When you think of Costa Rica, it’s hard not to get excited about the delicious local cuisine. At The Castle of Oz, we offer more than just luxury accommodations—we provide a true culinary adventure. From iconic breakfasts to savory dinners, we immerse you in the authentic flavors of Costa Rica. Let’s take you on a tour of the must-try dishes that will make your stay unforgettable.
What Type of Food is in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican cuisine is known for its simplicity, freshness, and balance. With a rich agricultural landscape, meals often include wholesome ingredients like rice, beans,fresh fruits and vegetables, and organic meats. Locally grown produce enhances flavors while contributing to the overall health of Costa Ricans, especially in places like the Nicoya Peninsula—one of the the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives.
Costa Rica Traditional Foods and Blue Zones
In the Nicoya Peninsula, the traditional Costa Rican diet is closely tied to the health and longevity of its people. Staples such as rice, beans, fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood make up many meals, providing both nutrition and flavor. At The Castle of Oz, Chef Diego prepares these dishes using the finest local ingredients, offering a true taste of Costa Rica’s lifestyle that promotes longevity.
Costa Rica Breakfast Foods: Start Your Day the Tico Way
Gallo Pinto: Recipe, Ingredients, and Preparation
Gallo Pinto is Costa Rica’s signature dish, a traditional breakfast that combines rice and beans into a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s a beloved part of Costa Rican culture, known for its unique taste that is achieved with a key ingredient: Salsa Lizano. If you’re looking to prepare authentic Gallo Pinto, this recipe will help you recreate the traditional flavors enjoyed in Costa Rican homes.
Ingredients for Gallo Pinto
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice (preferably from the day before) | 2 cups |
| Cooked black beans with their broth | 2 cups |
| Medium onion, finely chopped | 1 unit |
| Red bell pepper, finely chopped | 1 unit |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | To taste |
| Salsa Lizano | To taste (indispensable) |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
How to Make Gallo Pinto
- Sauté the aromatics:
Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion and red bell pepper until they are soft and fragrant. - Add the beans:
Add the cooked black beans along with some of their broth. Adjust the amount of broth based on how “saucy” you like your Gallo Pinto—some prefer it dry, while others enjoy it with more liquid. - Combine with rice:
Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix it well with the beans and vegetables. Ensure the rice is fully integrated with the beans to achieve that characteristic Gallo Pinto color. - Season and finish:
Add the chopped cilantro and a generous amount of Salsa Lizano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything cook together for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.Add the chopped cilantro and a generous amount of Salsa Lizano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything cook together for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for the Perfect Gallo Pinto
- Use a quality stove: If you have access to a stove like Mabe, which allows you to precisely control the temperature, it will ensure even cooking.
- Prepare rice and beans from scratch: If you have the time, cooking the rice and beans from scratch will significantly enhance the flavor.
- Don’t substitute Salsa Lizano: This ingredient is essential for achieving authentic Costa Rican flavor. There’s no substitute that quite does it justice, so make sure you have it on hand.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious Gallo Pinto that captures the authentic flavors of Costa Rica.
Casado Costa Rican Food: A Balanced and Flavorful Dish
Casado is a traditional dish that represents Costa Rica’s everyday cuisine. The name “casado” means “married,” symbolizing the combination of different foods on one plate. A typical Casado includes white rice, black beans, your choice of meat (chicken, beef, pork, or fish), and a small salad. Fried plantains and sometimes cheese or a vegetable mix called picadillo often complete the meal. The variety makes Casado a well-balanced dish, rich in flavors and nutrients.
Casados are widely served in small, family-run eateries known as “sodas.” These meals are affordable, delicious, and offer a glimpse into authentic Costa Rican culture. The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, making the Casado both tasty and reflective of Costa Rica’s focus on natural, healthy eating. If you’re visiting Costa Rica, trying a Casado is a must. At The Castle of Oz, we prepare each Casado with care, using only the freshest local ingredients.
