Costa Rica: Popular Foods

Gallo Pinto 

Gallo Pinto is the name given to Costa Rica’s national dish of rice and beans. Gallo Pinto is 
traditionally a breakfast dish, typically served with fried or scrambled eggs, but is
eaten throughout the day and is one of the country’s most treasured side dishes. Each
region of Costa Rica – and each family – has their own variation of Gallo Pinto, so 
there is no one recipe for the dish. The basics, however, are white rice, black or red
beans, peppers, onion, and spices, and a lot of cilantro. Find the video tutorial and recipe here.


Sopa Negra

Sopa Negra is Costa Rica’s version of the classic black bean soup, and is the perfect
dish for those currently embracing warm, cozy vibes at home. The hearty Sopa Negra is
made with a combination of black beans, onions, bell peppers, hot peppers, cilantro,
and garlic. The soup is cooked until the beans become tender, and it is the “Tican” 
(or local) way to add chopped hard-boiled eggs and avocado slices to the soup before
serving. Find the video tutorial and recipe here.

Picadillo de Papa

Potatoes are an essential component of the everyday diet for many Costa Ricans. A favorite 
dish among the locals, picadillo de papa is a savory combination of potatoes, chopped bell
peppers, onions, and ground or shredded meat. The dish is traditionally served alongside
tortillas and rice, and is most popular in the highlands of the country’s Northern Cartago 
region, where potatoes primarily grow. Find the video tutorial and recipe here.



Tortilla Aliñada

The tortilla aliñada is a traditional Costa Rican corn tortilla that has a rich history
in the country. It serves as a simple, tasty side dish, or eaten in the form of gallos 
(a tortilla curved in the hand around meat or a savory picadillo found below). Corn flour, 
salt, sour cream, “queso fresco” or fresh cheese, and a little bit of hand movement, and you
have all you need to make this Costa Rican staple. Find the video tutorial and recipe here.

Arroz con Leche

There is rice pudding, and then there’s Costa Rica’s Arroz con Leche. Rice is cooked with 
milk and infused with the flavors of fresh cloves and cinnamon and later topped with condensed
milk, to create a creamy and delicious dessert. Arroz con Leche can be found everywhere in 
the country, but some of the best versions are found in small towns and at local fairs.
Find the video tutorial and recipe here.