A meat-free lifestyle is not exactly synonymous with Latin America. Many countries in Central America have a strong tradition of farming and fishing, and Costa Rica is no different. However, the country that lives by the motto of pura vida (simple life or pure life), also has an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant-based options when it comes to dining out.
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With plant-based lifestyles becoming increasingly popular in recent years, it can be difficult to plan a trip to countries where meat or seafood is a dominant part of the culture. However, Costa Rica is starting to change the game for vegan and vegetarian travellers, with a greater understanding of plant-based options and even vegan restaurants and specialized vegan resorts opening around the country. While vegan food is still a new concept, it’s relatively simple to eat vegan in Costa Rica without compromising on taste, health, and trying local food.
If you’re heading to Costa Rica as a vegan or vegetarian, then this guide will help you understand what to order, how to plan your trip, and where to eat.
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Why is Costa Rica a Great Country to Visit for Vegans?
Despite farming being a primary industry in Costa Rica, the local cuisine and Costa Rican diet has plenty of plant-based ingredients. Rice and beans are the country’s main staples, and can be found in almost all local restaurants. Other staples that are common throughout the country are plantains, corn tortillas, and green salad, which can add plenty of variation to meals.
The lush, tropical climate of Costa Rica also means that you’ll find plenty of fresh and colourful fruits and vegetables in the markets and on the menu. Salad and fruit juices are very common, especially at tourist-oriented restaurants, making it easy to eat varied and healthy food in Costa Rica. However, there are still some tips for eating out in Costa Rica to help you keep to your plant-based lifestyle while on the move.
Tips for Dining Out as a Vegan or Vegetarian in Costa Rica
- Be very clear and communicate what you cannot eat: Saying that you are “vegetariano/a” (vegetarian) does not guarantee you won’t be served fish or chicken, or that meat isn’t mixed into a dish. You have to be specific and say “sin carne, pescado, pollo, huevos, leche etc.”
- Vegetarian options are better understood than vegan options in most places, so you may need to explain that veganism includes not eating dairy, eggs and other ingredients
- Order side dishes or appetizers if needed: If you’re struggling to feel full with fresh salads or rice and beans, then order some appetizers as well, such as bean soup or fried green plantains
- Locals are generally pretty happy to adjust their menu for you: If you’re visiting a local soda or restaurant, you can usually request some changes to suit your vegan diet, and the chef will be happy to accommodate
- Be flexible and patient: Veganism is still a new concept, especially in more rural areas or places outside of the usual tourist route, so be patient with your waiter or chef and try to be kind, even if they make a mistake
- Unfortunately, most desserts are not suitable for vegans: Most dessert dishes in Costa Rica include milk, so be careful when being served any sweets. Instead, you can opt for fresh fruit or fresh juices for dessert
- Casado is a typical dish served for lunch or dinner at traditional restaurants, and vegan versions can be offered: It usually consists of white rice, black beans, fried plantains, a salad of lettuce, tomato and onion, and meat, chicken or fish. You can ask for a vegetarian casado option, but be careful that they don’t add egg instead (which is common)
- Watch out for seasonings and sauces that use animal products: Some places use chicken bouillon cubes or chicken stock to make their rice and soups and some salads have mayonnaise, so make sure you ask before ordering
Useful Words/Phrases for Vegan Food
Some phrases and words to learn before arriving in Costa Rica:
- Soy vegetariano/vegano: I am vegetarian/vegan
- Yo no como carne: I don’t eat meat
- Tiene leche?: Does it have milk?
- Sin: This means “without”, which can be used to communicate what you can’t eat
- Sin carne, pescado, pollo, huevos, leche, y queso: Without meat, fish, chicken, eggs, milk, and cheese
Local Vegan-Friendly Meals to Look Out For
- Gallo pinto: White rice and beans that are cooked with garlic, onion, and bell pepper (it’s often a breakfast dish)
- Platanos: Fried plantains
- Arroz: Rice
- Frijoles: Beans
- Arroz Jardinero: Garden rice or vegetarian rice
- Ensalada: Salad
- Sopa Negra: Black bean soup (although make sure it doesn’t have egg)
Vegan Resorts and Hotels in Costa Rica
Adding to the incredible sustainable travel landscape in Costa Rica is the increase in vegan and vegetarian restaurants and even vegan resorts popping up. Some of our favourite places serving vegan and vegetarian options include:
- Waterfall Villas, Dominical: A romantic retreat centre and vegan resort that focuses on detoxing through yoga classes, vegan dishes, and workshops at their educational centre. The onsite restaurant serves vegetarian and raw food creations, with ingredients coming straight from an organic farm.
- The Retreat: This world-class holistic healing centre overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is just 40 mins from San Jose Airport. It’s one of the best vegan retreats in the country with stay and eat packages available. The retreat has luxurious rooms, a spa centre, a yoga class studio, saltwater pools, and two plant-based restaurants serving organic produce and vegan-friendly dishes.
- Casa Planta: Located in The Igloo Beach Lodge Hotel near Manuel Antonio National Park, this plant-based restaurant focuses on farm-to-table ingredients with a menu designed by celebrity chef, Matthew Kenney. The beautiful setting is complemented by the fresh food, with plenty of colour and staff who understand veganism and other dietary constraints.
- Mother Earth Vegan Hotel: This vegan boutique hotel is one of the best places in the country for a vegan traveler to stay. Located just outside of the beach town of Tamarindo, this hotel’s restaurant serves up a unique blend of vegan and organic dishes from breakfast through to dinner. A stay includes a vegan breakfast of pancakes, chickpea omelet, avocado toast, and more.
- Lands in Love Vegan Hotel: Located in the lush jungle and cloud forest near San Ramon, this eco-friendly hotel offers a vegan experience and tranquil oasis, with plant-based gourmet food, forest activities, and luxurious accommodations.
Conclusion
While Costa Rican cuisine might seem at first to be very meat and seafood-heavy, you’ll still find plenty of options to suit a plant-based diet without having to miss out on traditional dishes. For an even more immersive experience, try heading to specialist vegan-friendly restaurants or one of the retreat centres that combine beautiful amenities with vegan restaurants.
