On the Eaten Path In Puerto Rico

Get on the eaten path in Puerto Rico and discover an island buzzing with flavoursome influences and traditions.

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Puerto Rico’s cuisine is a unique fusion of influences from the Spanish, Africans and Taínos, the first natives of the Caribbean. Food is an adventure that embodies Puerto Rico’s very culture. Throw an aromatic cup of coffee and a shot of famous island rum into this diverse mix of flavours, and you can see the essence of Puerto Rico for foodies. Whether you’re looking for great reasons to visit Puerto Rico, or already planning a trip to Puerto Rico, you’re in for evocative tastes of the island. Ready to dig in? Check out 7 delights on the eaten path in Puerto Rico.

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1. Alcapurria – Fun with Fritters

This classic favourite is Puerto Rico’s take on fritters. Mashed plantain filled with beef, crab or salted cod, then breaded and fried to perfection? Sign me up! If you’re heading out for chinchorreo (bar hopping), alcapurrias make a tasty accompaniment when grabbing drinks with friends.

2. Cortadito – A Brew-tiful Sip

For a shot of espresso packed with flavour, make like the locals and order a cortadito. One of the best places to get your brew on in Old San Juan is Café Don Ruiz. Housed in the historic Ballajá Barracks, Don Ruiz serves native-grown coffee that goes down a treat. Address: Cuartel de Ballajá, Calle Norzagaray, Old San Juan

3. Mamposteao – Rice is Nice

As a rice lover, mamposteao sent me straight to foodie heaven. This stewed Puerto Rican rice and beans is the stuff of goodness and flavour courtesy of ingredients including garlic, peppers, onions and cilantro. You can have mamposteao with crispy pork belly, grilled steak or any other protein of choice.

4. Mofongo – Mash It Up

“What’s one food I should definitely eat while here?” I asked my driver Luis as he manoeuvred out of the airport. “Mofongo,” came his swift answer. Sure enough, this most-loved meal came up often. Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish made of deep fried unripe plantain, mashed with garlic, salt and oil. It is then shaped into a ball and served with a choice of tasty broths including pork, seafood, chicken or veggie. The texture of mofongo reminded me somewhat of Ghana’s eto (mashed plantain). Your trip to Puerto Rico definitely won’t be complete if you don’t sample this island staple.

Related: The A to Z of Ghanaian Food Favourites

5. Piña Colada – Culture in a Cup

Piña colada is the best sip to accompany your Puerto Rico adventures.

Pleasures of Puerto Rico: 10 Reasons to Visit the Caribbean Island of Enchantment

If balmy breezes, warm sand and good vibes were a passionate cocktail, it would be piña colada. Puerto Rico’s national drink is loved the world over for its refreshing mix of pineapple juice, coconut cream and rum. So, just imagine that ice cool sip right in its birthplace. <Insert blissful sigh>. While you’re at it, don’t miss the chance to try your hand at making your own piña colada in Puerto Rico. Check out Day 1 of this 4-Day Puerto Rico itinerary for more.

6. Quesito – Yummy Puerto Rican Pastry

My first taste of quesito – a warm flaky puff pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and thinly dusted with sugar – accompanied a frothy sip of cortadito. Two delights, one sitting. It’s an iconic pairing I’d recommend whether you get your fix of Puerto Rico’s most popular treat from the bakery, coffee shop or supermarket.

7. Tostones – Slice Slice Baby

Tostones are double deep-fried plantain wheels coated in a light dusting of salt. It is usually served with “mayoketchup”. I had my first taste of tostones on an evening out in nightlife hot spot, La Placita. As a patron saint of plantain chips, tostones hit the spot immediately. My verdict? They are filling, very moreish and pair nicely with other delicious treats on any menu.

Whether you’re a first timer or a repeat visitor, the different influences and traditions make the Island of Enchantment ideal for foodies. You’ll find plenty to enjoy on the eaten path in Puerto Rico – go, discover!

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Want more Puerto Rico?

• Pleasures of Puerto Rico: 10 Reasons to Visit the Island of Enchantment
• 4 Days in Puerto Rico: Things to Do & Where to Eat

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