22 Must-Try Traditional Puerto Rican Dishes to Enjoy at Home or in Puerto Rico

With a cuisine that has roots in several parts of the globe, Puerto Rico has some of the best food found in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rican food is a vibrant reflection of its rich cultural heritage, offering a feast of flavors that represent the island’s unique culinary traditions. Signature dishes that embody the spirit of Puerto Rican cuisine include mofongo, a savory dish made from mashed plantains, and tostones, which are deliciously crispy fried plantains.

Other must-try specialties are pasteles, a type of tamale, and arroz con gandules, a flavorful rice dish with pigeon peas. For a sweet treat, tembleque, a coconut-based dessert, and coquito, a coconut-based holiday drink, are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Sampling these traditional Puerto Rican dishes offers a delectable journey into the heart of this vibrant culture.

Eating your way around the island territory is a culinary adventure thanks to the diverse dining options on offer. Upscale restaurants are readily found in places like San Juan, where traditional cuisine with a twist can be found. In contrast, the abundance of food trucks keeps the authentic flavors of Puerto Rico alive. The medley of flavors and creativity sets the cuisine apart and delights the taste buds.

Traditional Puerto Rican Foods

When you sit down to eat in Puerto Rico, you will be greeted with a warm and friendly welcome. What we noticed is that all Puerto Ricans are eager to share their knowledge and passion for the local cuisine. Chances are you will be offered a small plate of appetizers, or “antojitos,” such as empanadillas, alcapurrias, or tostones, to whet your appetite before the main course.

Puerto Rican cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful dishes, often featuring a combination of spices, herbs, and aromatics that give the food a distinctive taste and aroma. Many dishes are also accompanied by traditional sides such as rice and beans, sweet plantains, or yucca, which complement the flavors of the main dish.

From the national dish Arroz Con Gandules to scrumptious homegrown desserts, you’ll wake up each morning wanting to try something new.

1. Arroz Con Gandules

If you’re in tune with popular Puerto Rican foods, then you know that Arroz Con Gandules was going to start off our guide. The national dish of Puerto Rico is a traditional meal that has been cooked in the territory for centuries.

The one-pot Puerto Rican rice dish comprises pigeon peas and Sofrito, with every household in Puerto Rico having its own twist. Sofrito is a flavor that is found in a lot of Puerto Rican food made up of coriander, garlic, onions, and green peppers.

The traditional version of Arroz Con Gandules or Puerto Rican rice is a vegetarian meal. However, sausages and pork are common additions. While bacon is sometimes cooked with the Sofrito, to create a smoky flavor.

2. Empanadillas

Similar to Mexican Empanadas, Empanadillas are savory pastries and one of the best dishes to try in Puerto Rico. Beginning with a simple pastry base, the dish is then stuffed with seasoned meat or seafood. You then fold it into half-moons and fry them in oil until golden brown.

Thinly chopped vegetables, garlic, and oregano are sometimes added for additional flavor. Once fried, Empanadillas tend to have a thicker crust than the Mexican dish. Puerto Rican restaurants sometimes substitute beef for seafood.

3. Tostones

Plantains are the base for many Puerto Rican dishes. So it’s only natural that one of the most famous dishes in Puerto Rico uses them. Similar to Mofongo, Tostones make use of unripe fried green plantains. These were my favorites when we visited Puerto Rico.

The hard green plantains are sliced into pieces before being fried on each side. The plantains are then taken off the pan before being further flattened. They’re then deep-fried once more until golden.

Once cooked, the Tostones are topped with sea salt. They are common side dishes around Puerto Rican restaurants and make for a perfect addition to your meal. Dip them in garlic sauce to round out the traditional treat.

4. Pernil

As one of the most iconic Puerto Rican dishes, Pernil comfortably belongs on our list. Pernil is a roast pork shoulder that is soaked in a traditional marinade named adobo mojado.

The result is a succulent meal and a must-try on your travels around the country. The delicious marinade includes spices such as garlic, oregano, vinegar, paprika, and salt.