Must-Try Foods in Costa Rica: Unmissable Dishes
Costa Rica has a diverse selection of traditional dishes with unique flavors. Here are some you can’t miss:
Foods to Eat in Costa Rica: Unmissable Dishes
Costa Rica offers a diverse range of traditional dishes, each with its own unique flavors and ingredients. Here are a few that you simply must try:
Arroz con Pollo or Chicken Rice
Arroz con Pollo is a beloved dish in Costa Rica, known for its vibrant flavors and comforting appeal. Translating to “rice with chicken,” this dish is a staple at family gatherings, parties, and celebrations. What makes Costa Rican Arroz con Pollo special is the use of fresh, local ingredients. Rice is cooked with tender chicken and colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and peas, seasoned with a blend of spices. Salsa Lizano, a tangy and slightly sweet sauce, gives the dish its unique flavor. Served with a simple salad, fried plantains, and sometimes black beans, Arroz con Pollo makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Costa Rican Chifrijo
Chifrijo is a popular Costa Rican snack that combines traditional ingredients into one satisfying dish. The name blends two key components: “chicharrón” (crispy fried pork) and “frijoles” (beans). Chifrijo typically starts with white rice and beans, topped with crispy chicharrón. It’s garnished with fresh pico de gallo and sometimes tortilla chips or fried plantains. A squeeze of lime adds a zesty touch, and it’s often enjoyed with a cold beer, making it a favorite bar snack among locals and visitors.
Chifrijo Recipe
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the chicharrones | |
| Pork (preferably with bacon), cut into pieces | 350 grams |
| Pepper | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried oregano | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil or lard for frying | Enough for frying |
| For the beans | |
| Cubaces beans (or black beans) | 500 grams |
| Water | 6 cups |
| Carrot, diced | 1 unit |
| Fresh celery stalks | 2 stalks |
| Onion, julienned | 1/2 unit |
| Sweet pepper, diced | 1 unit |
| For the pico de gallo | |
| Tomatoes, diced | 3 units |
| Avocados, diced | 2 units |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 1 bunch |
| Lime juice | 3 ounces |
| Red onion, diced | 1/2 unit |
| White onion, diced | 1/2 unit |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
- Prepare the chicharrones: Season the pork pieces with pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Fry in hot oil or lard until golden and crispy.
- Cook the beans: Boil the cubaces beans (or black beans) with water, carrot, celery, onion, and sweet pepper until tender. Season to taste with salt.
- Prepare the pico de gallo: Mix the tomatoes, avocados, cilantro, lime juice, red onion, white onion, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Stir well.
- Assemble the dish: In a bowl, layer cooked white rice, beans, and crispy chicharrones. Garnish with pico de gallo and serve with tortilla chips or fried plantains. Add a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
This table format organizes the Chifrijo recipe ingredients and instructions in a clear, easy-to-follow way for cooking.
Olla de Carne
Olla de Carne is a traditional Costa Rican stew, made with beef and an assortment of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, green plantains, and yucca. The slow-cooked meat and vegetables create a rich and hearty flavor that makes this dish a comforting favorite, especially in cooler regions of Central America.
Costa Rican Ceviche
Costa Rican Ceviche: A Fresh and Tangy Delight
Costa Rican ceviche is a refreshing and tangy dish, perfect for tropical climates. Unlike other Latin American versions, Costa Rican ceviche is made with fresh fish like sea bass (corvina) or mahi-mahi, marinated in lime juice. The lime juice “cooks” the fish, creating a tender and flavorful dish. What sets Costa Rican ceviche apart is its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients.
While there are countless ways to prepare ceviche, two elements are essential for a perfect dish: the quality and freshness of the fish. At The Castle of Oz, we ensure the freshest catch, with the added option of catching your own fish on one of our fishing tours, making the experience even more memorable.
Ingredients for Costa Rican Ceviche (8 Servings)
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fish (sea bass, corvina, or mahi-mahi), cubed | 500 grams (1/2 kg) |
| Onion, finely chopped | 3 tablespoons |
| Sweet pepper (chile dulce), finely chopped | 3 tablespoons |
| Celery, finely chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Freshly squeezed lime juice | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation (Time: 15 Minutes)
- Prepare the fish: Place the fish cubes in a bowl and rub with salt to season.
- Combine ingredients: Add the chopped onion, sweet pepper, celery, and cilantro to the bowl with the fish. Mix well to combine.
- Add lime juice: Strain the freshly squeezed lime juice and pour it over the fish mixture, ensuring the juice just covers the fish.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Do not exceed this time, as the fish may start to break down in the lime juice.
- Refrigerate: Once marinated, refrigerate the ceviche for up to a day and a half to maintain the fish’s freshness and quality.
