Best Food In Costa Rica: The Guide For All The Food Lovers

The best food in Costa Rica reflects the country’s simple and honest way of life. Each dish tells a story from the farms, coasts, or mountain villages. From rice and beans to soups and street snacks, the local food is made with easy ingredients and strong traditions. Many meals come from family kitchens, passed down for years. You’ll find both old recipes and new twists. This list includes the most famous food in Costa Rica that locals eat daily. If you want to discover real flavours, these dishes represent the heart of food in Costa Rica.

Table of Contents

Best Food In Costa Rica

Discover the vibrant flavours of Costa Rica through these 10 must-try traditional dishes.

1. Gallo Pinto

An image showing gallo pinto served with sides, a dish known as a famous food in Costa Rica.

Photo: Xaymacan / Wikimedia Commons

Gallo Pinto is one of the oldest and most famous foods in Costa Rica. The name means “spotted rooster,” which refers to how the rice and beans look when mixed together. This dish has roots in both Spanish and African food traditions. Originally eaten by farmers, it became a national breakfast. Today, people prepare it with rice, black beans, onions, peppers, and coriander. Modern versions sometimes add eggs or meat. Gallo Pinto is rich in protein and fibre, making it a healthy start to the day.

Best Places To Try: San Jose, Heredia, Cartago
Regional Variations: Caribbean style with coconut milk, Central Valley with more spices

2. Casado

An image showing a vegetarian casado meal, considered the top food in Costa Rica.

Photo: Grendelkhan / Wikimedia Commons

Casado is a traditional lunch that shows a Costa Rican meal on a plate. It includes rice, beans, salad, plantains, and meat. The name “casado” means “married,” which might refer to the mix of different foods served together. Originally, this meal came from workers’ lunch boxes. Now, it’s common in local restaurants. Some places still follow the old style, while others add more items like pasta or avocado. Casado gives a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. It’s a great example of balanced and wholesome food in Costa Rica.

Best Places To Try: Alajuela, Liberia, Puntarenas
Regional Variations: Coastal versions include grilled fish

3. Tamales

An image showing traditional tamales wrapped in leaves, a common food in Costa Rica.

Photo: Gabriel fernandez aguilar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tamales are a holiday treat and a famous food in Costa Rica. The tamales-making tradition goes back hundreds of years, likely from Indigenous roots. Families gather to prepare large batches, especially at Christmas. Made with corn dough filled with meat, rice, and vegetables, tamales are steamed in banana leaves. Modern versions may include olives or raisins. Tamales are rich in carbohydrates and are usually enjoyed with coffee. They bring people together and hold strong cultural values in food in Costa Rica. Each family often has its own tamal recipe passed down over generations.

Best Places To Try: San Ramon, Cartago, San Isidro
Regional Variations: Central regions use pork

4. Ceviche

An image showing a bowl of ceviche de pianguas, the best food in Costa Rica.

Photo: Rodtico21 / Wikimedia Commons

Ceviche is a refreshing seafood dish popular in Costa Rica’s coastal communities. It uses raw fish “cooked” in lime juice and mixed with onions, chillies, and coriander. This technique may have originated in Spanish colonial times and was mixed with native ingredients. Traditional ceviche is simple, while modern versions include shrimp or even octopus. It is high in protein and vitamin C. Ceviche is now a well-known snack and a great example of a famous food in Costa Rica, often found in beach towns.

Best Places To Try: Limón, Quepos, Jacó
Regional Variations: Caribbean ceviche with coconut milk

5. Chifrijo

An image showing dipping sauce with sliced vegetables and nachos, similar to Chifrijo.

Photo: Roger Garcia / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Chifrijo is a newer addition to food in Costa Rica, but it quickly became a favourite bar snack. One bowl of chifrijo combines rice, beans, fried pork (chicharrón), and pico de gallo. The name comes from “chicharrón” and “frijoles.” It was likely invented in a bar in San José during the 1990s. Since then, it has spread across the country. Traditional versions stick to the original ingredients, while modern ones may add avocado or tortilla chips. Chifrijo is rich in flavour and protein. It represents how simple combinations can make delicious food in Costa Rica.

