Traditional Dishes to Order

Why go

Costa Rican menus become easier to navigate once you know what each name brings to the table. Olla de carne is a beef and vegetable stew, chifrijo combines pork and beans, and patacones are twice-fried green plantains. These are distinct choices, not variations of the same plate.

What to look for

• Gallo pinto is mixed rice and beans, commonly served with eggs at breakfast.
• Olla de carne brings beef, cassava, corn and other vegetables into a broth.
• Chorreadas are corn pancakes served with sour cream or cheese.

Useful to know

• For a substantial plate, look for casado with its stated meat or fish and sides.
• For a smaller bar snack, look for chifrijo or patacones.
• Ask what fills an empanada; versions include meat, chicken, cheese and fruit.