Puerto Rican Food History
The foods of Taino, Arawaks Amerindians and the Spanish, as well as the food from parts of Africa have all had an effect on how Puerto Ricans eat. While the cooking of Puerto Rico is similar to the foods of Latin America and Spain, it is still unique and flavorful. It uses locally grown ingredients and seasonings to create unique food.
The Spanish influence includes olive oil, black pepper, wheat, onions, basil, oregano, garlic, cilantro, eggplant, ham, citrus fruit, pork, beef and cheese. From Africa came coffee, yams, coconuts, sweet bananas, seeds and plantains. From Mexico come the ingredients of avocadoes, tomatoes, cocoa, bell peppers, and vanilla. Peru and Brazil contributed passion fruits and potatoes.
Puerto Rican Foods - Puerto Rican Cuisine
Food by Country » Caribbean Food » Puerto Rico Food - Puerto Rican Cuisine, Food from Puerto Rico
Cuisine of Puerto Rico
History of Puerto Rico
Food of Puerto Rico
Traditional Puerto Rican Food
Common breakfasts in Puerto Rico usually include hot chocolate, juice, eggs, fresh fruit, toast and fried plantains. For lunch and dinner, there are soup and gumbo and maybe a meat pie. Many of the dishes are made with a mixture of onion, garlic, coriander, oregano, tomato puree, and sweet pepper. Dessert includes flan, which is a pudding type of cake, with a fresh fruit including mango and papaya.
Puerto Rico Dishes
Puerto Rican Dishes
- Quesito - This is a pastry filled with cheese that has been whipped with eggs, sugar and vanilla.
- Rijoles negros - This is a soup made of black beans.
- Asopao - This is a common dish in Puerto Rico. It is a gumbo made of shellfish or chicken.
- Nisperos de batata - This favorite is balls of sweet potatoes that have cinnamon, coconut and cloves.
- Lengua rellena - This dish is stuffed beef tongue.
- Pastelon de carne - These are pies of meat that are filled with ham or pork.
- Carne frita con cebolla - This is beefsteak that is fried with onions.
- Jueyes - These are land crabs.
- Carne Guisada - This is a beef stew made in Puerto Rico.
- Alcapurria - This dough has potatoes, plantains and meat in it.
Puerto Rico Drink
Drinks in Puerto Rico
- Beer - This is very popular, with the favorite brand being Medalla.
- Rum - Puerto Rico's national drink. Bacardi and Don Q are both common brands.
- Coffee - The coffee of Puerto Rico is aromatic and strong.
About Puerto Rico
Discover more Puerto Rican Food and Drinks Resources
- Puerto Rico Background Information - provided by Puerto Rico government.
- Traditional Food in Puerto Rico - popular dishes and favorite foods.
- Vacation in Puerto Rico - travel guides.
- Typical Drinks in Puerto Rico: rum, beer, coffee.
- Puerto Rican Dessert - a typical Puerto Rican dessert which is served at various restaurants.