Puerto Rican food is not about having hundreds of dishes, it’s about bold flavors, tradition, and comfort. Every meal tells a story of the island’s history, African, Spanish, and Taíno roots, and the laid-back way locals enjoy life.

Eating in Puerto Rico is part of the travel experience. Whether it’s street food by the beach, a family-owned restaurant, or a roadside spot in the mountains, the food is meant to be enjoyed slowly and with good company.

Iconic dishes you must try

Mofongo
Mofongo is one of the most famous dishes in Puerto Rico. It’s made from fried green plantains mashed with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings. It’s usually served with shrimp, chicken, steak, or seafood in a flavorful sauce.

Locals love mofongo because it’s filling, rich, and deeply traditional. You’ll find it in local restaurants all over the island, especially for dinner.

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Arroz con gandules
This is the most iconic rice dish in Puerto Rico. It’s rice cooked with pigeon peas, pork, and a seasoned base called sofrito. It’s especially popular during holidays, family gatherings, and celebrations.

Even though it’s considered a “special occasion” dish, many restaurants serve it year-round so visitors can experience it.

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Lechon asado
Lechón is slow-roasted pork, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s traditionally eaten on weekends, especially in mountain towns where families gather to eat, drink, and listen to music.

If you want to eat like a local, this is a must. Portions are generous, and it’s often served with rice, plantains, or root vegetables.

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Pasteles
Pasteles are similar to tamales but made with green bananas or root vegetables instead of corn. They are stuffed with seasoned meat, wrapped in banana leaves, and boiled.

They are mostly eaten during the holiday season and are strongly tied to family traditions. Many locals grow up helping make them at home.

Street food and snacks

Street food is a big part of Puerto Rican food culture and is often some of the best food you’ll try

Alcapurrias
Deep-fried fritters made from green bananas or yautía, filled with meat or seafood. You’ll find them near beaches, food trucks, and roadside stands

Empanadillas
Fried turnovers filled with cheese, meat, or chicken. Cheap, quick, and very popular.

Bacalaitos
Salted codfish fritters, crispy and thin, usually sold near the beach

Desserts and Sweets

Puerto Rican desserts are simple, sweet, and comforting.

Flan
A creamy caramel custard found almost everywhere.

Tembleque
A coconut-based dessert traditionally eaten during Christmas.

Quesitos
Flaky pastries filled with sweet cream cheese, commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack

Drinks you should try

Puerto Rico has a strong drink culture, especially when it comes to rum.

Piña colada
The Piña Colada was created in Puerto Rico. Made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, it’s refreshing and perfect for the tropical climate.

Coquito
A holiday drink made with coconut milk, rum, cinnamon, and spices. It’s usually homemade and only available during the Christmas season, making it feel special and exclusive

Local beer
Medalla is the most popular local beer. Light, refreshing, and perfect for the heat.

Rum culture
Puerto Rico is one of the world’s top rum producers. Local rums are smooth, high quality, and often more affordable than elsewhere. Rum is deeply tied to the island’s history and identity.

What to expect as a visitor

• Puerto Rican food is flavorful, not spicy. It focuses on garlic, herbs, and slow cooking rather than heat
• Portions are usually generous, especially at local spots
• The best food is often found in family-owned restaurants, roadside stands, and small local places, not big chains
• Meals are meant to be enjoyed without rushing. Eating is social here
• 1952: Commonwealth established
• Today: Vibrant cultural fusion

Local food tips

• Don’t judge a place by how fancy it looks — simple spots often have the best food
• Ask locals where they eat
• Try at least one roadside or beach food stand
• If it smells good, it probably is

Resilience & Renaissance

Recent years have tested our spirit with economic challenges and hurricanes like María in 2017. But true to our name, "Borikén," Land of the Valiant, we've responded with community solidarity, creative innovation, and a renewed commitment to preserving our culture while building a sustainable future

Puerto Rico's story isn't just in history books, it's in the smile of an abuela making pasteles, the rhythm of a plena song in La Placita, and the sunset over El Morro that's looked the same for 500 years. Come discover why our history isn't something we study, but something we live every day.

Local tip: Visit the small Museo de las Américas in Old San Juan, it's affordable, rarely crowded, and tells our story beautifully.