12 Meals to Try on Your Costa Rica School Trip

Food is one of the easiest - and most delicious - gateways into Costa Rican culture. On a school trip, sitting down for a shared meal isn’t just about eating, it’s about connecting. Every dish has a story to tell: one about tradition, biodiversity, sustainability, and daily life.

Costa Rican cuisine is full of fresh produce, local grains, and flavorful - but not spicy - dishes that are perfect for student palates. If you’re bringing your class to Costa Rica, here are 12 must-try meals that will satisfy curious taste buds and spark great conversation.

1. Gallo Pinto

The national breakfast dish, and one your group will eat often. A mix of rice, black beans, onion, and cilantro, usually served with eggs, toast, or plantains. It’s healthy, hearty, and a great introduction to the local diet.

2. Casado

Literally meaning “married,” this dish brings together rice, beans, salad, a protein (like chicken or fish), and often fried plantains. It’s the most common lunch in Costa Rica and a perfect meal to discuss balanced eating and cultural staples.

3. Sopa Negra

This black bean soup is a comfort food made with garlic, onion, and bell peppers, usually served with a hard-boiled egg and tortilla. It’s a wonderful introduction to local vegetarian options and how Costa Ricans use legumes in everyday cooking.

4. Olla de Carne

A slow-cooked beef stew with yucca, potatoes, corn, plantains, and carrots - ideal after a hike or a long travel day. It’s also a great starting point for conversations about traditional cooking techniques and food sustainability.

5. Arroz con Pollo

This saffron-colored rice with chicken, vegetables, and spices is a common meal for group dinners and fiestas. Great for large groups and always a hit with students.

6. Empanadas

These half-moon shaped pastries are filled with beans, cheese, or meat and make for perfect snacks on excursions. Buying empanadas from a roadside stand or market becomes part of the cultural experience.

7. Chifrijo

A bowl layered with rice, beans, fried pork, avocado, and pico de gallo. Often served at community events or during cooking classes. It’s an excellent hands-on food lesson if your trip includes a culinary workshop.

8. Patacones

Twice-fried green plantains, crispy on the outside and soft inside, served with black beans or guacamole. A student favorite and a great alternative to French fries.

9. Tamales

Wrapped in banana leaves and made with cornmeal, vegetables, and meat, tamales are a festive food - especially around holidays. Students can try them during a cultural exchange or home visit.

10. Tortilla con Queso

Fresh-made corn tortillas grilled with cheese. It’s a simple pleasure, often made by hand in rural communities or during cooking demonstrations. Great for showcasing local, artisanal food traditions.

11. Agua de Sapo

Translating to “toad water” (don’t worry, no toads involved), this drink is made with brown sugar, lime, and ginger - refreshing and uniquely Costa Rican. A fun, non-soda treat students always remember.

12. Fresco Naturales

Fruit-based drinks made from watermelon, mango, pineapple, or passionfruit mixed with water or milk. These are served with nearly every meal and can be a great way to discuss Costa Rica’s rich agricultural economy.

Final Tip: Make Meals Part of the Learning

Incorporate meal times into your itinerary as cultural touchpoints. Encourage students to try everything at least once, learn the names in Spanish, and ask questions about how food is grown and prepared.

With the right trip design, even a simple lunch can become a language lesson, a history class, or a moment of cultural connection.

Let Evolve Tours help build a school trip that’s full of flavor and meaning.

📞 Let’s Start Planning
Email: info@evolvetours.com
Phone: 1-888-222-5066
Website: www.evolvetours.com