What Food To Try in San Juan and Food Prices

Arroz con Gandules - Rice with Pigeon Peas - A fragrant mix of rice, pigeon peas, and sofrito cooked together with pork and spices. Families typically enjoy this dish during special occasions, often making enough to serve a crowd.

Pastellón - Plantain Pie - A savory casserole layered with sweet plantains, ground beef, cheese, and bell peppers, baked until golden. It's a common Sunday dish enjoyed in many homes, especially during gatherings.

Empanadas - Fried Pastries - Crispy turnovers filled with seasoned meat, cheese, or vegetables, deep-fried to a golden crunch. These are popular street food, perfect for snacking on while exploring San Juan.

Lechón Asado - Roasted Pork - Deliciously marinated whole pig roasted over an open flame until the skin is crackling and the meat is tender. Often found at family gatherings or festivities, this is a must at any celebration.

Mofongo - Mashed Plantains - Plantains pounded with garlic and chicharrón, served as a filling base for meats or seafood. It's a staple in many restaurants, typically enjoyed during lunch when locals want a hearty meal.

Casamiento - Marriage (Rice and Beans) - A classic combination of rice cooked with black beans and spices, delivering comfort in every bite. You'll often find it on tables during lunch, as it's an affordable and filling dish.

Bacalaitos - Salted Cod Fritters - Crispy fritters made with salt cod, flour, and spices, fried until golden. These make a perfect beach snack during Puerto Rico's festival season, especially with a cold drink on a hot day.

Alcapurrias - Fried Fritters - Made from green plantains and yuca, these fritters are stuffed with savory meat and then deep-fried until crunchy. They're a popular street food choice, often enjoyed as a snack on weekday afternoons.

Café con Leche - Café con Leche (coffee with milk) - A rich blend of strong Puerto Rican coffee and warm milk, creating a creamy and comforting drink. Locals often enjoy it in the morning or during an afternoon break, typically with a slice of pan dulce on the side.

Piña Colada - Piña Colada (tropical cocktail) - This classic cocktail mixes rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, served blended or shaken over ice. Usually enjoyed at beachside bars or during celebrations, many folks like to savor it while watching the sunset by the shore (don't hesitate to try the local variations with fresh fruit).

Coquito - Coquito (coconut eggnog) - A festive, creamy drink made from coconut milk, rum, sweet condensed milk, and spices like cinnamon. It's a holiday favorite, typically served chilled, and made in large batches to share with family and friends during Christmas gatherings (By the way, be mindful when ordering; it’s often mistaken for regular eggnog).

Quesito - Quesito (cheese pastry) - A delightful, flaky pastry filled with sweetened cream cheese and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, you’ll often see locals indulging in these from neighborhood bakeries (they're best fresh out of the oven, so don’t hesitate to ask!).

Granizado - Granizado (shaved ice dessert) - Shaved ice topped with flavored syrups, often including tropical fruit like tamarind or guava, served in a cup. A popular treat on hot afternoons, especially at street carts, it’s the ultimate way to cool down while exploring the colorful streets of San Juan (and super easy on the wallet).