Must Try Costa Rican Food To Eat Like A Local And Save Money!

Scroll down to discover the top Costa Rican food you absolutely won’t want to miss.

Picture this…

You’ve just spent a week in Costa Rica, soaking up the tropical sun on palm-fringed beaches and embarking on epic adventures through the jungle. Now, you’re recounting your incredible trip to friends when they say: “Tell us about the food!”

You pause. Thinking back, you realize you didn’t quite dive into the local cuisine like you meant to. Sure, there was that fresh fruit juice at the breakfast bar and some rice and beans one evening… but did you really experience what Ticos eat?

It’s all too easy to travel in Costa Rica and miss out on the local food.

Save this guide to traditional Costa Rican cuisine, and you’ll know exactly how to eat like a local and enrich your travel experience. Your stomach — and your wallet — will thank you!

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Eating like a local:

Casado

When it comes to traditional Costa Rican cuisine, the casado reigns supreme. Translating to “married man”, this classic dish includes white rice, black beans, meat or fish, a simple salad, and sometimes fried plantains, tortillas or local cheese. Opt for a casado when you want a hearty yet healthy lunch or dinner.

Average price: $6-$10

Gallo pinto

Commonly considered the national dish of Costa Rica, don’t miss this beloved breakfast. Most variations include rice and beans, fried or scrambled eggs, fried plantains, cheese, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream). Locals drench the dish in Salsa Lizano. We suggest you do, too.

Average price: $5-$7

Arroz con pollo

You’ll find this classic chicken and rice dish on almost every local menu. Restaurants typically serve it with salad and fries, and its signature orange color — the natural result of adding achiote paste from local reddish-orange seeds — makes it easily recognizable.

Average price: $8-$12

Chifrijo

Chifrijo is the ultimate bar food, best washed down with a local Imperial beer. The name merges two of its key ingredients: “chicharrones,” or fried pork rinds, and “frijoles,” beans. It’s served on a bed of rice with pico de gallo, avocado, and local corn chips.

Average price: $5-$10

Ceviche

Given its extensive coastline, it’s no surprise that fresh fish and ceviche are both common and delicious in Costa Rica. The local version of ceviche features raw fish marinated in citrus juices, complemented by diced onion, cilantro, and bell pepper.

Pro tip: Should you spot a kiosk near the beach offering caldosas, give it a try! This snack consists of a bag of local chips topped with ceviche.

Average price: $3-$5

Rondón

Rondón is a common dish in the Caribbean, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the Afro-Caribbean community. The name “rondón” comes from “run down,” referring to its original concept of cooking down whatever ingredients are on hand. This hearty, simmering stew is typically made with a rich base of coconut milk and includes a variety of fresh local seafood and vegetables.

Average price: $10-$20

Caribbean rice and beans

As the name suggests, this is another yummy Caribbean staple and an absolute must-try! While at first-glance it might look like gallo pinto, the flavors are totally different. Typical versions include white rice, red beans, coconut milk, and Panamanian peppers. We love it served with patacones, twice-fried green plantains.

Average price: $8-$12

Drinking like a local:

Coffee is likely one of the first beverages that comes to mind when you think of Costa Rica — and with good reason. Try it brewed from a chorreador, a traditional wooden stand holding a cloth bag.

“Frescos” are local smoothies made from fresh tropical fruits. Cas, guanabana, and tamarindo are three unique flavors worth trying. If you’re at the beach, enjoy a fresh agua de pipa, or coconut water!

Regarding alcohol, many locals favor a cold Imperial or Pilsen, the national beers. Cacique, a popular sugar-cane-based liquor, is also a must-try. Enjoy it in a chili guaro – akin to a Bloody Mary but served in a shot glass (and much stronger!)

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Pro tip!

To sample all the Costa Rican dishes mentioned in this guide, head to a soda. These are typically small, mom-and-pop restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican cuisine. It’s the ideal spot for an authentic local dining experience!

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