Eten en drinken in Costa Rica: de lokale keuken

Costa Rica is known not only for its tropical nature and beaches, but also for its simple and accessible cuisine. From the national dish gallo pinto to fresh fruit juices and local beers: the food is hearty and familiar, though not very varied. Still, during your trip it’s easy to eat a variety of dishes, as there are plenty of restaurants offering different cuisines, from Mexican and Italian to Asian or poké bowls. Especially in larger cities and tourist areas, the options are plentiful. Here’s everything you need to know about food and drinks in Costa Rica.

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Typical food and drinks in Costa Rica

Costa Rica might have the most recognizable cuisine in Central America. The dishes are simple as well as familiar, with most revolving around rice, beans, plantains, and vegetables.

One of the best-known dishes is patacones, which are flattened pieces of plantain fried until crispy. They are often served as a side with meat, fish, or seafood, or as a snack with a sauce on the side.

Another favorite is gallo pinto, mainly eaten for breakfast. It consists of rice with black beans, often served with patacones, fried plantain, and a fried egg. It’s a hearty and filling way to start the day, typical of the local food culture. To be honest, you need to like it—it's not everyone’s favorite breakfast.

Arroz frito and chifrijo are also popular. Both are served with rice, and chifrijo also includes beans. Costa Rica is also known for casados, which you can find almost anywhere. This dish includes rice, beans, meat or fish, salad or other vegetables, and fried plantain. As you can see, rice, beans, or plantain are almost always part of a typical Costa Rican meal.

In many small restaurants, known as “sodas,” you can taste the cuisine as locals know it. The dishes are hearty and affordable, giving a good impression of everyday Costa Rican meals.

Want to explore Costa Rican cuisine with a local guide? Check out the best culinary tours and experiences.

Drinks in Costa Rica

Fruit juice is very popular and prepared differently than we’re used to. Almost any fruit can be juiced and is then diluted with water, resulting in a refreshing, light drink that’s thinner than a smoothie. Common choices include watermelon, melon, mango, or seasonal fruit. In some small local restaurants, juice is even offered for free with your meal.

Besides fruit juices and standard soft drinks, beer is widely served. The most popular brands are Imperial and Pilsen, the local beers that are most commonly drunk and usually the cheapest. Most restaurants also offer international beers, such as American brands or Heineken. Local beer is light and refreshing—perfect for Costa Rica’s warm climate.

Looking for a place to stay? Check out the best hotels, hostels, and apartments in all price ranges.

Other popular dishes in Costa Rica

Like in Panama , Costa Rica has plenty of Mexican restaurants serving tacos, nachos, and burritos. Italian restaurants are also common, offering pizza and pasta. Fast food is available everywhere, from burgers and fries to fried chicken.

Costa Rica also makes it easy to try other cuisines. Poké bowls, Asian dishes, and even Mediterranean or Israeli options are widely available, especially in tourist areas. These dishes can be a bit pricier, but they give plenty of options to mix things up and try new flavors.

Meat, fish, or vegetarian food in Costa Rica

Thanks to the wide range of cuisines, it’s easier to eat vegetarian or vegan meals, or simply choose fish or meat. Veggie tacos, hearty salads, or vegetarian/vegan burgers are often available. The basic ingredients in many Costa Rican dishes—rice, beans, and vegetables—also make it easy to put together a meal without meat.

Still, most locals and tourists eat a lot of meat, and the majority of restaurants have plenty of meat dishes on the menu.

Looking for more travel tips and cost info for Costa Rica? Check outCosta Rica Travel Costs' and 'Round trip Costa Rica – What to expect?‘.