Our spread of Puerto Rican food in San Juan

Welcome to San Juan, Puerto Rico — where we spent the day doing one very important thing: eating authentic Puerto Rican food.

If you’re visiting Puerto Rico for the first time, trying traditional dishes is one of the best ways to understand the culture. Puerto Rican cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Taíno influences — and yes, there are some fried favorites — but there’s also depth, slow-cooked flavor, and comforting classics.

Here are six Puerto Rican dishes we tried in San Juan that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Where We Ate in San Juan

We started at Bebo’s Café, a more local, no-frills spot known for traditional Puerto Rican food. Later in the evening, we visited Orozco’s Restaurant, another popular place serving classic island dishes.

Both are great options if you want authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in San Juan.

If you’d rather sample multiple dishes with a guide, a food tour can be a fantastic way to try local specialties in one afternoon.

👉 Browse top-rated San Juan food tours here:
San Juan Food Tours

Puerto Rican Dish #1: Bacalaitos

Bacalaitos are crispy codfish fritters — thin, golden, and lightly salted.

They weren’t overly fishy, which might surprise some people. The outside was crisp while the inside stayed soft and flavorful.

We dipped ours into a spicy cheese-style sauce, which added just enough heat without overpowering the cod.

You’ll often find bacalaitos served at beaches, roadside kiosks, and local restaurants throughout Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rican Dish #2: Asopao

Asopao is a traditional Puerto Rican soup, often made with chicken and rice.

It’s hearty but not heavy — somewhere between a soup and a stew. Ours had large, tender chunks of chicken and was packed with herbs and seasoning.

If you’re looking for something comforting and less fried, this is a great option.

Puerto Rican Dish #3: Empanadillas

Empanadillas are Puerto Rico’s version of empanadas — smaller, folded pastries stuffed with fillings like cheese, chicken, or beef.

Ours were deep-fried and served with a spicy mayo-style sauce.

The cheese version was simple but satisfying, while the chicken version had bold seasoning and incredibly tender meat.

These are easy to snack on and perfect if you want to try something quick and local.

Puerto Rican Dish #4: Tostones

Tostones are twice-fried green plantains — crispy on the outside and soft inside.

They’re usually served as a side dish and paired with garlic sauce or mayo-ketchup (which is more delicious than it sounds).

Simple, salty, and addictive.

You’ll see tostones everywhere in San Juan.

Puerto Rican Dish #5: Mofongo

If there’s one dish that defines Puerto Rican food, it’s mofongo.

Mofongo is made from mashed green plantains mixed with garlic and pork cracklings, then shaped into a dome and topped with meat or seafood.

We ordered mofongo with chicken.

The chicken was tender and stew-like, covered in a savory sauce similar to gravy. The plantain base was dense, slightly sweet, and incredibly filling.

You can also order mofongo with:

Shrimp
Pork
Skirt steak
Or mixed seafood

There was a large bottle of local hot sauce on the table, which added the perfect kick without overwhelming the dish.

If you try one thing in Puerto Rico — make it mofongo.

Puerto Rican Dish #6: Arroz con Gandules

Arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) is considered Puerto Rico’s national dish.

It may look like a simple rice dish, but it’s packed with flavor thanks to sofrito, seasoning, and slow cooking.

Ours had deep savory flavor with just a touch of spice — especially when paired with the hot sauce.

It’s often served alongside pernil (roast pork) and other meats during holidays and celebrations.

Want to Try Even More Puerto Rican Food?

✨Want to skip the guesswork and dive straight into the best bites? Join a local on a guided food tour around San Juan! GetYourGuide offers some delicious experiences that take you to hidden gems, local favorites, and sweet spots you might never find on your own:

We had an incredible day of eating only Puerto Rican food. Be sure to watch the entire YouTube video below:

Where to Stay in San Juan

If you’re visiting primarily for food and history, staying in Old San Juan puts you within walking distance of many restaurants.

👉 Browse hotels in Old San Juan here:

If you prefer beach access, look into Condado or Isla Verde.

Handy Travel Tools for Your Puerto Rico Adventure

Planning a foodie trip to Puerto Rico? Here are a few essentials we recommend:

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🏨 Stay Near the Foodie Action: Find hotels near top restaurants
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🎒 Travel Items You Didn’t Know You Needed: Check out our favorite unexpected travel essentials – From portable fans to compact coffee filters, these little items make a big difference.