f you've ever driven through Costa Rica in July or August, chances are you've spotted roadside vendors standing behind huge piles of spiky red fruit. Maybe you bought a plastic bag of them, bit into the soft flesh, and smiled at the burst of tart-sweet flavour. That’s...
Seasonal Sips: July’s Best Tropical Cocktails
Local bartenders share drink recipes that balance sun, humidity, and beachside bliss. What makes a perfect July cocktail in the tropics? A great July cocktail should be cooling, fruity, and easy to sip under the sun. The best drinks in Costa Rica during this time...
How to Eat a Cas Fruit Without Regretting It: Tricks to Tame Costa Rica’s Tart Treat
Cas fruit—sharp, tangy, and fiercely Costa Rican—is one of those local flavours that divides opinion. Some say it’s deliciously refreshing; others say it tastes like sour punishment in pulp form. The truth? It depends entirely on how you eat it. Prepared properly, cas...
The Dish That Smells Like Rain—and Tastes Like Childhood
Costa Rica’s Olla de Carne with Ñampi and Tacacos: A Bowl of Wet-Season Nostalgia When the first rains hit the Costa Rican countryside, something magical starts simmering in kitchens across the country. It’s not just food—it’s a memory steeped in steam and firewood....
Jungle Mushrooms—And the Chefs Who Can’t Get Enough
Costa Rica’s Rainy-Season Fungi Frenzy, From Gourmet Delights to Glow-in-the-Dark Oddities When Costa Rica’s skies open and the forest floor turns spongy, something strange and wonderful begins to stir—mushrooms. Not the sad white ones in plastic wrap. We're talking...
Food That Only Appears in Floods: Nature’s Secret Menu of the Wet Season
Flood season foods in Costa Rica When the rivers overflow and fields transform into shimmering lagoons, Costa Rica’s flood season reveals a little-known culinary bounty. It’s not just about survival—it’s about flavour, tradition, and knowing where to look when the...
Pejibaye: Costa Rica’s Nutrient-Packed Tropical Treasure
Pejibaye, also known as peach palm fruit, is a staple in Costa Rica and much of Central and South America. This small, brightly colored fruit might not look like much at first glance, but it is packed with flavor, nutrients, and history. Whether you encounter it at a...
A Taste of Tradition: The Magic of Picadillo de Papa
Picadillo de Papa – Savoury Potato Hash There are few dishes that capture the heart of Costa Rican home cooking like Picadillo de Papa. This comforting blend of potatoes, ground beef, and vegetables is more than just a meal—it’s a beloved tradition passed down through...
Pipas and Beyond: The Many Ways Costa Ricans Enjoy Coconut
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying thwack of a machete splitting open a fresh green coconut under the warm Costa Rican sun. Locally known as pipa fría, fresh coconut water is more than just a refreshing drink—it’s an essential part of the culture, a natural...
Fermented Favorites: Chicha and Other Traditional Central American Brews
The Ancient Art of Fermentation in Central America Fermentation has been an integral part of Central American culture for centuries, providing not only a method for preserving food and drinks but also a deeply rooted tradition in social and spiritual gatherings. Among...
Casado: The Ultimate Costa Rican Plate
If you’ve ever dined in Costa Rica, you’ve likely encountered the casado. This hearty dish is the ultimate representation of Costa Rican cuisine—a balanced, affordable, and flavorful meal that locals swear by. Whether you’re grabbing lunch at a small soda (a local...
A Guide to Costa Rica’s Most Unique Food Festivals
Costa Rica is a paradise for food lovers. Beyond the picture-perfect beaches, lush jungles, and abundant wildlife, this small but mighty country knows how to celebrate its culinary heritage. From mouthwatering pejibaye festivals to grand coffee celebrations, every...