A Vegetarian in Costa Rica

by Dariella Fernandez, Greenheart Travel Volunteer Abroad Participant in Costa Rica

Before going to Costa Rica I had been told that Ticans eat rice and beans, however I could have never predicted the huge amount of these two foods they really eat.

Pinto, rice and beans mixed together, is eaten for breakfast. Rice and refried beans along with a few vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower is served for lunch. Rice and freshly cooked black beans with tortillas and eggs is made for dinner. This is repeated everyday with some variables, of course, but with the rice and beans remaining constant.

As a self proclaimed very picky eater, I was at first extremely thankful that the staple foods were things I enjoyed. However after about a week and a half, this began to get very old.

Luckily different foods I enjoyed were served as well. Fresh fruit such as pineapple, watermelon, mango, or apples were sliced up to eat with every breakfast.  Pasta with a buttery, cheesy sauce, a salad with cucumbers, or a hard boil egg was often made for lunch. For dinner, my host mom cooked the best homemade French fries, tortillas, mashed potatoes, and fried plantains. Although I will not miss eating rice and beans, I will certainly miss all the other wonderful and often new foods served in Costa Rica.

Hopefully I can replicate a few of them at home!