Best Places To Try: San José, Escazú, Grecia
Regional Variations: Some versions include avocado

6. Olla De Carne

An image showing a traditional bowl of Olla de carne with vegetables and beef pieces.

Photo: Rodtico21 / Wikimedia Commons

Olla de Carne is a beef and vegetable soup with deep roots in rural Costa Rican homes. The dish dates back to the colonial period when people used available farm vegetables and meat in large pots. The name means “pot of meat.” Traditional versions have chunks of beef, cassava, carrots, corn, and other local vegetables. In modern homes, people may use pressure cookers for faster cooking. It is high in nutrients, especially iron, and fibre. Olla de Carne is hearty and filling and a proud part of famous food in Costa Rica, enjoyed mostly during weekends.

Best Places To Try: Turrialba, San José, Atenas
Regional Variations: Highlands use more root vegetables

7. Vigoron

An image showing a bowl of vegetable salad arranged in a style similar to Vigorón.

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Vigorón came from neighbouring Nicaragua but has found a strong place in northern food in Costa Rica. This dish has boiled cassava topped with a tangy cabbage salad and crunchy pork rinds. It’s often served on banana leaves and eaten with fingers. While the original recipe is simple, some modern versions add sauces or pickles. Vigorón is low in fat (except the pork) and high in carbohydrates. It’s a popular street food and one of the lesser-known yet exciting examples of top food in Costa Rica. People enjoy it during fairs, festivals, and quick meals on the go.

Best Places To Try: Upala, Liberia, La Cruz
Regional Variations: Some versions include hot sauce or lime juice

8. Tostones

An image showing a plate of tostones prepared from sliced and fried green plantains.

Photo: AMartiniouk / Wikimedia / Image For Representation Only

Tostones are crispy slices of green plantain that are fried twice. Traditionally, they were made with just salt and oil. Today, many places serve them with dips or toppings like garlic sauce. Tostones are gluten-free and a good source of potassium. They are very common in Caribbean regions and are a must-have part of food in Costa Rica. These crunchy snacks are fun to eat and show how even the simplest items can become famous food in Costa Rica with a bit of creativity.

Best Places To Try: Limón, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo
Regional Variations: Caribbean styles use coconut oil

9. Black Soup

An image showing a bowl of soup placed on a wooden tray, similar to traditional black soup.

Photo: Starzzz Studios / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Black Soup has beans, onions, coriander, garlic, and sweet peppers. It often includes a boiled egg and is eaten with rice or tortillas. This soup was first cooked in rural areas, especially in the mountains. People made it with what they had, which makes it a very traditional meal. It is still served at family meals or when someone is feeling unwell. It is rich in protein and iron. Sopa Negra is a humble dish but a key example of everyday food in Costa Rica.

Best Places To Try: San José, Heredia, Cartago
Regional Variations: Mountain areas add herbs, urban areas include cheese

10. Papas Chorreadas

An image showing a vegetable side dish served on a brown plate, similar to papas chorreadas.

Photo: Chan Walrus / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Papas Chorreadas is a simple but tasty dish from the central regions. It includes boiled potatoes with a sauce made from tomatoes, onions, coriander, and cream. The name means “sauced potatoes.” It likely began in farming communities where people made sauces from fresh garden vegetables. Traditional recipes are very basic, but some include cheese or spices now. The dish is high in carbs and calcium. It is a good side dish with grilled meat or light meal. Papas Chorreadas shows the comfort and simplicity of food in Costa Rica.

Best Places To Try: San José, Zarcero, Alajuela
Regional Variations: Some regions add cheese to the sauce

The best food in Costa Rica is made with care, simple ingredients, and a rich history. Each dish adds to the country’s strong food culture. From traditional meals to modern snacks, Costa Rican cuisine has something for everyone to enjoy. Try these famous foods in Costa Rica dishes on your next visit. Book your food journey now with TripXL and experience the best real food in Costa Rica.

Cover Photo: paolo diaz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Delicious And Authentic Best Food In Costa Rica You Should Definitely Try on Your Trip