One of the best ways to get a taste of Puerto Rican culture is to experience its local cuisine. Sure, you can find American chain restaurants on the island but to get a true sense of what makes Puerto Rico so special, there are a few traditional Puerto Rican foods to try when visiting. Get started with some of our favorites below.
Must-try traditional Puerto Rican Food
The cuisine in Puerto Rico is diverse, much like its history. And because of this, you will find a variety of dishes that speak to the Puerto Rican culture. While there is much to choose from when dining on the island there are several dishes you must try when visiting us for the first time.
- Bacalaito – when visiting Fajardo, Bacalaito is a must. It is a thin, deep-fried fritter that is mainly made with codfish and flour. A staple at almost any meal.
- Any sort of mango, passion fruit, or papaya. Because of its tropical climate, Puerto Rico is a breeding ground for tropical fruits, which most often you find on any menu.
- Ensalada de Pulpo – what better place than Puerto Rico to try Octopus Salad. Pair with some fried plantains and you have the perfect beach companion.
- Mofongo – simply a must-try, Mofongo is a unique blend of mashed and fried green plantains with a pairing of either meat or vegetables. But anywhere you go on the island, you’ll find a wide variety of Mofongos.
- Lechon – in addition to seafood dishes, pork is also another popular food item in Puerto Rico. Lechon is made by roasting a whole pig for many hours. It is normally paired with rice, plantains, or a variety of other side dishes.
- Arroz con Gandules – Because rice is a staple food item in Puerto Rico, you must try Arroz con Gandules. The dish is a combination of pork, pigeon peas, and rice – the perfect complement to any meal.
Dining in Fajardo Puerto Rico
Fajardo’s cuisine is best known for its fresh seafood but is also a great place to indulge in some of the island’s must-try dishes mentioned above. There are several dining options in Fajardo that will satisfy your taste buds and curiosity.
Pasión por el Fogón
For some of the freshest seafood on the island check out Pasión por el Fogón. The menu’s main focus is on creole and seafood dishes like shrimp-stuffed lobsters, stuffed mofongo¸ mamposteao’ with skirt steak, and much more.
Las Vistas Café
Las Vistas Cafe is a great place for breakfast and to take in views overlooking the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve from their open-air terrace.
Sal y Pimienta
Another great place for fresh seafood and incredible views, Sal y Pimienta is an enjoyable dining atmosphere everyone can enjoy.
Dining at Fajardo Inn
Of course, one of the best traditional Puerto Rican foods to try is at one of our on-site restaurants at Fajardo Inn. Experience authentic island cuisine with our restaurants – The Blue Iguana Mexican Grill and the Star Fish Restaurant. Guests can pick from an exquisite high-end dining experience, perfect for a romantic date night or special occasion. Or casually sit down for a tasty Mexican-inspired meal with your family. Share some laughs and a few drinks at our bar and pool lounge.
Plus, enjoy top-quality lodging with bright, spacious rooms with Puerto Rican and Spanish flare décor. You can choose from a variety of rooms, sleeping anywhere from one to eight people, depending on the room chosen!