1. Mofongo Overview
Mofongo, a popular dish in Puerto Rico, can range from simple to sublime. The dish begins with the basic ingredient of pickled, fried and mashed plantains, which are then mixed with garlic, pork cracklings, and bacon, typically shaped into a ball before being served.
2. Versatility of Mofongo
However, the possibilities for added flavors and preparations are virtually endless. Seafood, chicken, beef, and pork may be included, usually piled into a cavity indented in the top of the mofongo. The meat can be served as cooked or enhanced with various sauces, highlighting the versatility of mofongo as both a base for local dishes and a popular side dish.
3. Dining Experience
No visit to Puerto Rico is truly complete without indulging in mofongo, a dish that represents the local culture. Fortunately, there are many spots to enjoy mofongo within close reach of San Juan. Below are some well-known mofongo restaurants and cafes in the area, perfect for immersing yourself in the creative world of this iconic dish.
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El Jibarito, Old San Juan
Address: 280 Sol St, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-725-8375
This Sol Street restaurant in Old San Juan features a design inspired by its brightly painted neighborhood, offering inexpensive Puerto Rican Creole cuisine. Known for its “trifongo,” a mix of sweet plantains, cassava, and green plantain, El Jibarito is a must-visit.
Punto de Vista, Old San Juan
Address: 307 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
For mofongo with a view, visit Punto de Vista, located on the rooftop of the Hotel Milano. The shrimp and chicken mofongo are among the best offerings in the old town.
Santaella
Address: 219 C. Canals, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-725-1611
Santaella, near the Santurce barrio’s Farmer’s Market, offers comida criolla influenced by various cuisines. The lobster mofongo is highly recommended. This location is within walking distance of several hotels.
Mi Casita, Isla Verde
Address: PR-37, Carolina, 00979, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-242-4075
Mi Casita, situated in a strip mall in Isla Verde, often becomes the first place for tourists to experience mofongo due to its proximity to the airport and resorts. Their shrimp mofongo is particularly popular.
Oceano, Condado
Address: 2, Cll Vendig, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-724-6300
At Oceano, an upscale restaurant overlooking the Atlantic, diners can enjoy colossal shrimp mofongo dressed with a passion-fruit reduction. A vegetarian version is also available.
Molini’s Cafe
Address: 1859 Puerto Rico, 1857 C. Loíza, San Juan, 00911, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-726-2024
Located in Santurce, Molini’s Cafe offers well-liked crab, chicken, and steak mofongo at budget-friendly prices.
Orozco’s, Condado
Address: 1126 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-721-7669
Family-friendly Orozco’s, located in Condado, is a bright spot to explore mofongo. Savor shrimp mofongo while enjoying a refreshing minty mojito.
Cafe Manolin, Old San Juan
Address: 251 C. de San Justo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-723-9743
Cafe Manolin has been serving comida criolla in Old San Juan for over 70 years. Although not luxurious, the restaurant excels in chicken and shrimp mofongo options. Also, try the green plantain mofongo alongside a classic Puerto Rican dish.
Patio del Nispero, Hotel El Convento, Old San Juan
Address: 100 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-723-9020
Located in the luxurious Hotel El Convento, Patio del Nispero offers chicken, skirt steak, or shrimp mofongo in one of Old San Juan’s most picturesque settings.
