6 Must-Try Puerto Rican Dishes While Traveling in Puerto Rico

Are you curious about the types of food you can expect to find in Puerto Rico? This beautiful island is not only famous for its beautiful seashore and rich culture but also for its food; an exotic and unique pallet. The cuisine of Puerto Rico is a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno roots, making Puerto Rican dishes quite unique. Here are some foods that you should not miss while in Puerto Rico if you are to have a memorable tour.

Foods You Should Try In Puerto Rico

1. Mofongo

Mofongo is the most famous Puerto Rican dish. It is a mashed green plantain preparation accompanied by garlic, pork cracklings, and varied spices. The mixture is then formed into a ball and this is normally eaten with a rich broth, shrimp, chicken, or beef. Mofongo is a very popular dish that can be tasted in almost every restaurant on the island, but each restaurant might have its own variation. The taste and texture are unique and will stick out as quite memorable for most travelers.

2. Arroz con Gandules

Arroz con Gandules is another famous dish of Puerto Rican cuisine. It involves rice seasoned and cooked with pigeon peas, sofrito, which is a mixture of herbs and spices, and pork. This dish is usually seen during festive occasions. However, it has become very trendy among the inhabitants of the region, as well as among the tourists throughout the year. It is recommended to have a taste of arroz con gandules in a restaurant to get the feel of how Puerto Rican home-prepared meals taste.

3. Pernil

Pernil is a dish of slow-cooked pork shoulder that is seasoned with a mixture of garlic, oregano, and other spices. This is a special dish that is often cooked during festive occasions and family celebrations, but it can also be enjoyed in many restaurants in Puerto Rico. The meat is tasty and there is a crust formed on the surface of the meat, which gives an added texture. Like most meat dishes, pernil is typically eaten with rice, beans, and other side dishes.

4. Pastelón

Pastelón is a layered dish commonly called Puerto Rican lasagna. It is prepared using sweet plantains, ground beef, cheese, and sometimes vegetables. The blend of ingredients in pastelón is interesting: sweet and savory. Every layer of plantain and beef is seasoned, and the combination of flavors of these two foods will make your taste buds dance. Pastelon is prevalent throughout Puerto Rico and a meal most locals will likely recommend to anyone visiting the island.

5. Alcapurrias

Alcapurrias is a delicious snack usually sold on the streets of Puerto Rico. These fritters are made from a dough of grated green bananas and yautía stuffed with spiced minced beef or crab meat. The dough is then divided into logs and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. This forms a crispy skin outside, while the interior is savory and full of flavor. It is usually prepared as a snack and is bought from roadside stalls during beach holidays.

6. Tostones

Tostones are fried green plantains that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. They are commonly served as a side dish and a snack in Puerto Rico. Tostones are traditionally taken with a garlic paste or as a side dish to other main meals. The plain and fulfilling flavor of tostones makes people in Puerto Rico and other tourists love this dish.

Schedule A Food Tour With Caribbean Breeze Adventures

At Caribbean Breeze Adventures, we have always envisioned giving our clients the best of both worlds in Puerto Rico, from their adventurous desires to delectable food. Our tours allow you to discover the natural sights of the island and to taste the local flavors of the restaurants. We offer excellent services to tourists searching for adventure and rich culture. If you want a vacation to explore Puerto Rico’s top food delicacies, just start with our tours. Call us now to book your adventurous tour.