Places in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Food and Drink

With vegetables, beans, rice and fresh fruits making up a high proportion of meals, Costa Rican cuisine is relatively healthy. Fish, beef, pork and chicken are the usual proteins that you may add to a meal. The food is also on the mild side, but hot sauce is available if you like yours spicy.

Costa Ricans place a big emphasis on breakfast and lunch. Join the locals and head to a soda (a small café) or a local market for an authentic dining experience.

Specialities

Gallo pinto: The national dish of Costa Rica; it consists of rice, black beans, onions and cilantro. When it is served as breakfast, fried eggs, tortillas and sour cream are added.
Casado: A bowl of rice, red or black beans, fried plantain, salad, plus a choice of meat.
Olla de carne: Beef and root vegetable soup. Usually have chayotes, cassavas and taros.
Sopa negra: Black bean soup served with a poached or hard-boiled egg.
Bocas: Savoury snacks served at bars.
Coffee: Can be served black, with sugar or hot milk.
Horchata: Sweetened rice milk, often flavoured with cinnamon and cloves. If it is made with barley, then it is known as Resbaladera.
Fresco: Fruit juice, often blended with ice and syrup.
Pipas fria: Fresh coconut juice.

Tipping

Tipping is not necessary as most restaurants add a 10% service charge, plus a 13% sales tax.

Drinking age

18.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.