Puerto Rican cuisine is more than just a meal—it’s an edible history lesson served with a side of plantains and plenty of flair. Whether it’s the crackle of perfectly fried bacalaitos (codfish fritters) by the ocean or the heady aroma of slow-roasted lechón (roasted pig) wafting through a mountainside lechonera, the island’s food tells a story of resilience, flavor, and joy. For Marco Polo Travelers, this guide will help you navigate Puerto Rico’s culinary treasures with the confidence of a local—just don’t ask for ketchup on your mofongo.
1. Mofongo Madness
Puerto Rico’s unofficial national dish.
This savory mash of fried green plantains, garlic, and pork cracklings (chicharrón) is a must-try. For an authentic version, head to Raíces in Old San Juan (315 Calle Recinto Sur), where they serve it alongside garlicky shrimp or chicken in a rich tomato sauce.
2. Fresh Seafood by the Beach
Fried, grilled, or straight from the sea.
With the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, Puerto Rico’s coasts are a haven for fresh seafood. Start with bacalaitos (crispy codfish fritters) at El Nuevo Acuario (Avenida Boca de Cangrejos, Carolina), or enjoy carrucho (conch salad) at one of the seaside restaurants along Piñones. For variety, visit the Kioskos de Luquillo, where stalls serve dishes like grilled red snapper or whole lobster a lo criollo, perfect for a laid-back beachside feast.
3. La Ruta del Lechón: The Pork Highway
For slow-roasted perfection, head to Guavate.
This stretch of road in Cayey is legendary for its lechón—juicy, crispy, spit-roasted pork. Top picks include Los Pinos Lechonera and El Rancho Original, where locals flock for generous portions and live music on weekends. Arrive early to avoid traffic and snag the best cuts.
4. The Jibarito: A Plantain Sandwich Revolution
A Puerto Rican twist on the sandwich.
The jibarito swaps out bread for thin slices of fried green plantains, stuffed with meat, cheese, and garlicky mayo. Grab one from a food truck near La Placita in Santurce or enjoy a sit-down version at Cafetería Mallorca in Old San Juan (300 Calle San Francisco).
5. Piña Colada: Sip on Paradise
The island’s most famous cocktail, born in Old San Juan.
Invented at Barrachina Restaurant (104 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan), this creamy blend of coconut, pineapple, and rum is a tropical classic. Prefer a twist? La Factoría (148 Calle San Sebastián) offers creative takes on the cocktail in an award-winning bar setting.
6. Farmers’ Markets: Fresh and Local Finds
Where tradition meets freshness.
The Mercado Agrícola Natural Viejo San Juan (150 Calle Norzagaray) brings together organic produce, artisanal cheeses, and traditional sweets every Saturday morning. In Santurce, La Placita de Santurce (Plaza del Mercado) offers a vibrant daytime market before it transforms to a nightlife hub after dark.
7. Tropical Fruits: A Taste of the Tropics
Sweet, juicy, and full of flavor.
Roadside vendors and farmers’ markets are overflowing with papayas, mangoes, and coconuts. For the freshest selection, visit Frutera de Luquillo (PR-3, Luquillo), where locals stock up on fruit for beach picnics and refreshing snacks.
8. Embrace Street Food
Big flavors, small bites.
Puerto Rico’s street food scene is legendary. Sample alcapurrias (stuffed fritters), pinchos (grilled meat skewers), and empanadillas from vendors near La Placita (our top pick is La Alcapurria Quemá) or along the streets of Old San Juan.
9. Dining Hubs: Old San Juan and Santurce
Where tradition meets innovation.
Dining options abound in historic Old San Juan, as well as hip and centrally located Santurce. For classic Puerto Rican dishes, visit El Jibarito in Old San Juan (280 Calle Sol). In Santurce, Santaella (219 Calle Canals) puts a modern spin on traditional flavors, served in a chic, urban setting.
10. Cook Like a Local: Your Kitchen, Your Feast
Recreate Puerto Rico’s vibrant flavors in your rental kitchen.
Our Marco Polo Travelers have access to kitchens at their properties. So why not try a local recipe? For fresh ingredients, skip the big chains and head to Freshmart (locations in Condado and Hato Rey) or the Pueblo Supermarket in Isla Verde or Ciudadela in Santurce. Both offer excellent local produce, pantry staples, and even some organic options. Want to master arroz con gandules or pollo guisado? Check out Carmen Aboy Valldejuli’s classic cookbook, Cocina Criolla, or visit chef Wilo Benet’s website, which offers cookbooks featuring his interpretations of Puerto Rican classics.
Exploring the island’s cuisine at the markets and cooking it yourself is a deeply satisfying way to connect with Puerto Rican culture—and a great excuse to gather around the table with friends or family.
Our food is a mixture of influences from Spain, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin and North America and Europe. So, go ahead: Try new flavors, embrace the local food scene, and make your Puerto Rican getaway an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Judith & John
The Marco Polo Collection
