Typical Breakfast in Costa Rica – 16 Breakfast In Costa Rica

Last updated on April 20th, 2024 at 04:20 am

Costa Rican breakfast and the best 16 Breakfast in Costa Rica – Costa Rican breakfast foods is not yet world-famous, but one thing is for sure is good! Read here best breakfast in Nicaragua

There are authentic traditional Costa Rican breakfast to try and we have the best breakfast in Costa Rica ready for you. Click here to book online Costa Rica tours and activities

On average Costa Rican breakfast in a sit-down restaurant in Costa Rica will cost around $5 USD depending on what you are ordering coffee and bread will be cheaper that if you order a proper dish for breakfast in Costa Rica. Coffee can cost $2-3 USD.

Read here Traditional Costa Rican Desserts, Costa Rican food, fruits in Costa Rica, vegetarian food in Costa Rica, drinks in Costa Rica and best restaurants in San Jose

Read here 3 Week Costa Rica Itinerary and best Costa Rica Sim card for tourist

WHERE TO STAY IN COSTA RICA

There are dormitory rooms that you can rent the bed for as low as $15 USD a night if you want the cheapest option. AirBnb is also available, mostly for about $20-25 USD a night. Double-room hostels can cost up to $30-40 USD a night while mid-range hotels cost more or less $80 USD a night.

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What is a Typical Breakfast in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, also boasts an inviting culinary scene. This Central American country’s cuisine is notable for its use of fresh ingredients, a wide array of fruits, and an emphasis on hearty, comforting meals. And this is most evident in a typical Costa Rican breakfast.

A typical Costa Rican breakfast often centers around “Gallo Pinto,” a flavorful mix of rice and beans usually cooked with onions, sweet peppers, and cilantro for a distinctive and comforting flavor. This staple dish is often served alongside fried eggs or scrambled eggs, cooked to your liking.

Accompanying the Gallo Pinto and eggs, you might find slices of sweet plantains fried to a delicious golden brown. Their mild sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the savory elements of the meal.

To add a bit of creaminess to your plate, a slice or two of natilla (a Costa Rican sour cream) or cheese is often included. For meat lovers, a serving of cooked ham or bacon could be added for an extra layer of flavor.

And to start the day on a fresh note, it’s common to see a fruit salad made from the local and seasonal fruits Costa Rica is famous for. Think mangoes, pineapples, bananas, and papayas, offering a refreshing burst of natural sweetness.

To wash it all down, a cup of world-renowned Costa Rican coffee is a must. Alternatively, you might opt for a glass of fresh fruit juice or a traditional drink like “agua dulce,” a sweet beverage made from sugarcane.

COSTA RICAN BREAKFAST: BEST 16 BREAKFAST IN COSTA RICA

Breakfasts, although not the biggest meal of the day, will always be deemed very important because it helps set you for a productive day. Here are some of the top breakfasts in Costa Rica you should try. Integrate yourself with Costa Rican’s life and culture and have fun starting your day with these breakfast dishes in Costa Rica!

1. GALLO PINTO

Gallo Pinto is the favorite breakfast in Costa Rican and it’s considered the favorite Costa Rican food of locals. Gallo Pinto is black beans or red beans with rice, paired with other dishes.

There are many variations of Gallo Pinto in Costa Rica but each variation proves that Gallo Pinto is better than old plain boring rice in the morning. Price of Gallo pinto is around $5-6 USD in local restaurants.

2. TAMALES

Tamales is a popular Costa Rican breakfast food and also in Latin American. Tamales is steamed corn dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Tamales is served in a banana leaf and you can eat it as snack or for breakfast. Prices are around $5 USD.

3. FRESH COSTA RICAN TROPICAL FRUITS

Fresh tropical fruits is very usualy for breakfast in Costa Rica, for dessert and easily for a light meal. There are different fruits in Costa Rica from banana, pineapple, papaya, coconut which are perfect for those warm days in the beach.

4. PATI / TICO EMPANADAS

Empanadas is my favorite street food and snack, even perfect for a morning breakfast in Costa Rica. You can find fried empanadas salty with meat, cheese, beans, potato, chicken or fish. There are also sweet empanadas with butter and dulce de leche so delicious too! Prices are around $1 USD.

5. PAN BON

Pan Bon for breakfast in Costa Rica is something for you to have if you’re more looking for a sweet breakfast. Mostly known as a fruit cake in various countries, Pan Bon can have raisins, or some other small fruits inside perfect for a sweet Costa Rican snack or sweet morning breakfasts in Costa Rica.

