Local Ingredients You Must Try During Your Visit to Costa Rica

When you visit Costa Rica, food becomes an essential part of your experience flavors that are fresh, authentic, and deeply connected to our land.

At Private Chefs Costa Rica, we take pride in working with the most natural, local ingredients to offer you a true taste of our culture, right in your vacation home.

1. Tropical Fruits: Sweet, Fresh & Exotic Our local fruits are not just delicious they’re vibrant, full of life, and central to our culinary identity:

Cas (wild Costa Rican guava): An endemic fruit that grows only in Costa Rica. It has a tart, citrusy flavor and is most commonly enjoyed in fresh juices or sorbets.

Passion Fruit (maracuyá): Tangy and refreshing, perfect for sauces, desserts, or cocktails.

Carambola (star fruit): A sweet-sour tropical gem that’s ideal for salads or as a gourmet garnish.

Soursop (guanábana): Creamy, aromatic, and great for smoothies or tropical desserts.

Mango, Papaya, and Pineapple: Used in salsas, smoothies, or served fresh pure Costa Rican sunshine on your plate.

Pejibaye (peach palm fruit): A traditional delicacy often boiled and served with mayonnaise, or used in creamy soups.

2. Rice, Beans & Gallo Pinto: The Heart of Every Meal

Gallo Pinto: Our national breakfast dish a comforting, flavorful mix of rice and beans, typically served with eggs and plantains.

Casados: A lunch or Dinner favorite, pairing rice, beans, salad, sweet plantains, and your choice of protein like grilled fish, beef or chicken.

These humble yet powerful ingredients reflect the warmth and simplicity of our food culture.

3. Plantains & Root Vegetables: Rich, Comforting Flavors

Sweet or green plantains: Fried, baked, mashed, or in soups there’s no wrong way to enjoy them.

Yuca (cassava): Hearty and starchy, often used in soups, ceviches, or served as a side with meats.

Tiquisque (taro root): Adds depth and texture to broths and seasonal dishes.

4. Local Spices & Herbs: Simple but Flavorful. We season our food with love and with ingredients that grow naturally all around us:

Cilantro, garlic, and oregano: Everyday staples that enhance the flavor of traditional meals.

Achiote (annatto): A vibrant red seed used for color and earthy flavor, especially in rice and stews.

Chili dulce: A mild red pepper used in almost all Costa Rican recipes, from rice to soups.

5. Fresh Local Seafood: From Ocean to Table. Costa Rica’s coastal waters bless us with a variety of fresh fish and shellfish:

Red Snapper (pargo) and Mahi-Mahi (dorado): Often served grilled, baked, or in ceviches with lime and cilantro.

Tuna (atún): A flavorful, meaty fish perfect for seared dishes or fresh tartars.

Shrimp: Ideal for cocktails, rice dishes, or garlic butter sautés.

We prepare seafood in ways that let its freshness speak for itself, always with a local twist.

6. Picadillos: Traditional, Hearty & Versatile. These flavorful dishes mix chopped vegetables and meats, sautéed until tender and savory:

Picadillo de papa: A classic made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and seasonings.

Picadillo de chayote: A light, vegetarian option, often served with tortillas or rice.

These are everyday comfort foods found on Costa Rican tables, full of homemade flavor.

7. Costa Rican Coffee: More Than a Drink, a Ritual.

Our world renowned Costa Rican coffee deserves its own spotlight: Grown in the mountains of regions like Tarrazú or Naranjo, it’s known for its smooth, balanced flavor. Whether enjoyed after breakfast or as part of a dessert pairing, coffee is an essential part of Costa Rican hospitality. We love to serve it freshly brewed, sometimes accompanied by local pastries or a piece of tres leches.

And There’s So Much More to Discover…

Just like these, there are many other local ingredients that bring depth and richness to our cuisine like tapa de dulce, coconut, and other seasonal surprises. When you book with Private Chefs Costa Rica, you get to explore these flavors in creative, unexpected ways tailored just for you.

Ready to Taste Costa Rica? Let us bring the best of Costa Rican flavors to your table.

Contact us now to book your culinary experience.