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Costa Rican food is the new Mexican

Find out what's on the plate in Costa Rica.
Everyone waxes lyrical about Costa Rica’s scenery – and rightly so. What with its volcanoes, rainforests and tropical shores, it’s certainly been blessed by Mother Nature. But that’s not all. This Latin American slice of heaven has scored a winning hand on the food front, and is giving Mexican cuisine a real run for its money. Check out this little lot from Costa Rica’s cantina. Food for thought...

CEVICHE

Think of this as Costa Rica's answer to sushi' but with a twist. Ceviche is made from tender chunks of raw white fish marinated in herbs and lime juice. Locally, it's regarded as Costa Rica's national dish and it's now gaining traction on the London foodie scene with the aptly-named Ceviche chain proving popular in the capital.

CHICHARRON

Partial to a bit of crackling? Then you'll love chicharron. What's more, it's everywhere you go in Costa Rica most towns and villages have a go-to shack or street stall selling the famous pork scratchings. They're usually served in a soft tortilla wrap with a good spritz of lime.

ARROZ CON POLLO

Granted, the simply-named chicken and rice dish might sound like the plain Jane of the culinary world but done right, it's a real case of never judge a book by its cover. The chicken is slow-roasted and takes on a deep, smoky flavour. The fluffy rice, meanwhile, is gently steamed with herbs, vegetables and chilli for an extra shot of va-va-voom.

GUARO SOUR

When cocktail hour swings round, make it a guaro sour. A blend of guaro cacique liquor, lime juice, basil and coriander, this zesty little number is Costa Rica's most famous tipple. It's incredibly easy to knock back but be warned, it packs a punch.

IMPERIAL BEER

Nothing quenches your thirst quite like an ice-cold beer when you're on the beach and Imperial is Costa Rica's home-grown amber nectar. The locals have been swigging this beer since 1924 and for good reason. It balances hops, malts and grains perfectly. Taste-wise, it's not unlike a Pilsner beer.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIES

Stalls selling super-sized melons, pineapples and bananas hem most roadsides. Lots of vendors go a step further and blitz their freshly picked fruits into a smoothie. They’re usually served in freezer bags with a straw poking out the top. Classy.
Have we tickled your tastebuds?

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Last updated: 15.06.2016

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