A Gastronomic Adventure of 10+ Puerto Rican Dishes: Tantalizing Taste Bud Tango

¡Bienvenidos, foodie fanatics! Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that’ll have your taste buds dancing the salsa through the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico. If you know us, half of our couple is from Puerto Rico! This tropical paradise is not only known for its breathtaking beaches and lush landscapes but also for its mouthwatering cuisine that’s an exquisite fusion of Spanish, African, and Taino flavors. So, grab your fork, and let’s dive into the scrumptious world of Puerto Rican delights. Let us share with you some Puerto Rican dishes that will bring your taste buds to life!

Mofongo: Smashing Goodness

Let’s kick things off with Mofongo, the island’s culinary superstar. Made from fried green plantains that are mashed with garlic and pork cracklings, this dish is the perfect combination of crunchy and soft textures. Served with a side of savory meat, seafood, or veggies, Mofongo will make you wonder why you haven’t smashed more food together in your life. You can also try bifongo and trifongo (two starches and three starches while mofongo only has one). Some of the best mofongo we have found is in Piñones near the airport.

Lechón: The Ultimate Pig-Out

Ready to pig out? Meet Lechón, Puerto Rico’s pièce de résistance. This succulent, slow-roasted whole pig is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices before being cooked over an open fire for hours. The result? A crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat that’ll have you squealing with delight. Be sure to check out the lechòn Highway!

Arroz con Gandules: A Pigeon Pea Party

Arroz con Gandules is the unofficial national dish of Puerto Rico, and it’s one heck of a party for your palate. This flavorful rice dish is cooked with pigeon peas, olives, capers, and sofrito—a heavenly mixture of onions, bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, and tomatoes. One bite of this aromatic dish and you’ll be saying, “¡Arroz con Gandules, por favor!”

Arroz con Habichuelas: A Comforting Culinary Embrace

Get ready to be wrapped in the warm, comforting embrace of Arroz con Habichuelas, a heartwarming staple of Puerto Rican cuisine. This simple yet satisfying dish features perfectly cooked rice paired with tender, simmered beans, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that’ll make your taste buds swoon. Prepared with a sofrito base and seasoned with an array of fragrant spices, Arroz con Habichuelas is the epitome of comfort food with a Caribbean twist.

Pasteles: Wrapped in Love

Move over, tamales, Pasteles are in town. These Puerto Rican parcels are made from grated green bananas and yucca, filled with spiced meat, and then wrapped in a banana leaf before being boiled to perfection. Unwrapping a pastel is like opening a deliciously edible gift, perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to treat yourself.

These honestly aren’t our favorite, but we don’t like Tamales either. Many people in our family love these, in fact our sister ate them for breakfast on our most recent trip to the island!

Bistec Encebollado: A Symphony of Sizzling Satisfaction

Get ready to strike a high note with Bistec Encebollado, Puerto Rico’s sizzling serenade to beef lovers. This mouthwatering dish features thin, marinated steak cooked to perfection and topped with a generous helping of caramelized onions. The harmonious blend of tangy vinegar, fragrant garlic, and vibrant spices creates a melody of flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing the cha-cha-cha. Pair it with a side of Arroz con Gandules or Tostones for a truly show-stopping culinary performance that’ll leave you shouting “¡Encore!” to this Puerto Rican classic.

Pernil: The Porktastic Sensation

Hold on to your hats, pork lovers! Pernil is here to sweep you off your feet with its tender, juicy, and flavor-packed goodness. This iconic Puerto Rican dish features a slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a heavenly blend of garlic and adobo seasoning. The result? A succulent and mouthwatering masterpiece with crispy skin that’ll make your taste buds sing “¡Viva Puerto Rico!” Serve it with a side of Arroz con Gandules or Mofongo, and you’ve got a plateful of island magic that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Churrasco: A Sizzling Soiree of Succulent Satisfaction

Prepare to be captivated by Churrasco, a sizzling soiree of succulent satisfaction that brings the fiery flavors of Puerto Rico’s grill to life. This tantalizing dish features tender, marinated skirt steak, expertly grilled to perfection and bursting with a medley of savory spices. The result? A mouthwatering, flame-kissed masterpiece that’ll have your taste buds doing the salsa all night long.

