Puerto Rico draws millions of tourists each year seeking out beautiful beaches and rich history – but no trip is complete without a tour of the local cuisine. Rooted in Spanish, African, and Taíno influences, Puerto Rican dishes are packed with bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting traditions. Whether you’re a foodie seeking out the best local spots or simply looking to enjoy a taste of tradition, these are the 10 must-try traditional Puerto Rican foods.
10 Must-Try Puerto Rican Foods
Puerto Rico’s food scene is a delicious blend of its rich history and diverse influences over generations. From tostones to hearty mofongo, each dish tells a story of tradition, flavor, and culture. Here are the local Puerto Rican foods you cannot skip.
Mofongo
Mofongo is one of the most iconic Puerto Rican dishes. Mashed green plantains are paired with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings (chicharrón) for a flavorful dish, often served with a side of shrimp, chicken, or steak with a succulent sauce.
Mofongo has deep roots in African culture, and it’s been a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine for decades now. You can find variations of mofongo across the island, from high-end restaurants to casual eateries.
Empanadillas
Puerto Rico’s take on the empanada is a must when visiting this beautiful nation. Empanadillas are fried or baked turnovers filled with a variety of different options, from beef to chicken to seafood to veggies and cheese. Unlike traditional empanadas found further south, these Puerto Rican foods have a slightly thicker dough. As a result, they’re much crispier and more satisfying.
Tostones
Don’t miss tostones – twice-fried green plantain slices with a crispy outside and soft inside. Unlike other neighboring cultures, Puerto Rican food is primarily centered around plantains – and this might be one of our favorite dishes to try as an example of plantain-based meals.
These golden, crunchy bites are a popular side dish or snack, often served with mayoketchup, a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup with a touch of garlic. Tostones showcase the island’s love for plantains, and they’re such a tasty treat!
Arroz con Gandules
No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without arroz con gandules, a national rice dish bursting with flavor. Arroz con gandules is made with pigeon peas, sofrito (a blend of garlic, peppers, onions, and herbs), and pork, all cooked together for a rich, savory taste. You’ll find this dish served during holidays and celebrations as a staple of Puerto Rican food.
Alcapurrias
These delicious Puerto Rican fritters, made from green bananas and yautía (a starchy root vegetable), or with yuca (cassava), are a must-try for anyone visiting Puerto Rico. Alcapurrias are filled with seasoned ground beef or crab and deep-fried until crispy and crunchy. You’ll find them at beach kiosks and street food stalls; they’re the perfect on-the-go snack!
Bacalaítios
Thin, crispy codfish fritters are often found beachside or roadside as snacks, but don’t let that fool you – Bacalaítios are a delicious treat! Salted codfish is mixed with a seasoned batter and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy; this tasty treat is full of flavor.
Pastelón
This beloved Puerto Rican dish can best be described as a sweet and savory plantain lasagna. However, instead of pasta, sweet layers of plantains are smothered in ground beef and cheese, then baked until gooey and golden. This dish has strong Spanish and African influences, and much like other traditional Puerto Rican meals, relies on plantains as a staple carbohydrate.
Piononos
Small plantains are rolled with seasoned ground beef and topped with cheese to create Piononos, a bite-sized goodie that blends sweet and savory flavors. These appetizers can be found across Puerto Rico; they are named after Pope Pius IX (Pio Nono, in Italian), reflecting the European touch that has become a part of Puerto Rican culture.
Sancocho
If soups are your go-to meal, you’ll definitely want to order the sancocho. This hearty and healthy Puerto Rican stew is made with root vegetables, plantains, corn, and various meats like beef, pork, or chicken. Sancocho is typically slow-cooked for hours, bringing out rich flavors; many families prepare it on rainy days or big family gatherings. This soup dates back to early colonial times, when settlers used whatever they could find to make a filling and nourishing meal. Today, it’s a beloved comfort food.
Tembleque
Don’t forget about dessert! Tembleque is a traditional Puerto Rican coconut pudding made with coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon. The smooth and silky texture blended with the subtle coconut touch makes this dessert a favorite among locals, especially during the holiday season. The name Tembleque means “wobbly” or “trembling” in Spanish, a reference to the dessert’s jiggle-like consistency.
Explore The Puerto Rican Foodie Scene with Rico Sun Tours
No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without trying local Puerto Rican foods. Looking for the best foodie tour? At Rico Sun Tours, we specialize in arranging custom food-and-drink experiences for large groups. Whether it’s dining at local hidden gems, visiting traditional markets, or taking a cooking class, we’ll make sure you experience the best of Puerto Rican cuisine. Contact us today to start planning your culinary adventure!
