Top 5 Must-Try Dishes on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast
While Costa Rica isn’t typically considered part of the Caribbean, it does have some Caribbean-influenced dishes due to its proximity to countries like Panama and Nicaragua, which have Caribbean coastlines. Here are five dishes you might enjoy trying when visiting the Caribbean-influenced regions of Costa Rica:
Rice and Beans (Gallo Pinto)
While not exclusive to the Caribbean, this dish is a staple in Costa Rican cuisine and often has Caribbean influences when served in regions like Limón. It typically consists of rice and beans cooked together with onions, bell peppers, and spices like cumin or cilantro.
Rondón
This is a hearty Caribbean-style stew made with a variety of seafood, meats, and vegetables such as yams, plantains, and cassava. It’s seasoned with spices like thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers, and coconut milk for a rich flavor.
Patacones
These are fried green plantains that are flattened and then fried again until crispy. They are often served as a side dish or snack and can be topped with various toppings like shredded beef, cheese, or guacamole.
Ceviche
While ceviche is popular throughout Latin America, it has variations in the Caribbean regions of Costa Rica. Caribbean ceviche often includes seafood like shrimp or conch marinated in lime juice with onions, peppers, and sometimes coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Tamales caribeños
These are Costa Rican-style tamales with a Caribbean twist. They’re made with a corn masa dough filled with seasoned meat, vegetables, and sometimes olives or raisins, all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked through.
These dishes offer a taste of the Caribbean influence on Costa Rican cuisine, particularly in regions like Limón and along the Caribbean coast.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Don’t miss out on these must-try dishes when you visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast.
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