Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in San Juan, Puerto Rico
1. Mofongo con Camarones
A traditional Puerto Rican dish made from fried green plantains mashed with garlic and pork rinds, served with shrimp in a garlic sauce.
- Authentic Flavor: Experience the rich flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine at its finest.
- Unique Ingredients: Try mofongo, a dish you won't find anywhere else!
- Seafood Delight: Enjoy fresh shrimp in the heart of San Juan.
2. Arroz con Gandules y Pollo
A popular Puerto Rican rice dish cooked with pigeon peas and chicken.
- Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of San Juan.
- Comfort Food: Savor a dish that feels like home, even if it's not.
- Local Fare: Try the food the locals love!
3. Asopao de Pollo
A thick chicken and rice soup seasoned with garlic, onion, and herbs.
- Warming Dish: Perfect for those cooler San Juan evenings.
- Comforting Soup: A hearty meal in a bowl, ready to warm you up.
- Traditional Favorite: One of the most popular dishes in Puerto Rico.
4. Pastelillo de Guineos
A savory pastry filled with shredded green plantains and seasoned ground beef.
- Portable Snack: Grab a pastelillo for a quick, tasty meal on-the-go.
- Crispy Delight: The flaky crust and gooey filling make this dish irresistible.
- Unique Twist: Try a twist on traditional empanadas!
5. Lechón Asado
Slow-roasted whole pig served with savory mojo sauce.
- Celebratory Dish: Experience a Puerto Rican festivity favorite.
- Authentic Flavor: Savor the succulent taste of slow-roasted pork.
- Traditional Preparation: Learn about the traditional cooking methods used for this dish.
6. Tostones con Salsa de Ajo
Thinly sliced fried green plantains served with a garlic sauce.
- Simple Snack: Enjoy a quick and easy snack.
- Classic Combo: Tostones pair perfectly with the garlicky sauce.
- Plantain Delight: Experience the versatility of plantains in Puerto Rican cuisine.
7. Cocido de Pernil
A traditional Puerto Rican stew made with pork shoulder, vegetables, and chickpeas.
- Hearty Meal: Warm up with this hearty, comforting dish.
- Homemade Flavor: Taste the difference homemade cooking makes.
- Local Specialty: Savor a dish that showcases Puerto Rican home cooking.
8. Empanada de Pescado
A pastry filled with seasoned fish and vegetables.
- Seafood Selection: Enjoy the freshest seafood in Puerto Rico.
- Portable Meal: Grab an empanada for a convenient meal on-the-go.
- Authentic Taste: Experience the authentic taste of Puerto Rican cuisine.
9. Alcapurrias de Yuca
A fritter made from grated yuca (cassava) and okra stuffed with ground beef.
- Unique Texture: Experience the unique texture of alcapurrias.
- Savory Snack: Grab a savory snack to go!
- Local Tradition: Discover the traditional flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.
10. Ceviche de Camarones
A refreshing dish made from marinated shrimp, onion, cilantro, and lime.
- Refreshing Dish: Cool off with this refreshing seafood dish.
- Seafood Delight: Enjoy fresh shrimp in a tangy lime marinade.
- Tropical Twist: Experience a tropical twist on traditional ceviche.
11. Cochito de Guayaba y Queso
A sweet pie made with guava and cheese, topped with whipped cream.
- Sweet Treat: Indulge in a delicious dessert.
- Local Favorite: Discover the favorite dessert of Puerto Rico.
- Tropical Flavor: Experience the unique, tangy flavor of guava.
12. Habichuela Guisada con Carne Frita
A dish made from stewed red beans and fried pork.
- Comfort Food: Savor a dish that feels like home, even if it's not.
- Filling Meal: Enjoy a satisfying meal that will keep you full.
- Local Specialty: Savor a dish that showcases Puerto Rican home cooking.
13. Sopa de Mondongo
A thick soup made from tripe, vegetables, and beans.
- Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of San Juan.
- Comforting Soup: A hearty meal in a bowl, ready to warm you up.
- Unique Ingredient: Try tripe, a unique ingredient not commonly found in other cuisines.
14. Tembleque de Coco
A coconut custard dessert flavored with cinnamon.
- Sweet Treat: Indulge in a delicious dessert.
- Tropical Flavor: Experience the unique, creamy flavor of coconut.
- Local Favorite: Discover the favorite dessert of Puerto Rico.
15. Bacalaitos de Areito
Small fritters made from salt cod, onion, garlic, and pepper.
- Portable Snack: Grab a snack to go!
- Unique Ingredient: Try salt cod, a traditional Puerto Rican ingredient.
- Tasty Treat: Enjoy the crispy, flavorful fritters.