When you travel, food isn’t just fuel — it’s a gateway to culture. And this couldn’t be more true in Costa Rica. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in our warm and vibrant country is to eat and drink like a local. From humble roadside sodas to fresh ceviche served on the beach, the flavors here are as rich and colorful as the landscapes we love to explore on our tours.
At Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, we believe the full Costa Rican experience revolves around connecting with people, traditions, and yes, food. In fact, some of our canyoning and waterfall experiences from Jaco include stops at authentic Costa Rican restaurants, such as The Extreme Adventure Tour from Jaco. So, we not only bring people together over incredible adventures, but over delicious local food too!
Let’s get started on our favorite tips and tricks to help you eat and drink like a local in Costa Rica. And if you have any questions about our canyoning and waterfall experiences or Jaco adventure tours, please just contact us for the answers you need.
Start with the Basics: Welcome to Costa Rica’s Sodas
Let’s start with something every traveler should know: the soda. No, we’re not talking about a fizzy drink. In Costa Rica, a soda is a small, family-run restaurant where you’ll find homemade food at very reasonable prices.
Sodas are the heartbeat of local cuisine. They’re usually no-frills — think plastic chairs, handwritten menus, and cheerful service. You might not find a menu in English, but that’s all part of the experience. If you’re unsure what to order, just ask for the casado — a traditional dish made with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of protein (usually chicken, fish, or beef).
Sitting down at a soda is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to eat like a local in Costa Rica. For even more information about our mouthwatering cuisine, be sure to read our Guide to Typical Costa Rican Food when you have finished here.
Must-Try Local Dishes in Costa Rica
Costa Rican food is all about balance, simplicity, and freshness. It’s not spicy like some other Latin cuisines, but it’s hearty and satisfying in its own right. Start your day like a Tico with gallo pinto, a mix of rice and beans seasoned with onion, pepper, and cilantro, often served with eggs, tortillas, and a cup of fresh coffee. Add a dash of Lizano salsa, and you’re truly living the pura vida.
For lunch, the casado is king. It’s filling, flavorful, and varies slightly depending on where you are. You’ll also find olla de carne, a rustic beef and vegetable stew that’s perfect after a morning of hiking or waterfall chasing.
If you’re near the coast (and let’s face it, you probably are), don’t miss the ceviche. Made with fresh fish marinated in citrus juice and mixed with onions, cilantro, and sweet pepper, it’s a refreshing bite that locals love as a snack or light meal.
And for something uniquely Tico, try chifrijo — a bowl layered with rice, beans, fried pork, pico de gallo, and avocado. You’ll often find it in bars and beachfront eateries. If you’re finding these local insights informative and inspiring, you can find even more in our blog Top Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica!
Embrace Costa Rica’s Fresh Fruit and Produce
Costa Rica’s tropical climate means it’s bursting with fresh fruit year-round. At local markets, roadside stands, or even on a hike with us, you’ll spot juicy mangos, creamy guanábana, sweet pineapples, and more varieties of bananas than you thought existed.
When you eat like a local in Costa Rica, don’t skip the fruit juices. Known as jugos naturales or batidos, they’re made with fresh fruit and blended with either water or milk. Try papaya con leche, tamarindo, or cas (a tart local fruit) for something truly Tico.
Buying fruit from small vendors is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to connect with locals and learn about produce you won’t find back home.
Sip the Local Way: Drinks You’ve Got to Try in Costa Rica
When it comes to beverages, Costa Rica keeps things simple but satisfying. Start your morning with café tico — Costa Rican coffee is world-famous for good reason. Even the smallest roadside soda will serve up a delicious cup. If you like it creamy, ask for café con leche.
One traditional drink you’ll see in local homes is agua dulce, made by dissolving raw cane sugar (called tapa de dulce or panela) into hot water. It’s comforting, lightly sweet, and caffeine-free. Want something stronger? Guaro is Costa Rica’s signature spirit — clear, slightly sweet, and used in cocktails like the chiliguaro (think spicy, tangy shot). If you prefer beer, local favorites include Imperial and Pilsen, both easy to find and perfect for a hot day.
If you’re sticking to non-alcoholic, refrescos naturales are your go-to. They’re often made to order and pair perfectly with any meal.
To immerse yourself even more in our country’s culture and heritage, read our picks for quick essential cultural facts to know about Costa Rica!
Street Food and Snacks in Costa Rica
Street food is a big part of local life, especially during festivals or in beach towns like Jaco. One of the best ways to eat and drink like a local in Costa Rica is by grabbing something quick, cheap, and delicious from a roadside vendor.
Look out for empanadas — fried pastries filled with cheese, beans, or meat. You’ll also find tamales wrapped in banana leaves (especially around holidays), crispy patacones (fried green plantains served with beans or guacamole), and sweet treats like coconut cajetas.
Our advice? If you see a crowd around a food cart, follow your nose and try whatever they’re serving.
Eat with the Rhythm of the Locals
Costa Ricans have their own rhythm when it comes to meals. Breakfast is usually hearty (thanks to gallo pinto), and lunch is the main event of the day. That’s why sodas are often busiest in the early afternoon.
Dinner tends to be lighter — think a bowl of soup, some bread, or small portions. And don’t be surprised by the cherished tradition of cafecito, a mid-afternoon coffee break often enjoyed with a sweet pastry or biscuit.
If you’re joining one of our tours, ask your guide where they go for lunch — you’ll get real local recommendations and maybe even some bonus language tips.
Cultural Etiquette Around Food in Costa Rica
Food in Costa Rica isn’t just about eating, it’s about sharing. It’s polite to say buen provecho when someone’s eating, and you’ll often hear it in restaurants or homes.
Ticos don’t rush meals. They take their time, enjoy conversations, and treat dining as a social experience. If you’re invited into someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small token like dessert, fruit, or wine.
Also, you might notice locals eating with both a fork and spoon — that’s just the Tico way. Go with the flow and enjoy every bite. Don’t miss our advice on cultural dos and don’ts for tourists in Costa Rica for even more help in avoiding social faux pas.
Book Your Adventure Activities in Jaco, Costa Rica
Now you know how to eat and drink like a local in Costa Rica, let’s start planning some adventures for your time in Jaco! Browse our range of canyoning and waterfall experiences from Jaco and our Jaco adventure tours to find out more about our exhilarating experiences.
If you have any questions about anything you see, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