While traditional Spanish Pernil uses ham, the Puerto Rican version became popular due to its affordability. But locals will tell you it’s the tastier choice and has since become a staple at weddings and festivals. For the full experience, don’t skip that crunchy pork skin.

5. Mofongo

A popular Puerto Rican dish that can also be found in Cuba and the Dominican Republic is Mofongo. Derived from unripe green plantains, the end result is a common vegetarian dish, although you’ll find meat-filling options around Puerto Rico.

Mofongo may be the Puerto Rican version; however, the dish has strong roots in Western Africa. The dish was then brought to Latin America by enslaved individuals.

At first, the plantains are sliced, boiled, then fried, and then mashed into a soft texture from which it can absorb the additional spices or extra toppings like chicken, lobster, bacon, or prawn. Mofongo is usually served as a main meal, with the addition of chopped vegetables. For extra flavor, add a warm broth to the plantains. The starchiness of the dish is perfect for soaking it up!

6. Pastelon

In some ways similar to a traditional Italian Lasagna, Pastelon is a traditional Puerto Rican food that is also popular in Dominican cuisine. The main ingredient for Pastelon is mashed or sliced ripe plantains.

The plantains act as the layer that separates the mincemeat into different tiers, replacing the traditional Italian noodles. The added meat is first mixed with tomato sauce, a sauce that varies slightly depending on your location in Old San Juan or Bayamon. Common additions include green beans and shredded cheese.

If you’re traveling around Puerto Rico, then you may notice that the name of the dish changes depending on the region. If you can’t find Pastelon on the menu, then keep an eye out for Pinon.

7. Puerto Rican Pasteles

Puerto Rican Pasteles are a traditional dish typically enjoyed during the holiday season. These savory treats are made with a mixture of grated green bananas, yucca, and plantains, combined with a seasoned meat filling, and then wrapped in a banana leaf and boiled. The resulting dish is similar to a tamale but with a distinctly Puerto Rican flavor and texture.

The history of Pasteles traces back to the indigenous Taino people of Puerto Rico, who used banana leaves for cooking and preservation. Spanish colonizers later influenced the recipe with new spices and ingredients, while African slaves contributed to the dish’s development by adding unique flavors and techniques.

To prepare Pasteles, start by cleaning and softening the banana leaf. Prepare the filling by sautéing a mixture of ground meat (usually pork or chicken), onions, garlic, peppers, and seasonings. The masa (dough) consists of grated green bananas, yucca, and plantains mixed with oil, milk, and seasonings until it forms a smooth paste. The banana leaf is filled with a spoonful of masa and a spoonful of the meat filling, wrapped neatly, and secured with string. Boil the Pasteles in salted water for about an hour until the dough is cooked through.

Traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season, Pasteles are often served with arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas) and a slice of pernil (roast pork).

8. Asopao de Pollo

Puerto Rican cooking combines many influences and ideas, especially reflected in Asopao, a mix between a stew and a soup. The dish is always made with white rice, but the added ingredients can vary depending on the region.

Some variations include seafood, pork, or beef; however, chicken is the most popular choice, resulting in the widely loved Asopao de Pollo. Both vegetarian and meat options feature pigeon peas, spices, olives, tomatoes, onions, and peppers.

Asopao is simple and filling, making it a common choice for dinner in Puerto Rican households.

9. Arroz con Dulce

A popular dessert dish in Puerto Rican cuisine, Arroz Con Dulce is a coconut rice pudding that caps off your evening meal delightfully. Made by cooking white rice in coconut milk along with cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, you’ll be amazed at just how sweet cooked rice can be.

Before serving, Arroz Con Dulce is garnished with raisins and cinnamon sticks. Although a common dish at restaurants throughout the year, this creamy coconut pudding is particularly popular during the holiday season.

10. Bacalaitos

When you’re exploring the stunning island territory of Puerto Rico, you’ll likely relax by the Caribbean Sea. While enjoying the sparkling white sands, a quick snack is never far away.

