10 Must-Try Foods in Puerto Rico Puerto

Taste the Island: The Best Traditional Foods to Try in Puerto Rico

When I first arrived in Puerto Rico, I knew I had to dive deep into the island’s food scene. Lucky for me, I met Don Miguel, a local cook in Piñones who has been perfecting his craft for over 40 years. With a warm smile and a contagious passion for his homeland, he took me under his wing, guiding me through the true essence of Puerto Rican cuisine.

“This isn’t just food,” he said, flipping a golden-brown alcapurria in a bubbling pot of oil. “This is history, tradition, and love—all in one bite.”

With Don Miguel’s wisdom and a lot of taste-testing, I bring you the top 10 must-try foods in Puerto Rico—and exactly where to find them.

‍1. Alcapurrias – The King of Puerto Rican Fritters

Our first stop was El Guariquitén in Piñones, a small beachside kiosk known for its crispy alcapurrias. These deep-fried fritters are made from a rich dough of yautía (a starchy root vegetable), green banana, and plantain, wrapped around a flavorful filling—usually ground beef or crab. “Crunchy outside, soft inside—that’s how you know it’s good,” Don Miguel whispered as I took my first bite.

2. Bacalaitos – Crispy Codfish Delights

Right next to the alcapurria stand, I discovered bacalaitos, giant, golden, crispy codfish fritters. While many spots sell alcapurrias, bacalaitos are harder to find because they require more skill to make. Piñones is a surefire place to get them fresh and perfectly seasoned.

3. Empanadillas – The Puerto Rican Turnover

Puerto Rican empanadillas (not to be confused with empanadas) are flaky, golden-brown pastries stuffed with fillings like beef, chicken, or seafood. We stopped at a roadside kiosk where they served them stuffed with locally caught lobster and octopus—an absolute must-try.

4. Piña Colada – The Island's Signature Drink

If you’re in Puerto Rico, you must have a piña colada. While Barrachina in Old San Juan claims to be the birthplace of this famous cocktail, Don Miguel insisted that the best piña coladas are found in small beach bars along the coast. At Contraviento y Marea, they serve theirs with coconut flakes and a playful gummy shark on top. “It’s like drinking a sunset,” Don Miguel laughed as we sipped our icy, rum-spiked drinks.

5. Mofongo – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Next, we headed to El Cuchifrito at Lote 23, where I had my first taste of mofongo. This dish is made from fried, mashed green plantains mixed with garlic and pork cracklings, then shaped into a bowl and filled with meats, seafood, or even veggies. I opted for a shrimp-stuffed mofongo, drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce—absolute heaven.

6. Pernil – The Slow-Roasted Masterpiece

A short drive from the airport led us to Bebos Café, a local hotspot for pernil, Puerto Rico’s famous slow-roasted pork shoulder. Marinated overnight with garlic, adobo, and citrus, then cooked until the skin is crispy and the meat falls apart—this dish is pure magic, especially when served with rice and beans.

7. Yuca al Mojo – The Perfect Side Dish

At Bebos Café, we also tried yuca al mojo, a classic Puerto Rican side dish. This starchy root vegetable is boiled and then drizzled with a garlicky olive oil sauce. The texture is smooth, slightly nutty, and the perfect companion to the rich pernil.

8. Amarillitos – Sweet Plantain Perfection

If you love a little sweetness in your meal, amarillitos (fried sweet plantains) are a must. These ripe plantains are caramelized to perfection, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory. They’re often served alongside pernil and yuca, creating the ultimate Puerto Rican comfort plate.

9. Puerto Rican Coffee – The Island's Best Kept Secret

Puerto Rico’s coffee is next level, and you haven’t truly visited the island until you’ve had a cup. At Tostado in Calle Loíza, I discovered 100% locally grown beans roasted to perfection. The coffee was bold, rich, and aromatic, proving why Puerto Rico was once one of the top coffee exporters in the world.

10. Quesitos – The Sweet Ending

We wrapped up our food adventure at Horno Fino, famous for their extra-large 24-inch quesitos. These flaky pastries are stuffed with sweetened cream cheese and glazed with honey. Some variations even include guava paste, giving them a tropical twist. Paired with a fresh cup of Puerto Rican coffee, it was the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable culinary journey.

As we sat by the beach, watching the sun dip into the horizon, Don Miguel leaned back and smiled. “You see? Puerto Rican food isn’t just about flavors—it’s about history, community, and love.”

He was right. Every dish told a story, every bite carried centuries of tradition, and every meal brough people together. So when you visit Puerto Rico, don’t just eat the food—experience it.