Puerto Rican Food! Iconic Meals that Will Blow Your Mind

Discover the Rich Flavors of Puerto Rican Cuisine

Despite being overlooked in most Latino gastronomy, Puerto Rican food is the pinnacle of Hispanic heritage. Puerto Rican cuisine is a vibrant blend of Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences that is sure to expand your culinary horizons. Being raised on Puerto Rican dishes since birth has given me a life long insight into the wonderful flavors of my beautiful island. Most recipes revolve around savory meats, deep fried food, and lots of bananas. This list is the most iconic and distinct meals you must try when visiting Puerto Rico. You can also sign up for a food tour through Old San Juan to experience the delicious flavors with the experience from a local!

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Mofongo

Mofongo is the embodiment of the boricua spirit and one of my absolute favorite foods in the world. This quintessential Puerto Rican food is the heart and soul of the island’s cultural traditions. It is prepared by frying mashed plantains along with garlic and other seasonings, and topped with flavorful meat or seafood (the OG is shrimp). It is an extremely tasty and filling meal that you can find all over the island. One of my favorite places to eat this majestic masterpiece is at Orozco’s Restaurant in Condado. The three variety of serving styles include the original fried green plantains, yuca, or maduros (sweet plantains). You can also order a trifongo which has all 3 for you to sample.

Arroz con Habichuelas

Renowned as Puerto Rico’s national dish, arroz con habichuelas is always a solid choice that will never disappoint. Usually the rice and beans is served as a side dish but can be an excellent main course along with some of the popular meat options. Growing up, I have fond memories of eating this almost every single day.

Tostones

Puerto Ricans love their bananas. Tostones is one of the staple side dishes or appetizers to any meal. These fried savory plantains are flattened and topped off with garlic and salt. Oddly enough, the best tostones I’ve ever had were at Kintaro Sushi Bar in Isla Verde. Don’t forget the Mayoketchup!

Alcapuria

If you’re looking for some epic street food, then behold the deliciousness of alcapuria. This fritter snack is comprised of fried yucca plantains stuffed with sofrito and picadillo (seasoned minced ground beef). We had some at the San Se festival in downtown and they were the bomb.

Arroz con Gandules

While it may just look like an ordinary plate of rice and beans, arroz con gandules is packed with a high density of flavor that will shock your taste buds. The dish is very popular during the holiday seasons, but can also be found at most restaurants throughout the year. It consists of yellow rice doused in a plethora of seasoning and pigeon peas.

Ensalada de Pulpo

Being situated in the center of the Caribbean grants Puerto Rican food the divine flavors of the sea. Ensalada de pulpo is a freshly made octopus salad and one of my go-to meals when I’m craving seafood. Mi Casita in Isla Verde serves up an amazing version in a hefty portion. They also serve it in smaller cup portions in El Coco de Luis, if you ever need a late night snack while bar hopping in La Placita de Santurce.

Asopao

Asopao can best be described as the Puerto Rican Gumbo, a mix between a soup, ride dish, and a stew. It can be served with chicken, beef, or shrimp, but always has rice, gandules, onions, tomatoes, and olives.

Tripleta

This massive sandwich is comprised of 3 different types of meat; grilled steak, lechon pork, and ham. The explosion of flavor is placed in a loaf of fresh bread and topped with fries, ketchup, mayonnaise, cheese, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, and onions. You can order it as a lunch or late night snack at El Churry or Tripleta Mis Sueño in San Juan.

Pernil

Pernil is one of the signature Puerto Rican foods you’ll find during big celebrations or holidays. It is a succulent roasted pork shoulder that is seasoned to perfection and served alongside rice. The shredded texture is a delectable experience your palette won’t soon forget.

Lechon

Lechon is a beloved dish that involves a whole roasted pig and typically seasoned with a blend of garlic, oregano, and other herbs and spices, and then slow-roasted on a spit over charcoal for several hours. The result is a succulent, flavorful meat with crispy skin. It is often served at special events, festivals, or family gatherings. If you happen to come across it, consider yourself to be in a lucky celebration!