Paired with a zesty chimichurri sauce or a side of Arroz con Habichuelas, Churrasco takes center stage at family barbecues, casual eateries, and upscale restaurants throughout the island. The best Churrasco we have found is in Piñones at Puerto de Mar and in Levittown at

Bolitas de Pescado: A Flavorful Fiesta of Fish

Cast your nets and reel in the catch of the day with Bolitas de Pescado, a flavorful fiesta of fish that brings the taste of the Caribbean sea straight to your plate. These delightful little orbs are made from a delicious mixture of seasoned fish, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, shaped into bite-sized balls and fried to crispy, golden perfection.

Plantain Party: A Trio of Tantalizing Sides

Get ready to go bananas for the versatile superstar of Puerto Rican cuisine: the plantain! This starchy cousin of the banana takes center stage in a delightful trio of tantalizing sides that showcase its range and flavor. From crunchy to tender, savory to sweet, plantains know how to dazzle your taste buds. Let’s meet the fantastic three:

Tostones: A Crispy Caribbean Classic

Tostones are the ultimate expression of plantain perfection. Made from green plantains that are sliced, fried, flattened, and fried again, these golden discs of goodness offer a crispy, savory bite that’ll keep you coming back for more. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, Tostones are a Puerto Rican staple you can’t resist.

Amarillos: A Sweet and Tender Treat

For a taste of plantain’s softer side, look no further than amarillos. These delectable morsels are made from ripe plantains that have turned a deep yellow, giving them a natural sweetness. Sliced and pan-fried to caramelized perfection, amarillos offer a tender, sweet counterpoint to any savory dish.

Arañitas: Crunchy, Spidery Delights

Unleash your inner arachnid with Arañitas, a playful, spider-like spin on plantains that’ll have your taste buds spinning webs of joy. Shredded green plantains are seasoned, formed into small mounds, and fried until crispy, creating a nest of golden, crunchy strands that’ll ensnare your senses. I’ve

No matter which side of the plantain you choose, you’re in for a taste sensation that’ll elevate any meal to new heights. So, join the plantain party and let these delectable sides work their magic on your plate!

Puerto Rican Street Food

Empanadillas: A Pocketful of Puerto Rican Pleasure

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering expedition with Empanadillas, the scrumptious, stuffed pockets of Puerto Rican delight. These crispy, crescent-shaped pastries are the island’s take on empanadas, filled with a tantalizing array of ingredients that’ll make your taste buds dance the merengue. From savory picadillo (seasoned ground beef) to succulent seafood or luscious guava and cheese, Empanadillas cater to every craving.

Pinchos: A Skewer of Sizzling Satisfaction

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with Pinchos, the irresistible skewers of sizzling satisfaction that have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of Puerto Rico. These mouthwatering, flame-grilled delights typically feature tender pieces of marinated chicken or pork threaded onto a skewer, kissed by fire, and served with a generous drizzle of tangy, garlicky sauce. For seafood lovers, there are even shrimp or fish variations to reel you in.

Puerto Rican Pastries & Desserts

Quesitos: A Cheesy Affair

Ready to indulge in a flaky, creamy, and cheesy love affair? Meet Quesitos, Puerto Rico’s sweet temptation. These delectable pastries are made with puff pastry dough, filled with sweetened cream cheese, and then baked until golden brown. Often drizzled with a sugary glaze or dusted with powdered sugar, Quesitos are the perfect way to say “te quiero” to your taste buds. Pair them with a cup of Puerto Rican coffee, and you’ve got yourself a match made in gastronomic heaven.

Brazo Gitano: A Swirl of Delight

Step right up and embrace the enchanting world of the Gypsy Arm, or Brazo Gitano, as it’s known in Puerto Rico. This whimsical dessert is a sponge cake, delicately rolled with an enticing filling, such as guava, cream cheese, cream, lemon or dulce de leche. They even have many specialty and seasonal specialties. Its name, derived from its spiral shape, is reminiscent of the swirling skirts of Flamenco dancers. One bite of this airy and luscious treat, and you’ll find yourself twirling in delight as the flavors dance across your palate. The best Braza Gitano is from Ricomini; be sure to check out their website because they even ship!!

