These 18 Traditional Dishes Prove That Puerto Rico Has The Best Food
You haven’t lived until you try all of these!
1. Mofongo

What is it: Deep-fried green plantains mashed together with sautéed onion, garlic, olive oil and other ingredients such pork or seafood.
Taste: Heavenly & delicious.
Conclusion: Why don’t we eat more mofongo?
Get a recipe here.
2. Pernil

What is it: Slow-roasted marinated pork shoulder, commonly made for holidays & special occasions.
Taste: Crunchy skin, tender meat, this dish is the Puerto Rican equivalent to a Thanksgiving turkey.
Conclusion: PLEASE, YOU MUST TRY A PERNIL BEFORE YOU DIE.
Get a recipe here.
3. Arroz con gandules

What is it: A combination of rice, pigeon peas, and pork, cooked in the same pot with sofrito. It is one of the signature rice dishes of Puerto Rican cuisine.
Taste: Like substance of the gods.
Conclusion: Pernil + arroz con gandules = #winning
Get a recipe here.
4. Pastelón

What is it: Sweet plantains mashed together and layered with ground beef much like lasagna.
Taste: Savory & sweet.
Conclusion: Add pastelón to your bucket list.
Get a recipe here.
5. Alcapurrias

What is it: Deep-fried "fritters," made of grated taro root (yautia), green plantains, and filled with savory ground meat or fish.
Taste: Delectable.
Conclusion: Alcapurria food trucks on every corner.
Get a recipe here.
6. Chicharrones de pollo

What is it: Crispy, tender, deep-fried chicken pieces.
Taste: Much like traditional fried chicken but NOT.
Conclusion: Just book a trip to Puerto Rico and try everything on this list already.
Get a recipe here.
7. Sancocho

What is it: A hearty beef stew filled with starch vegetables like yucca, potatoes, and plantains.
Taste: Delightful and comforting.
Conclusion: Will fill your stomach and your soul.
Get a recipe here.
8. Trifongo

What is it: Mofongo with sweet plantains thrown into the mix as well.
Taste: Sweet & deeply rich.
Conclusion: This is for the indecisive, if you want mofongo but you also want pastelón, go with trifongo!
Get a recipe here.
9. Pollo Guisado

What is it: The Puerto Rican version of chicken stew.
Taste: Nostalgia at its finest.
Conclusion: For the traditionalist and deep flavor lovers.
Get a recipe here.
10. Serenata de Bacalao

What is it: Cod fish is the star of this traditional cuisine, it becomes extremely popular during spring and summer!
Taste: Savory.
Conclusion: If you like fish, this is not to be missed!
Get a recipe here.
11. Habichuelas Guisadas

What is it: Seasoned and stewed pinto beans, a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine.
Taste: Hearty, but not your average pot of beans.
Conclusion: Click the recipe to see how these beans get their extra boost of flavor!
Get a recipe here.
12. Tostones

What is it: Twice-fried green plantain slices.
Taste: Traditional and rich.
Conclusion: "You complete me." - Rice & Beans
Get a recipe here.
13. Coquito

What is it: Coconut-based alcoholic (rum) beverage, a holiday favorite.
Taste: Eggnog's Puerto Rican cousin, will bring all the feels of the Christmas season.
Conclusion: Please don't die yet, especially if you haven't tried this.
Get a recipe here.
14. Piononos

What is it: A miniature version of pastelón – lasagna-style sweet plantains and picadillo (sautéed ground beef).
Taste: Sweet & robust.
Conclusion: If you don't want to cook a whole pastelón try piononos. ;)
Get a recipe here.
15. Rellenos de Papa

What is it: Mashed potatoes, seasoned ground beef, crispy crust.
Taste: You know you'll like this.
Conclusion: Not your average potato ball, it's all about the seasoning!
Get a recipe here.
16. Jibarito — Chicago

What is it: Pronounced hee-bah-ree-toe, it's a sandwich made with flattened, fried green plantains instead of bread, garlic-flavored mayonnaise, and a filling that typically includes meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. (Please note: while jibaritos have their roots in Puerto Rico, this dish was originally created in Chicago by a Puerto Rican chef.)
Taste: Rich, substituting green plantains for bread? Genius!
Conclusion: Find a jibarito sandwich on the menu at many Latin American restaurants or try it at home! It's simple.
Get a recipe here.
17. Empanadillas

What is it: A fried meat pie, can be stuffed with ground beef, chicken. or cheese.
Taste: Finger-lickin' good
Conclusion: Easy & accessible DIY recipe! Yes, you too can make this at home!
Get a recipe here.
18. Pasteles

What is it: Think of a tamal, but not. The masa exterior is made from green plantains and malanga root, stuffed with ground beef, chicken, or pork.
Taste: Memorable.
Conclusion: Perhaps an acquired taste for the untrained tongue but also a MUST TRY, so please add this traditional dish to your bucket list as well.
Get a recipe here.