Costa Rica For The Gourmet Traveler

Popular Foods & National Cuisine

Ceviche, Corvino ( Sea Bass ), Gallo Pinto

Popular Beverages & National Drinks

Agua Dulce, Guaro

Best Dining Destinations

Tamarindo, San Jose

Foods

Ceviche

Found in many other Caribbean countries, ceviche is a refreshing and different dish, that is served extremely well in Costa Rica. Sea bass is usually the main ingredient yet some versions use shrimp and conch or the mixture of all three. This seafood in this dish is not cooked by traditional methods, yet "cooked by marinating in lemon juice for quite a few hours. Onions, garlic, and red peppers will almost always be included and the dish is served chilled. Ceviche may seem strange to some who are not used to this type of "lemon-cooked" method, but please give it at least a taste. You might end up preparing something so simple yet tasty when you return back from your journey.

Corvino ( Sea Bass)

Sea bass is the most popular fish served in Costa Rica. Due to the delicate and mild taste, corvino will please the most picky fish eaters among the group. You are highly encouraged to try this delightful fish on your trip to Costa Rica either as ceviche or any of the other simple methods that are used in its preparation.

Gallo Pinto

Claimed to be the national dish of Costa Rica, gallo pinto is a simple dish of beans and rice. The dish is so popular that you will find many locals eating this for breakfast or lunch on a daily basis.

Drinks

Agua Dulce

A refreshing beverage consisting of sugar cane juice mixed with water. Agua dulce is often served to workers in the field as an energy drink and will add a great boost to your travels.

Guaro

Guaro is a seriously strong clear beverage made from fermented sugarcane juice. You should be warned however that this beverage is quite crude.

Destinations

San Jose

Costa Rican cuisine can be quite simple and bland at times. If you find a need to get back into the groove of international cuisine, San Jose has a numerous restaurants that will cater to your needs.

Tamarindo

One of the premier beach resort areas in Costa Rica. Numerous seafood restaurants and resort areas populate this booming coastal city.