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San José, Costa Rica

Top food to try in San José

6 dishes to eat in San José, what is in them, and where they belong.

Last updated 2026-08-11

1. Casado

Casado
Photo: puroticorico · CC BY 2.0 · source

Rice, black beans, plantain, salad and a protein on one plate — the standard lunch.

2. Gallo pinto

Gallo pinto
Photo: puroticorico · CC BY 2.0 · source

Rice and beans fried together with Salsa Lizano, eaten at breakfast with egg.

3. Chifrijo

Chifrijo
Photo: zugaldia · CC BY 2.0 · source

Rice, beans, fried pork and pico de gallo in a bowl with tortilla chips.

4. Olla de carne

Olla de carne
Photo: _nur · CC BY 2.0 · source

Beef stew with yuca, chayote and plantain, a Sunday dish.

5. Costa Rican coffee

Costa Rican coffee
Photo: FreeWine · CC BY 2.0 · source

Tarrazú and the Central Valley lots, and the domestic quality is very high.

6. Agua de sapo

Agua de sapo
Photo: Lorena pacheco cruz · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Ginger, lime and tapa dulce over ice — the name means toad water.

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