6. CHORREADAS – Typical Breakfast in Costa Rica

Chorreadas are corn pancakes as a sweet traditional dish in Costa Rica. This can also be eaten for a breakfast in Costa Rica, if you like sweet breakfasts, over savory ones. You can make a sweet version with chocolate syrup and banana. Or you can make chorreadas with cheese – both versions are yummy.

7. PEJIBAYE SOUP

Pejibaye Soup is a traditional dish in Costa Rica. And if you’re looking for a warmer start to your day, or maybe having a brunch, Pejiyabe soup is a perfect Costa Rican breakfast for you.

Pejibaye Soup is made of pejiyabe palm fruit common in Central America and you can add onions, garlic, sweet peppers, and milk or cream. The dish is similar to pumpkin soup.

MORE COSTA RICAN BREAKFAST

8. PATACONES

Patacones are deep-fried green plantains. Patacones are served as a snack and even for a Costa Rican breakfast with black beans, guacamole or spicy sauce. Patacones can be a side dish too in Costa Rica.

9. EGGS

Fried eggs – almost a staple in every breakfast table. This is also popular for a breakfast in Costa Rica. Fried eggs over your rice with beans, or with your Costa Rican Galla Pinto.

10. HOMEMADE COSTA RICAN TORTILLAS

Homemades Tortillas is made from corn and flour. And it’s eaten with every meal in Costa Rica and Central America. Starting from Mexico you will find in every single country in local restaurants when traveling in Central America.

11. BREAKFAST SAUSAGE / COSTA RICAN SAUSAGES

Just like fried eggs, Costa Rican breakfasts can easily have sausages. Easily fried, and can be eaten with bread and eggs, or even rice, sausages are perfect for mornings when you’re preparing to have a full day ahead of you.

DRINKS: BREAKFAST IN COSTA RICA

12. PIPA FRIA

Pipa Fria is the name in Costa Rica for coconut water. Pipa Fria is a good addition to any Costa Rican breakfast. As a tropical country when relaxing on the beach, you can’t miss your coconut. You can get them from street sellers for $3 USD.

13. BATIDOS (SMOOTHIES)

Batidos (Smoothies) is a drink made with the seasonal fruit mixed with powdered milk. Smoothies are made with milk instead of water. Choose your favorite seasonal fruit like mango, banana, and papaya. All of them are delicious and prices are around $2-3 USD.

14. REFRESCOS

Refrescos of natural fruits you can find everywhere in Costa Rica and different flavors: Tamarindo, Cebada, Cacao, Strawberry, Papaya. So sweet and you can find them cold and for $1 USD.

15. COSTA RICAN COFFEE

Costa Rican Coffee you will find different kinds of them in every region. If you are a coffee lover like us you will love to try. There are a few coffee shops offering local Costa Rican coffee.

16. AGUA DULCE

Agua Dulce is boiled water with brown sugar and lime. It’s served with ice and is very refreshing – perfect Agua dulce is an alternative to have coffee.

FAQs on Typical Breakfast in Costa Rica and Costa Rican Breakfast

What do they eat for breakfast in Costa Rica?

A traditional Costa Rican breakfast consists of Gallo Pinto (rice and beans), eggs (either fried or scrambled), slices of fried plantains, a serving of natilla or cheese, and sometimes a side of ham or bacon. This hearty breakfast is often complemented by a fresh fruit salad and accompanied by Costa Rican coffee or a glass of fresh fruit juice.

What do Costa Ricans eat and drink for breakfast?

In addition to the traditional breakfast staples of Gallo Pinto, eggs, and fried plantains, Costa Ricans enjoy their world-renowned local coffee or a refreshing fruit juice for breakfast. You might also find locals sipping on agua dulce, a traditional sweet drink made from sugarcane.

Are Costa Rican breakfasts typically large?

Yes, breakfast in Costa Rica is often a substantial meal. The combination of Gallo Pinto, eggs, plantains, cheese or natilla, and possibly a side of ham or bacon makes for a hearty start to the day. This reflects the Costa Rican lifestyle where a substantial breakfast fuels a day of work or exploration.

WHERE TO STAY IN COSTA RICA

There are dormitory rooms that you can rent the bed for as low as $20 USD a night if you want the cheapest option. Double-room hostels can cost up to $30-40 USD a night while mid-range hotels cost more or less $80 USD a night.

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Hope you loved our best breakfast in Costa Rica blog post guide! And can’t wait to hear about which one is your favorite Costa Rican breakfast in the comments below.

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