When I’m on vacation, all bets are off when it comes to diet. And you best believe I will be indulging - especially when it comes to Puerto Rican cuisine!
For those of you who are new, my fiancé is from San Juan, Puerto Rico. We have traveled the last four years to visit his family. Through these trips, I have fallen completely in love with the island’s beauty, culture, people, and food.
This year we stayed in Condado, a hip city right on the beach. (Only about 10-15 minutes away from the airport.) Loved having the best of both worlds within walking distance. And for this blog post, I’m taking you through my favorite native foods. [Besides the title image, all photos are unedited so you can drool over the rawness.]
Let’s start with a list of authentic Puerto Rican dishes that you should know and try:
Arros Con Gandules
Puerto Rico’s national dish of rice and beans. Its sofrito sauce is made with various ingredients like pork, red peppers, and olives.
Alcapurrias
Local fried fritter of green bananas, grated yautia or Xanthosoma, cooked in banana leaves and stuffed with meat or seafood. These can be harder to find, but stands on the side of the road are where you want to look. My fiancé’s favorite.
Bacalaitos
Thin salt cod fritters that have been smashed and fried.
Empanadillas
Similar to empanadas, but flakier with a thicker dough and rolled edges.
Flan De Queso
Think caramel custard combined with a piece of cheesecake.
Maduros
Ripe plantains that are sliced and fried to perfection.
Mallorca Bread
This sweet bread goes well with coffee and can be found in bakeries all over the island.
Mofongo
Mashed fried plantains, garlic, and stuffed with all sorts of meat, seafood, vegetables (whichever you prefer really). Such a staple!
Piña Colada
The official drink of Puerto Rico, made with rum from the island. Need I say more?
Tostones
Smashed, fried plantains. Simple, yet delicious. Best served with Mayo Ketchup (literally just mayo, ketchup, and garlic). My favorite.
Tres Leches
Three Milks Cake made of a light sponge cake that has been soaked in a mixture of whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Now onto my top Condado restaurants and dishes:
Pannes
Best for: Brunch
What To Order: I mean, anything really. They have yummy “American” breakfasts with a PR twist like eggs, french toast, and sandwiches. But I go for the authentic food like their Spicy Crab Tostones, Shrimp Mofongo in Creolle, Mini Alcapurrias, and Sweet Plantains.
Notes: There is almost ALWAYS a line, so get here early and be prepared to wait. I promise you though, this place is well worth it. Located next to the restaurant is a Piña Colada stand, so feel free to drink while you pass the time.
Ropa Vieja Grille
Best for: Brunch or Dinner
What To Order: When I tell you these are the best Beef Empanadillas I’ve ever had, I mean it (and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t really like meat). We also loved the Ropa Vieja Mofongitos: small mofongo cups stuffed with “old clothes” aka shredded steak. Yucca Mojo, meaning “wet yucca,” is also a must here. The yucca is steamed then doused in olive oil and onions.
Notes: The outdoor area is breezy and has a great ambiance. Great service and drinks here, too!
1950
Best for: Dinner
What To Order: You can order from multiple restaurants here so we mixed it up with some Italian and some Puerto Rican foods. The Jamon Croquettes literally taste like Cheez-Its, no joke. The Tostones and Maduros were basically perfection. And then there was the pizza: three types of cheeses, spinach, and tomatoes.
Notes: This place tends to get busy as well, so get there early or wait in line. The small rooftop is a super cute place to dine.
Tavola Trattoria
Best for: Dinner
What To Order: We started with Gorgonzola & Pear Arancini with walnuts and honey glaze. To die for. We ordered their fish special which came with tomatoes and risotto. My personal favorite was the Gnocchi Alla Siciliana with sausage, spinach, and tomatoes. It was quite possibly the best pillowy gnocchi I’ve ever had, and that’s saying something since I’ve been to Italy three times. Our meal was also accompanied by cheesy bread and garlicky tostones.
Notes: Don’t pass this one up - and also don’t pass up the Champagne Sangria. The restaurant has great vibes, and we loved eating out on the deck while watching the town’s hustle and bustle.
Julius Restaurant
Best for: Drinks & Snacks
What To Order: Boozy Piña Coladas in a pineapple. Enough said. We stopped by and got their Avocado Salad too, which is something I urge you to try somewhere. Caribbean avocados have more of an under-ripe taste versus Mexico’s crop.
Notes: Take these piñas to the beach! You can order right on the sidewalk from their bar right and head across the street to Condado beach.
So if you needed a sign to visit Puerto Rico, this is it. And for all you American citizens, you just need your ID (no passport required). When you get back, don’t forget to let me know your favorite Puerto Rican cuisine!