Puerto Rican Drinks

Passion Fruit Mojito: A Sip of Tropical Bliss

Ready for a quenching, sun-soaked romance? The Passion Fruit Mojito is here to whisk you away to a tropical paradise, one sip at a time. This refreshing Puerto Rican libation is a delightful twist on the classic Mojito, featuring fresh passion fruit, mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, white rum, and a splash of soda water. The fruity, tangy, and minty flavors meld together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of zest that’ll dance on your tongue. Enjoy this captivating concoction as you bask in the island’s warm embrace, and let the Passion Fruit Mojito transport you to a world of azure skies, golden sands, and eternal bliss.

Piña Colada: A Sip of Island Enchantment

Prepare to be spellbound by the Piña Colada, Puerto Rico’s enchanting elixir of tropical delight. This legendary cocktail, born in the sun-soaked island, is a magical concoction of creamy coconut, sweet pineapple, and smooth white rum. Served in a chilled glass and often garnished with a playful umbrella, the Piña Colada invites you to sit back, relax, and let the island’s spirit wash over you.

From the bustling bars of San Juan to the tranquil shores of Vieques, this iconic libation is a staple of Puerto Rican culture and a must-try for any visitor. So, raise a glass to the island’s captivating charm and toast to the spellbinding allure of the Piña Colada – the perfect potion to transport you to a world of swaying palm trees, sapphire skies, and endless enchantment.

Coquito: A Velvety Nectar of Holiday Cheer

Raise your glass and toast to Coquito; this irresistible concoction, often referred to as Puerto Rican eggnog, is a luxurious blend of creamy coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, aromatic spices, and a generous splash of rum. The result? A silky, delectable libation that’ll warm your soul and fill your heart with festive joy. We are a house divided on this one, but one of us enjoys this very much during the holidays!!

Frozen Delights: A Cool Quartet of Puerto Rican Treats

When the sun is shining and the tropical heat is in full swing, it’s time to chill out with Puerto Rico’s fabulous foursome of frosty confections. Let’s meet the cool crew:

Piraguas: A Shaved Ice Symphony

Piraguas are Puerto Rico’s beloved shaved ice treats, served in a cone and drenched in vibrant, fruity syrups. From tangy tamarind to sweet guava, these refreshing delights are perfect for a stroll along the beach or a cooldown after dancing the night away.

Ice Cream: A Swirl of Island Flavors

Why settle for the ordinary when you can indulge in uniquely Puerto Rican ice cream flavors? Think coconut, corn, and even uva (grape). Head to a local heladería and treat your taste buds to a scoop (or two) of tropical paradise. Find your favorites from vendors along the beach or my favorite heladería is Rex Cream!

Paletas: Popsicle Perfection

Paletas are Puerto Rico’s answer to popsicles. These frozen treats on a stick are made from fresh fruit juices, purees, or creamy concoctions, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. From luscious mango to creamy coconut, there’s a paleta for every palate.

Limbers: A Frosty Flavor Fiesta

Named after the legendary baseball player, Roberto Clemente’s nickname “Limber,” these frozen delights are a home-run. Limbers are fruity, creamy, or even boozy ice cubes that you can enjoy straight from the freezer. Simply pop one out of its container and savor the icy sensation as it melts in your mouth. We make limbers at home too, with passion fruit juice and rum (either Richland Rum or Don Q Pasiòn: these are our favorite rums)

No matter which chilly treat you choose, you’ll be guaranteed a refreshing, delicious escape from the warm embrace of Puerto Rico’s tropical sun.

In closing, with its rich and diverse culinary history, Puerto Rico offers a smorgasbord of flavors to excite and delight your taste buds. From Mofongo to Mallorca, each dish tells a story of the island’s vibrant culture and history. So, next time you find yourself wandering the sun-soaked streets of San Juan or exploring the lush El Yunque rainforest, don’t forget to take a break and treat yourself to a taste of Puerto Rico. ¡Buen provecho!

If the food here sounds tasty and you want to know what else Puerto Rico has to offer be sure to check out the post coming soon for our Road Trip around Puerto Rico coming soon!! Be sure to subscribe to know when it is posted!!

S&E