The culinary tourism market is projected to grow by over 17% this year. It seems our insatiable appetite for food has us taking our greedy selves on planes and across borders in search of the world’s best food. Have you sniffed out the best birria in Mexico City and the finest fish in Tokyo? Let us point you in the direction of your next gastronomic adventure: Costa Rica.
Londoners got a special sneak peak of what’s on offer in this green and abundant country at London Restaurant Festival this year. A series of dinners across the capital proved that Costa Rica is very much the hottest new dining destination.
Nicknamed ‘the rich coast’ this abundant country makes up just 0.03% of the words land mass, yet is home to over 6.5% of the world’s species. Alongside this, Costa Rica is home to 30 national parks, eight biological reserves and a series of protected areas that put wildlife front and centre, giving you plenty to do between meals. So, what’s on the menu? Here, we’ve picked our favourite dishes to inspire you to book a trip to its paradisiacal shores.
Cacao beans
Gallo pinto
A kind of Costa Rican rice and beans, gallo pinto is a popular dish in the country, usually served alongside eggs and tortillas. Enriched with flavour thanks to Salsa Lizano – similar to Worcestershire sauce – red peppers and coriander, it’s often deemed the national dish of Costa Rica. It is often considered a very popular dish, not just for breakfast but for any time you want to enjoy it; for instance with any type of meat.
Ceviche
Bordered by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Costa Rica has no shortage of fish to cook with. The best way to make the most of this proliferation of fresh ingredients? Ceviche.
Patti, patty or pati
Originating in Jamaica as a play on the classic English pasties, the patty has made its way to Costa Rican shores and transformed into its own unique version; Pati. A perfect, moreish, savoury snack, they see buttery pastry packed full of flavourful, spiced beef mince. Yum.
Picadillo de papa
Picadillo
Essentially a hash of various chopped vegetables and meat, Picadillo can be interpreted in a range of different ways. Common versions include picadillo de chayote – made with the textured squash that is grown across Costa Rica – and picadillo de papa made with potatoes.
Coffee & chocolate
Both coffee and cocoa are grown across Costa Rica – with these key, flavourful ingredients accounting for a large portion of the country’s exports. It also means you have the green light to indulge in both with abandon on any visit. From craft-brewed coffees to artisanal chocolate. f
For more information visit visitcostarica.com