- Serve: Serve the ceviche cold, accompanied by soda crackers or plantain chips. For added flavor, you can also serve it with tomato sauce or mayonnaise.
Why Costa Rican Ceviche Stands Out
Costa Rican ceviche is not only a flavorful dish but a cultural staple. The freshness of the ingredients is key to achieving the perfect ceviche. At The Castle of Oz, we pride ourselves on using only the freshest fish and produce, allowing guests to enjoy the authentic flavors of Costa Rica.
There are countless ways to prepare ceviche, but simplicity is often the best approach. The use of high-quality, fresh fish, combined with the vibrant flavors of onion, cilantro, and lime juice, makes Costa Rican ceviche a must-try for anyone visiting. The citrusy brightness of the lime juice perfectly complements the natural flavor of the fish, while the accompanying soda crackers or plantain chips add just the right amount of crunch.
Tips for the Perfect Ceviche:
- Use fresh fish: The quality of the fish makes all the difference. Choose firm, white fish like sea bass or mahi-mahi.
- Control the marinating time: Let the fish marinate for 1-2 hours at room temperature, but no longer, to avoid the fish breaking down.
- Serve cold: Ceviche is best served chilled, and can be enjoyed with various sides such as soda crackers, plantain chips, or even a splash of tomato sauce and mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
By combining the best of traditional Costa Rican ceviche with an emphasis on freshness and quality, this recipe offers a taste of the tropics in every bite. Whether you catch your own fish or simply savor the dish prepared by our chefs, ceviche at The Castle of Oz is sure to be an unforgettable culinary experience.
Costa Rican ceviche is fresh and tangy, perfect for the tropical climate. Unlike other Latin American versions, Costa Rican ceviche features fish like sea bass (corvina) or mahi-mahi, marinated in lime juice, which “cooks” the fish. It’s mixed with finely chopped onions, cilantro, and peppers, creating a simple yet vibrant flavor. Ceviche is often served with soda crackers or plantain chips for added crunch. At The Castle of Oz, you can even catch your own fish on one of our fishing tours, making the experience even more memorable.
Costa Rica Desserts
No meal in Costa Rica is complete without trying the country’s delicious Costa Rican desserts. Two popular options you shouldn’t miss are:
Arroz con leche (Rice Pudding)
Arroz con Leche has many variations across Latin America, but the Costa Rican version is simple. It’s made with white rice, cinnamon, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut milk. Some families also add fresh fruit like pineapple or evaporated milk for extra flavor.
Costa Rica Churchill
The Costa Rican Churchill, originating from Puntarenas, is a unique and refreshing treat. This dessert starts with shaved ice, layered with colorful syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and powdered milk. Some versions include ice cream or fresh fruit. The Churchill is rich, creamy, and perfect for cooling off in the tropical heat. Named after a local man who resembled Winston Churchill, this dessert is a must-try when exploring desserts in Costa Rica.
Empanadas de chiverre costa rica
Empanadas de Chiverre are a special treat, particularly during Easter. These pastries are filled with chiverre, a type of squash harvested only once a year. Cooked with panela (unrefined cane sugar) and spices, the chiverre filling creates a sweet, jam-like flavor. The dough is made from white flour, margarine, and sometimes sour cream, giving it a savory balance. Baked to golden perfection, these empanadas are a cherished part of Costa Rican desserts, especially during Holy Week celebrations.
The Best Costa Rican Food at The Castle of Oz
At The Castle of Oz, we provide more than just luxurious accommodations; we offer an authentic taste of Costa Rican cuisine. Our Chef Diego and his team use fresh, local ingredients to craft dishes that connect you with the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether it’s a Casado, Tres Leches cake, or an Empanada de Chiverre, each meal reflects Costa Rican culture and flavors. With our commitment to sustainability and local farmers, every bite you take supports a better future.
Experience the Rich Food of Costa Rica at The Castle of Oz
There’s no better place to immerse yourself in the flavors of Costa Rica than at The Castle of Oz. From traditional breakfasts to indulgent desserts, every dish we serve is crafted with care and respect for the country’s culinary traditions. Join us for a luxurious stay that goes beyond just relaxation, offering you a true taste of Costa Rica in every sense.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure in Costa Rica? Contact us today to learn more about our offerings and start planning your stay at The Castle of Oz.