10 Delicious Puerto Rican Foods You Might Not Have Tried Yet, But 1000% Should
Growing up Puerto Rican meant enjoying delicious food most of the time, especially when living on the island. Sure, there were the fast food days here and there, but meals at home or going to Bebos, Panadería España, the kiosks at Piñones, and other places always made my belly smile.
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There are the staple foods from the island I feel people are most familiar with, like mofongo, arroz con gandules, or tostones. But here are some delicious dishes that people might not be as familiar with that I think you should absolutely try:
1.Piononos de Carne
This savory, rolled-up appetizer is perfect for any occasion. These tasty fried ripe plantains with picadillo and some cheese on top are the reason I can never finish my meal — I always have one too many before the main dish. It is pretty simple, yet its presentation makes it look like something complex. I guess putting things in a cup shape will do that.
2.Sorullitos de maíz
These corn fritters were my go-to side for any sandwich when croquetas weren't available. This fried snack was best when stuffed with some cheese, but even a regular sorullito with mayo ketchup would knock my socks off. It's the kind of snack you wouldn't expect to be as filling as it is, but paired with a medianoche or any other delicious sandwich, this will satiate any appetite.
3.Alcapurrias
Whenever I talk to my non-Latine friends about Puerto Rican food, they consistently mention mofongo and arroz con gandules, but alcapurrias (stuffed fritters) to me are just as important. That might be blasphemous to say for some. Still, this fantastic fried food is tied to memories of being beachside in Piñones and enjoying a nice cold Medalla or grape soda while grubbing on a freshly made beef alcapurria as I enjoy a beautiful ocean view.
4.Bacalaítos
Another kiosk staple in Puerto Rico that doesn't get enough love is bacalaítos. This codfish fritter makes for a great beachside snack. The crispy crust with the soft center will have you rolling your eyes back if you've never had this before. Though it does tend to be somewhat salty, a good beer or beverage will balance that right out and give you the perfect snack to enjoy while exploring the island.
5.Beachside Helado
This is pretty exclusive to Puerto Rico, but growing up on the beach, there was always a man with his ice cream cart rolling down the most popular beaches in PR selling ice cream, and it was usually only two flavors, coconut, and passion fruit. I have and will always be a coconut fiend, and although piraguas (shaved ice) are very popular on the island, nothing beats a drippy, cold, coconut ice cream served directly to you at the beach while you enjoy some sun and fun.
6.Morcilla
Oh, blood sausage, how I used to love thee. I can't say I eat these as I used to as a kid, but this is still a hit among my friends and family. The issue with morcilla is that if it's bad, it's awful, so you have to choose carefully where you get yours from. It is widely popular during Christmas, but like coquito, for some, it's good any time of the year. The rice mixed in with garlic, cilantro, and pig blood, might be off-putting for some, understandably, but if you get a chance to try one, I say do it. You might be surprised how much you like it.
7.Tostones de pana
Tostones are widely popular in Puerto Rico and other Latin countries, though tostones de pana (breadfruit) have given the traditional snack a run for its money. The texture and flavor of breadfruit tostones aren't the same as plantain, but it's still delicious. It has a crunchy outside and soft middle that pairs well with any arroz con habichuelas or gandules. Just make sure to have that sprinkle of salt on top. You can never go wrong with a bit of mayo ketchup as your dipping sauce as well.
8.Viandas and bacalao
Viandas (root vegetables) were essential in a lot of my meals growing up in PR. There are so many dishes that use viandas as an ingredient. Although sancocho is by far my favorite, that was a special occasion meal. Viandas with bacalao (cod fish) is mainly used in serenata de bacalao (cod salad), I usually didn't want anything besides the two main ingredients because I was a simple kid with simple tastes. It is vinegary and salty and delicious and always filled me up more than I expected. Growing up catholic, it was traditionally eaten around lent, though that wasn't the only time I was smashing a plate.
9.Ensalada de pulpo
Octopus salad is another delicious dish that doesn't get enough love. Though people might be hesitant to try octopus, it is very similar to calamari and, if prepared correctly, can have a texture closer to lobster than squid. This dish can change your outlook on octopus, especially if you're already a fan of ceviche. The only caveat is this dish does take some time to make at home, so stick to the restaurants if you want to avoid the long process of making this.
10.And finally, Limber
Growing up, I remember having a neighbor in Puerto Rico who would sell limbers every so often. Limbers, for those who don't know, are like a homemade icy treat frozen in a cup that you'd flip and enjoy like a popsicle. My favorite was Limber de coco because, as I mentioned before, I go coo-coo for coconuts. There was something comforting about coming home from school and finding out our neighbor was back in the limber selling market and getting one because I finished all my food; It was the perfect nightcap as a kid who never slept better than after a great homecooked meal and a limber for dessert.
Which of these delicious foods is your favorite? Do you have some of your own? Let us know in the comments below, and share your Latine culture's underrated delicacies with us.
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