to sample the core building blocks of Costa Rican food — and you’ll never leave hungry.
3. Ceviche
Love seafood? You have to try Costa Rican ceviche.
This version is typically made with white fish marinated in citrus juice, mixed with finely chopped onions, cilantro, peppers, and sometimes a splash of ginger ale or orange juice for a sweeter twist. It’s often served with crackers or fried plantains for crunch.
Fresh, bright, and perfect on a hot day.
4. Olla de Carne (Beef Stew)
This traditional Costa Rican stew is comfort food at its best.
Olla de carne is made with chunks of beef, cassava (yuca), plantains, corn, carrots, and other root vegetables, all simmered together in a rich broth.
It’s a weekend favourite, especially in the cooler mountain regions.
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5. Chifrijo
Craving something bold, crunchy, and packed with flavor? Chifrijo is a local favorite that hits all the right notes.
The name is a mashup of its two main ingredients: chicharrón (crispy fried pork) and frijoles (beans). But the real magic is in the layers.
Chifrijo usually includes:
- Rice
- Beans
- Fried pork (chicharrón)
- Pico de gallo
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips on the side
It’s bold, salty, and perfect with a cold local beer.
6. Tamals
Costa Rican tamals are a must around the holidays, but you can find them year-round at markets and bakeries.
They’re made of corn dough filled with meat (usually pork or chicken), rice, and vegetables, all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Unlike the Mexican version, Costa Rican tamals tend to be milder and softer.
They’re often served with coffee for breakfast or a light meal.
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7. Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)
This is a go-to dish for family gatherings and local celebrations.
Arroz con pollo is a one-pan meal of yellow rice, shredded chicken, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s simple but flavourful and often paired with Russian salad (a cold potato and beet salad with mayo).
You’ll see it at parties, festivals, and just about every potluck.
8. Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)
Patacones are crispy, twice-fried green plantains — crunchy on the outside, soft inside.
They’re often served as an appetizer or side dish, with guacamole, refried beans, or ceviche. Think of them as the Costa Rican version of chips and dip … only better.
9. Rondón
From the Caribbean coast comes this Afro-Caribbean stew full of flavor and spice.
Rondón (short for “run down”) features coconut milk, fish or seafood, plantains, yuca, peppers, and spices. It’s rich, creamy, and comforting — and one of the most distinct regional dishes in Costa Rican cuisine.
If you’re near Limón, make sure to seek it out.
10. Sopa Negra (Black Bean Soup)
Simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor, sopa negra is Costa Rica’s beloved black bean soup.
Made with slow-simmered black beans, onions, garlic, peppers, and a generous handful of fresh cilantro, sopa negra is both hearty and light. The broth is rich and deeply savory, without being heavy, which makes it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a rainy-day pick-me-up.
What makes this dish uniquely Costa Rican isn’t just the ingredients — it’s how it’s served. You’ll often find it topped with:
- A soft-boiled or poached egg
- White rice on the side or in the bowl
- Tortillas or toast for dipping
- Sometimes a splash of Salsa Lizano for extra tang
Tip: Try it with a fresh fruit juice or café con leche for the full local experience.
11. Tres Leches Cake
You didn’t think we’d forget dessert, did you?
Tres leches is a super-moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated, condensed, and whole), then topped with whipped cream or meringue. It’s rich, sweet, and often finished with cinnamon or fruit.
It’s the perfect end to a traditional Costa Rican meal.
Dining in Costa Rica: Keep It Simple, Keep It Local
The best food in Costa Rica is often the simplest. You don’t need fancy restaurants to experience authentic Costa Rican dishes — just head to a local soda, order the day’s special, and enjoy the flavors that make Costa Rican cuisine so special.
From savory stews to fresh seafood and sweet desserts, there’s something here for every taste.
And remember … don’t be afraid to try whatever the locals recommend. That’s where the real magic is.