Bacalaitos are small cod fritters commonly found at beach kiosks. The codfish, often using salted Pollock chunks, is coated in batter and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior with delightfully chewy and soft interiors.

This beachside treat can also be found at street vendors, while festivals will often feature their own versions of the fritters.

11. arañitas

The classic Puerto Rican dish, arañitas, is made from shredded, fried plantains. The name arañitas translates to ‘little spiders,’ an apt reference to their appearance.

However, arañitas more than compensate for their looks with a crispy flavor. This dish is easy to create, allowing anyone to bring a taste of Puerto Rico into their kitchen.

Alongside this hot and crunchy treat, serve a dip such as guacamole. Many restaurants will offer a delightful garlic-infused sauce as an accompaniment to the shredded plantains.

12. Alcapurrias

Sold at chinchorros (traditional Puerto Rican restaurants specializing in deep-fried foods), Alcapurrias are made with raw plantain and/or “Yuca,” similar to the process used for pasteles.

Shredded green banana is combined with yautia (taro root) and seasoned with salt and achiote oil, creating the “masa” or batter. Using a banana leaf or parchment paper, place a bit of the masa on it, spread it out, add seasoned beef, fold it together, and fry it.

The result is a dish reminiscent of an American corn dog, albeit with a unique Puerto Rican twist.

13. Tripleta

For a delicious lunch, don’t miss the scrumptious Tripleta sandwich. This hearty meal is a meat-lover’s dream featuring three different types of meat.

The trio typically includes ham, grilled steak, and Lechon pork. Lechon pork, sourced from a roasted suckling pig, is a controversial yet beloved ingredient in Puerto Rican cuisine.

This combination is dressed with a variety of toppings, including mayonnaise, ketchup, cheese, diced vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. But to complete this hearty meal, fries are also stuffed into the sandwich, providing an extra crunch.

14. Amarillos

Similar to Tostones, Amarillos are the sweet version of one of Puerto Rico’s best dishes. Their ease of preparation makes Amarillos a fantastic way to recreate Puerto Rican food at home.

Begin by selecting ripe plantains, the darker, the sweeter. After peeling, slice them into thin pieces and fry them quickly just once.

Although Amarillos are sweet, a sprinkle of sugar (white or brown) or salt can balance the flavors. When dining out in Puerto Rico, Amarillos are a common accompaniment to the main course.

15. Pionono

Fried plantains exhibit culinary flexibility matched by few other ingredients worldwide. This is evident in Pionono, which is made from ripe fried plantains molded into small cups.

These cups are filled with picadillo (ground beef), thinly chopped onions, chilis, and coriander. Egg wash coats the Pionono, followed by a sprinkling of shredded cheese on top.

After baking, the dish resembles a fluffy pastry, comparable to a meat pie.

16. Rellenos de Papa

While exploring Puerto Rico, whether at a restaurant or a food truck, you’ll likely come across Rellenos de Papa. This beloved potato-based treat serves as a popular mid-afternoon snack.

Rellenos de Papa consists of mashed potato balls filled with ground beef, called Picadillo, similar to the filling used in Pastelon. The beef is pan-fried with adobo seasoning, Sofrito, olives, garlic, and tomato sauce, resulting in crispy balls akin to savory croquettes.

17. Bistec Encebollado

Common throughout Latin America, Bistec Encebollado is readily found in Puerto Rico. This rice and meat dish is bursting with flavor and is a mandatory evening meal.

Beef is marinated in adobo seasoning, which requires a significant amount of time; traditional recipes suggest marinating for up to 12 hours!

Prepare it in the morning for a scrumptious evening dish. Topped with large onion rings, this meal pairs elegantly with white rice, pigeon peas, and Tostones.

18. Pollo Guisado

Puerto Rican Pollo Guisado, a comforting chicken stew, is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. Its roots lie in Spain, heavily incorporating Spanish cooking techniques and ingredients, while evolving through indigenous Taino and African influences.

