Costa Rica : What to eat ? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Costa Rica : Enjoying yourself

Timetable Costa Rica

Restaurant opening hours are much the same as in France. But beware: in Costa Rica, we adapt to the rhythm of the sun, and some restaurants may close as early as 8pm. So be sure to ask before you go. In tourist areas, restaurants stay open until 10pm. Mealtimes in Costa Rica are also slightly different from those in France. Ticos generally rise and set with the sun. Rather early risers, Costa Ricans get up around 5-6am and then have a breakfast of champions, which is quite copious to say the least! A quick, light snack is quickly swallowed by midday. To round off the day, dinner starts at 5pm.

Budget & Tips Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, many small, popular restaurants, also known as sodas, are easy to spot thanks to their open construction on three or four sides. Most often covered in palm fronds or corrugated iron, these little establishments serve fresh, local food at low prices. They serve staples such as casado, gallo pinto or empanadas, and sometimes even daily specials. If you're lucky, you'll enjoy an extraordinary view of the beach, the forest or the mountains, but sometimes of the road... In any case, this is where the locals eat! For a casado (a traditional dish consisting of rice, beans, meat, salad, fried plantains and sometimes an egg), you'll need to budget between US$4 and US$7 in a local restaurant or soda (typical restaurant). As a general rule, a full meal can cost between 7 and 25 US$.
And don't forget the pulperías, small shops - a bit like grocery stores in our villages! -where you can get something to eat. And if you want to save money and feel full at the same time, try the casado, a complete meal in itself! It's a plate of white rice, meat or fish, black beans, plantains (fried or pan-fried) and a salad of tomatoes, fresh cabbage, carrots, red onions... all perfectly seasoned with lemon juice.

What costs extra Costa Rica

Tipping (la propina in Spanish) is not a common practice in Costa Rica. Even if North American culture, accustomed to this well-established practice, has exported the tipping reflex to Ticos. Service is generally included. If this is not the case and the service you receive warrants a tip, be aware that the average tipping percentage is between 5 and 10% for tour guides and between 15 and 20% in restaurants. Tips can be given in US dollars or Costa Rican colones. Tips in dollars are preferred (more stable than colones).

The local way Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, the most important meal of the day is breakfast. To build up your strength before tackling your excursions, opt for gallo pinto! This typical dish is a mixture of rice and black beans, accompanied by plantain, eggs and cheese. You'll find it everywhere, in restaurants, sodas or on hotel buffets. In the countryside and among the working classes, breakfast tends to be burritos (kidney beans, cheese, omelette, wrapped in a wheat or corn tortilla ). And let's not forget coffee, the national beverage: Costa Ricans use a kind of sock as a filter, placed on a wooden stand.

Smokers Costa Rica

Be careful where you smoke: smoking is prohibited in all restaurants. Costa Rica has a very strict smoking policy, even outdoors.

Costa Rica : Take a break

Timetable Costa Rica

Local cafés usually open early, often between 6 and 8 a.m., to cater for breakfast and morning coffee. Most then close between 4 and 8 pm, but some establishments may stay open later, especially in urban or tourist areas where demand is higher. The same goes for sodas, which open early, with a break from the kitchen usually between 3 and 5 pm.

Budget & Tips Costa Rica

If you're satisfied with the service, it's customary to tip the waiter 15-20%.

Age restrictions Costa Rica

The minimum drinking age is 18.

What's very local Costa Rica

Whether it's to relax, socialize or simply take a moment for themselves, Costa Ricans have a coffee culture that's a veritable institution in Costa Rica. Tico coffee" is usually very strong and served with sugar, accompanied by pan casado (sweet bread) or other small pastries. Terrace cafés are also popular, especially in cities like San José. Sodas, small family-run restaurants serving simple but very popular meals, are also a must for a lunch break or a quick coffee. In urban areas, Ticos gather in parks and public spaces to soak up the sun or meet up with friends for a snack or an ice cream(helado).

Smokers Costa Rica

Smoking is not permitted in public places.