Our Private Chefs’ Favorite Costa Rica Food Traditions

Key Takeaways

• Costa Rica’s food traditions are rooted in a love for enjoying life as it is in the moment, when it is freshest
• Learn more about the key ingredients that are essential to Costa Rican culture and cuisine 
• Get introduced to Costa Rica’s favorite traditional street foods, and how your private chef can help you enjoy them on a luxury vacation 

Food is closely tied to a region’s culture, land, customs, and history, which is what makes checking out the local gastronomic scene such a huge source of inspiration for any vacation destination or itinerary.

By staying at Casa Teresa, not only are you within walking distance of world-class restaurants, but you can kick it up a notch with our concierge services and booking a private chef. 

We asked Paola Espinosa, Casa Teresa’s private chef, to share more about her favorite Costa Rican traditions through food, and the ingredients that fuel la pura vida. 

Here are some of our private chef’s recommendations for a vacation in Costa Rica that celebrates its rich culinary scene.

Meet Our Chef

Paola has been serving up Costa Rican vacation memories out of her passion for sharing the best of Costa Rica, plate by plate and story by story. 

She shares, “For me, Costa Rican cuisine is based on our roots, on the balance of vibrant flavors, colorful dishes, and ingredients that tell a story. Seeing our guests enjoy and discover our Costa Rican flavors is truly rewarding!” 

With Casa Teresa’s state-of-the-art amenities as her stage, she will artfully prepare a myriad of dishes with the freshest local ingredients for guests who opt for dining in with her. When it comes to preparing any of Costa Rica’s favorite foods, everything is best when made pura vida style: home-grown, and with love, care, and an appreciation for the simple things in life like a good meal with better company. 

In Costa Rican food traditions, farm-to-table is a way of life because it’s about quality of life. Choosing to hire a private chef in Santa Teresa is truly a bucket list opportunity, as the town is located in the Nicoya Peninsula, celebrated as a blue zone for its amazing harvests. 

Even before applying her expertise, the ingredients available at any given time are guaranteed to turn the simplest dish feel into a luxury that supports the local community. Such professional acumen is born from a deep love for “working with local ingredients that highlight our essence, to create menus that feel both authentic and refined.”

Traditional Costa Rican Food: It’s All in the Family

To understand Costa Rican food traditions is to celebrate the importance of indigenous Costa Rican communities and centuries of African influence. 

There are three staple ingredients, lovingly referred to as the “three sisters,” or “tres hermanas,” that are the heart of Costa Rica’s favorite foods: squash, beans, and corn. 

Add some rice, fried plantain or eggs, seasonal vegetables, or meats, and you have the basis for comfort food that’s all pleasure, no guilt, and naturally gluten free. 

Where Seafood Reigns Supreme

Before becoming a worldwide destination for luxury tourism and surfing, Santa Teresa was a quiet fishing village. While much has changed over the decades, what hasn’t has been the town’s access to abundant, sustainably-harvested seafood via partnerships with fishermen in Malpais and Tambor.

For your quintessentially Costa Rican vacation, our private chef is always delighted to prepare the catch of the day in any way, including for traditional Costa Rican foods like fish tacos, ceviche, and whole fried fish, and expertly prepared international cuisine like sushi or acqua pazza

Costa Rica’s Favorite Traditional Street Foods

Street foods are a big part of the foodie experience. However, not everyone likes the “street” part of the experience, especially for those seeking a true luxury vacation. 

The solution? Ask your private chef to prepare these Costa Rican street foods! Chef Paola is passionate about infusing and elevating all of Costa Rican dining, because, “It’s always lovely to see our guests discover these flavors and enjoy a unique experience, made with love through a private chef” who can explain the cultural significance, trivia, and stories behind them.

Gallo Pinto

“Gallo pinto” means “spotted rooster.” The national dish of Costa Rica and breakfast favorite, it’s a timeless and traditional food of black beans, white rice, onions, and bell peppers, all seasoned with Central American spices often topped with pico de gallo and fresh tortillas. 

Fried Plantains and Patacones

Whether as part of a meal like gallo pinto or as its own sweet, starchy snack, fried plantains are an absolute must when visiting Costa Rica. Patacones take it a step further: they’re plantains smashed down and deep fried.

Tacos Ticos 

“Tico” is the local term for “person living in Costa Rica,” and they are simultaneously satisfying and addicting. Tacos Ticos are usually made with picadillo, or shredded beef and fried, and served with french fries. For those looking for more plant-based versions, our private chef is expertly versed in making any food, including traditional Costa Rican favorites, vegan-friendly. 

Empanadas

Epanadas are another local spin on Central American classics that always hit the spot. In Costa Rica, they are around succulent meats, cheeses, or fresh grilled vegetables wrapped in corn dough and fried to perfection.

Costa Rican Desserts

Spanish culture heavily influenced Costa Rica’s sweet tooth, making favorite sweet foods like tres leches, flan, and arroz con leche perennial favorites for any occasion. Looking for even more traditional Costa Rican dessert foods? Make room for chorreadas, or corn flour pancakes!

Buen Provecho, Honored Guests

Whether for a special occasion like a destination wedding, as part of a mindful wellness retreat or just to take the stress off meal planning on vacation, lean on your private chef as your Costa Rica expert.  

“There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing each person who visits Casa Teresa enjoy a bit of Costa Rica through my cuisine… that they can live that experience and share it with their friends or family.” 

Buen Provecho – enjoy your meal – and get ready to take an epic tour, all from your villa’s table!