Native Costa Rican Food: A Journey Through Ancestral Flavors

Native Costa Rican food is a celebration of the country's history and culture. Dishes like gallo pinto, casado, and olla de carne are examples of recipes passed down through generations. These dishes use local ingredients such as corn, beans, rice, and tropical spices, creating unique combinations that delight both locals and visitors.

Additionally, ancestral foods like chicasquil and malanga are making a comeback, thanks to a renewed interest in preserving the country's culinary traditions. This heritage cuisine nourishes not only the body but also the soul, connecting those who enjoy it with the very essence of Costa Rica.

Let's remember that Costa Rica is home to one of the world's blue zones, known for the longevity of its inhabitants, largely due to their diet. Costa Ricans have a special interest in recovering the best of their ancestral food culture and passing it on to new generations through new techniques and gastronomic combinations.

"An important aspect not only for Costa Rica but also for other countries around the world is that diets are becoming very monotonous and restricted to certain food groups. This is affecting food systems, with the increasing presence of large monocultures and the lack of recognition of the foods that are part of our dietary diversity and how to use them, especially among younger generations," explained Dr. Sedó in a study published by the University of Costa Rica in 2022.

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute, in partnership with the Center for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and the National Learning Institute, launched a pilot plan in 2011 to recover traditional Costa Rican cuisine in gastronomic establishments, as a differentiating element of the tourist service offerings in Costa Rica.

If your interest when visiting another country is to learn about its gastronomic influence, do not hesitate to contact Pura Provisions and request one of our Costa Rican menus, such as the Tico & Caribbean, and enjoy the experience.