The Costa Rican Culture and Cuisine
An important characteristic of Costa Rica’s cultural legacy is the people’s love for peace and democracy. In a region filled with civil unrest and dictatorships, Costa Rica is an exception. The country has a stable democracy without an army. Costa Ricans are generally warm and friendly. It is easy to make friends with them and most of the time they are helpful and polite.
Spanish is the official language however it is important to know that basic English is spoken especially around the tourist areas. Costa Ricans of Caribbean descent speak Creole which is derived from English. Rent a car in Costa Rica.
Education is very important in Costa Rica, consequently 95% of the population is literate. Public schools are dispersed all over the country. There are four big public universities which have become major universities in Central America.
Costa Rican cuisine is a combination of Spanish, Mexican, American and Southern American influences. This style of cuisine is shared by most of Central American countries although with individual local variations. Gallo pinto is a popular dish which is mainly a combination of black beans and white rice seasoned with cilantro, garlic, salt and a local sauce called Salsa Lizano. Costa Rican cooking is mild rather than spicy, and is based around rice and beans.
The following is a small list of some of the local food you can try in Costa Rica:
“Frescos” are natural fruit drinks made from fruit, water or milk, and sugar. In water, you can try tamarindo (tamarind), maracuya (passion fruit), carambola (star fruit), or cas (sour guava). In milk, you can try papaya, mora (blackberry) and guanabana (sour sop). They are all delicious.Costa Rica car rental 4×4.
The “tamales” are traditional at Christmas, however they are available all year round. Costa Rican tamales are made from ground corn, seasoned with small pieces of pork, olive, cooked rice and other different stuffings. They are cooked and served wrapped in banana leaves.
“Picadillos” are a Costa Rican way to prepare vegetables. Costa Ricans chop water squash, potatoes, carrots or other veggies into small cubes and combine them with onions, garlic and other spices for seasoning.
The “casado” is the a typical affordable lunch or dinner plate which consists of rice, beans, picadillo, salad and your choice of chicken, beef or fish. The dish is usually served with tortillas and a fresco.
At breakfast time the “gallo pinto” is a savory way to combine arroz y frijoles. You can try it anywhere in the country. Costa Rica car rental Company.
Another way to try the rice & beans is the Caribbean way, which is a dish based on a mixture of the two ingredients with spices and coconut oil.