Aguacate Rellenos de Salmorejo y Jueyes

Once of the best meals I had in San Juan was aguacate rellenos de salmorejo y jueyes. This simple dish comprises of a huge avocado stuffed with shredded crab and a delicious sauce. Try it at La Casita Blanca along with even more authentic Puerto Rican dishes. The restaurant even has a picturesque tree spiraling through it and great views from their rooftop deck.

Bacalaitos

Bacalaitos is another fritter street food style snack which is a flattened piece of fried fish (usually cod). It is prepared with a thin pancake batter and seasoned with loads of herbs and spices. The sizes range from small to as big as your head.

Pasteles

Pasteles are another symbolic holiday Puerto Rican food traditionally served during Christmas time. They are a rectangular plantain, stuffed with meat, olives, and seasonings and then boiled in a banana leaf. Normally they are topped off with some ketchup or Tabasco, but can also be eaten as is.

Puerto Rican Gazpacho

Not to be confused with the Spanish soup styled gazpacho, the Puerto Rican version is completely different. Gazpacho puertoriqueño is made of bacalao (cod), onions, avocados, olive oil, and other seasonings. It is a super healthy, light, and refreshing salad that pairs excellently with any dish.

Empanadillas

Empanadillas are a type of Puerto Rican hand pie that is made by stuffing a pastry shell with a savory filling, typically ground beef, chicken, or seafood, along with a variety of seasonings, vegetables, and cheese. They are then fried until crispy and golden brown. It is the quintessential street food you can never go wrong with. Find them and other great snack foods at one of my favorite 24/7 restaurants, Pizza City.

Bistec Encebollado

Also known as beef steak, this flavorful dish includes a marinated slab of beef topped with onions and accompanied by white rice. The island is known for its plentiful meat dishes, and of of the best can be found in Old San Juan. Vaca Brava offers pounds of meat for you to try in sharable quantities that are guaranteed to fill you up.

Flan de Queso

Flan de queso is a creamy and decadent dessert that tantalizes the taste buds with its delicate texture and indulgent flavors. The silky-smooth custard is imbued with a subtle yet seductive hint of caramelized sugar and infused with the rich essence of savory cheese. Its elegant presentation and sophisticated palate make it a culinary masterpiece and my favorite Puerto Rican dessert without equal.

Tembleque

Tembleque is a creamy coconut pudding that delights the palate with its refined texture and understated sweetness. The dessert is infused with exotic spices and evokes a tropical ambiance that is both alluring and enchanting. Its ingredients are all vegan friendly too!

Piña Colada

Piña Colada is a world class drink was actually invented in Puerto Rico and is just one of the many amazing drinks you can indulge in here. This heavenly cocktail is infused with rum, coconut milk, pineapple juice, and garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry. No other beverage radiates a vibe of pure paradise quite like the Piña Colada. Visit Viejo San Juan to experience one at its birth place, Caribe Hilton’s bar or Barrachina (it is still being disputed on the actual first inventor).

Coquito

No other drink evokes a sense of nostalgia and unity amongst boricuas quite like coquito. The viscous libation is synonymous with a post Christmas meal or ringing in the new year with la familia. Coquito is a luxurious drink that captivates the senses with its complex blend of exotic flavors and aromas and the Puerto Rican version of eggnog (but better). The thick coconut milk, hint of cinnamon, and splash of rum captivates the hearts of all Puerto Ricans and has become inseparable from holiday celebrations. If you’re fortunate enough to visit during the holidays, be sure not to miss this exquisite beverage. WEPA!!!

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In my unbiased opinion, Puerto Rican food is some of the best on the planet and I’m proud to share insights into my gastronomic heritage with any wandering foodies in search of the world’s most divine meals. Puerto Rican cuisine is a vibrant and diverse culinary tradition that showcases the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful island. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, exploring the gastronomic delights of Puerto Rico is an adventure that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the artistry and passion that goes into creating each and every dish. I hope You get to try everything soon! If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful sights on the island, check out this post. And for 10 more exhilirating things to experience in San Juan, check out this video. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!

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Here’s some of the best Puerto Rican food and where to find it in San Juan!

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