Chicken pieces are marinated in a mix of sofrito (onions, peppers, garlic, herbs), tomato sauce, adobo seasoning, and spices before being seared. Subsequently, potatoes, carrots, and olives are added, simmering together until the chicken and vegetables are tender.

The result is a flavorful and hearty chicken stew, perfect for chilly days. The sofrito and spices deliver a complex flavor, enhanced by the contrasting textures of potatoes and carrots.

19. Sorullitos

Puerto Rican Sorullitos, a popular snack or side dish, are made with cornmeal and cheese, drawing from the indigenous Taino culture which utilized corn as a staple food.

The dough combines cornmeal, water, milk, and seasonings like salt and pepper, along with white cheese like queso blanco. This mixture is shaped into small logs and deep-fried until golden brown.

The resulting Sorullitos are crispy outside and soft inside, often served with dipping sauces such as mayo-ketchup or spicy garlic sauce. Their crispy texture and cheesy flavor contribute to their versatility as a snack or side dish in Puerto Rican cuisine.

20. Tembleque (Coconut Milk Pudding)

Puerto Rican Tembleque is a traditional dessert enjoyed during Christmas. The name “Tembleque” means “wobbly” or “trembling,” referencing its delicate texture. Derived from the indigenous Taino culture, coconut milk serves as a key ingredient in many dishes.

To make Tembleque, coconut milk is mixed with cornstarch, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and vanilla. This mixture is heated until thickened, poured into molds, and allowed to set in the refrigerator.

The resulting Tembleque is a creamy, silky dessert perfect for indulging one’s sweet tooth. It is often garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

21. Asado de Cerdo

Puerto Rican Asado de Cerdo, also known as Puerto Rican Pork Roast, is a classic dish cherished throughout the island. Originating in Spain, this dish features roasted pork seasoned with various spices.

The pork shoulder or butt is marinated in garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and spices before roasting to a tender, juicy perfection. The reduced marinade serves as a flavorful sauce.

The result is a succulent and richly flavored pork roast, ideal for sharing. This dish pairs well with Arroz con Gandules, the traditional rice dish made with pigeon peas.

22. Arroz con Pollo

Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo is a beloved classic throughout the island, akin to Puerto Rico’s national dish. It traces its roots back to the Spanish Arroz con Pollo, adapted to local ingredients and cooking styles.

Chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and spices, then browned in a pot with onions, peppers, and aromatics. Rice, water, and broth are added, along with additional spices like saffron or annatto, simmering until tender.

The result is a comforting one-pot meal perfect for feeding a crowd. The blend of spices, vegetables, and tender chicken delivers a depth of flavor unique to Puerto Rican cuisine, commonly served with sweet plantains and a simple salad.

Traditional Puerto Rican Cuisine FAQ

What is traditional Puerto Rican food?

One of the most important aspects of Puerto Rican cuisine is the use of spices and aromatics like garlic, onions, and peppers, which create vibrant marinades and seasonings. A staple of Puerto Rican cuisine includes rice and beans, with dishes like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and habichuelas guisadas (stewed beans) being particularly popular.

What is the best Puerto Rican street food?

Pinchos are arguably the most popular street food in Puerto Rico. These grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually chicken or pork, are a staple of the island’s street food scene, often served with a slice of bread and a variety of sauces.

Is Puerto Rican food spicy?

Puerto Rican food can vary in spiciness depending on the dish and the preferences of the cook. Some dishes may be mild and flavorful, but others could have a kick due to peppers or spices. Overall, Puerto Rican food isn’t overly spicy.

Eating around Puerto Rico is an absolute treat and provides travelers with a rich culinary experience. A proper appetite will be necessary to enjoy the extensive variety on offer, many of which are easy to reproduce at home.

It’s not only the traditional cuisine that delights visitors; the innovative restaurant scene also finds creative ways to thrill while maintaining authenticity.

From basic fritters and plantain-based dishes to Asopao and the sweet Arroz Con Dulce, Puerto Rico’s food promises to be as memorable as its beautiful beaches.