Casado – a Typical Costa Rican food
Typical Costa Rican food is best understood not through fancy restaurants or complex recipes, but through everyday meals prepared with love, tradition, and simplicity. To truly appreciate the culinary culture of Costa Rica, you have to look at what locals eat daily, how food is shared, and how deeply it is connected to the land. My friend Jack, who also writes a travel blog and has spent considerable time exploring Costa Rica, often says that the country’s food reflects its philosophy of Pura Vida—simple, balanced, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.
The Great Culinary Simplicity of Costa Rica
One of the most fascinating aspects of Costa Rican cuisine is how well locals cook using very basic ingredients. There is nothing overly complicated or heavily spiced, yet the flavors are comforting and delicious. Typical Costa Rican dishes are mainly based on rice, beans, maize, vegetables, and bananas—especially bananas and plantains, which appear in many forms throughout the day.
These staple foods are often complemented with fish, beef, pork, or chicken, depending on the region and proximity to the coast. Because Costa Rica is rich in fertile land and benefits from a tropical climate, fresh ingredients are always available. This abundance allows meals to remain simple while still being nutritious and flavorful.
One of the most affordable and common meals in Costa Rica perfectly captures this culinary philosophy. It is eaten mostly at lunchtime, served in small local restaurants known as sodas, and enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Casado – The Heart of Costa Rican Cuisine
The most famous and beloved traditional dish in Costa Rica is the Casado. The word casado literally means “married,” and many people believe the name comes from the idea that the ingredients are “married” together on one plate in perfect balance.
A typical Casado includes:
- White rice
- Black beans
- Fried or ripe plantains (plátanos maduros)
- Shredded cabbage salad or simple mixed vegetables
- Fresh sour cream (natilla)
- A protein such as grilled chicken, beef, pork, or fish
- A fresh natural fruit drink
This dish is not only filling but also nutritious, providing carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins in one well-balanced meal. For many Costa Ricans, the Casado is eaten almost daily, especially during lunch. Despite its simplicity, it never feels boring because each cook adds their own small touch.
Jack often says that after a few weeks in Costa Rica, you start craving Casados—not because they are exotic, but because they make you feel grounded and satisfied.
Breakfast the Costa Rican Way: Gallo Pinto
Breakfast in Costa Rica is another culinary experience that reflects tradition and practicality. The most iconic breakfast dish is Gallo Pinto, which is a mixture of rice and beans from the previous day, sautéed together and often seasoned with onions, bell peppers, cilantro, and a splash of the famous Salsa Lizano.
Gallo Pinto is usually served with:
- Eggs (scrambled, fried, or boiled)
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh sour cream
- Sometimes cheese or fried plantains
In some regions, the beans and rice are mixed so thoroughly that the dish almost appears marbled, while in others, they remain slightly separated. Either way, the flavor is comforting and energizing, making it the perfect start to the day.
Salsa Lizano deserves special mention. This iconic Costa Rican sauce is slightly sweet, tangy, and mildly spiced. It is not hot, but it adds a unique depth of flavor that locals swear by. Many Costa Ricans even bring a bottle of Salsa Lizano with them when traveling abroad.
Coffee, Agua Dulce, and Fresh Juices
No Costa Rican breakfast would be complete without a cup of Costa Rican coffee. Known worldwide for its high quality, Costa Rican coffee is typically smooth, aromatic, and medium-bodied. Coffee is grown in the fertile volcanic soil of the Central Valley and surrounding highlands.
Another popular morning drink is Agua Dulce, made by dissolving tapa de dulce (solid unrefined sugar made from sugarcane) in hot water. It has a rich, caramel-like flavor and is especially comforting on cool mornings in the mountains.
Costa Rica is also famous for its fresh natural fruit juices, known as frescos naturales. These juices are made from fruits like mango, papaya, pineapple, guava, passion fruit, and watermelon, often mixed with water or milk. There is a common rumor that travelers should avoid juice with ice due to water quality concerns, but in general, most places serve safe, clean drinks. Jack confirms that he drank fresh juices daily during his travels and never had a problem.
Other Traditional Costa Rican Dishes
Beyond Casado and Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica offers a wide variety of traditional dishes that reflect regional flavors and family traditions.
Some notable examples include:
- Arroz Guacho – A rice dish cooked until slightly sticky, often prepared with seafood or chicken.
- Hígado en Salsa – Beef liver cooked in a savory sauce with onions and peppers.
- Escabeche – Chicken or fish marinated in a vinegar-based sauce with vegetables.
- Papas con Chorizo – Potatoes cooked with flavorful chorizo sausage.
- Barbudos – A unique bean-based omelet, often lightly fried.
- Mondongo – A hearty stew made with tripe and vegetables, popular on weekends.
These dishes may sound unfamiliar to some visitors, but they represent the authentic flavors of Costa Rican home cooking.
Picadillos and Side Dishes
Costa Rican cuisine also features many picadillos, which are finely chopped vegetable dishes often cooked with herbs and spices. Popular varieties include:
- Picadillo de Chayote con Elote (chayote squash with corn)
- Picadillo de Papaya Verde (green papaya)
- Picadillo de Vainicas (green beans)
These are often served as side dishes or fillings for tortillas.
Plantains are another essential component of Costa Rican food. You will encounter:
- Plátanos Maduros (sweet fried ripe plantains)
- Plátanos Asados (grilled plantains)
- Patacones (fried green plantains, twice-fried and crispy)
Pejibayes, a type of palm fruit, are also popular and usually eaten boiled with mayonnaise or salt.
Street Markets and Local Sodas
One of the best ways to experience typical Costa Rican food is by visiting local street markets and sodas, especially on Saturdays. These markets offer fresh fruits, homemade dishes, snacks, and desserts prepared using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
While Costa Rica has a growing number of international restaurants—ranging from Brazilian and Italian to Asian and Spanish cuisine—many travelers find themselves returning to local sodas for the authenticity, affordability, and warmth.
A Personal Note from Jack
Jack, who is originally from Brazil and loves to travel, often shares that Costa Rican food reminds him of home in its simplicity and reliance on fresh ingredients. He regularly follows Costa Rica travel blogs for tips and inspiration and enjoys discovering small food spots off the beaten path.
He also mentions the joy of finding fresh mangoes during mango season, sometimes picking them straight from the ground. These simple moments—combined with good food—are what make Costa Rica unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Typical Costa Rican food is not about extravagance. It is about balance, freshness, and tradition. Meals are meant to nourish the body and bring people together. Whether you are enjoying a Casado at a roadside soda, sipping coffee in the Central Valley, or tasting fresh fruit on the Caribbean coast, you are experiencing the true essence of Costa Rica.
For travelers willing to slow down and eat like a local, Costa Rican cuisine offers something deeply rewarding—simple food, honest flavors, and a true taste of Pura Vida.