Comments on: Why Being Vegetarian in Costa Rica is Easier Than You Think

By: Charlie Marchant

Charlie Marchant — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 11:10:16 +0000

In reply to Tonya Denmark. I still dream about it, Tonya!

By: Tonya Denmark

Tonya Denmark — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 15:45:34 +0000

I absolutely loved all the fresh fruit available in Costa Rica. Combine with gallo pinto, fresh tortillas (which I learned how to make!) and juices and coffees… oh yum!!

By: Charlie on Travel

Charlie on Travel — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:35:49 +0000

In reply to Hannah.

Hi Hannah – that’s not always the case. It varies from country to country, and many times rice and beans are just cooked in oil (though sometimes lard, especially in poorer areas) and water and a lot of salt. Rice and beans on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast are cooked with coconut milk in addition.

By: Hannah

Hannah — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 10:58:39 +0000

Something very important to consider is that the rice and beans are made with chicken broth.

By: Charlie on Travel

Charlie on Travel — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 14:01:11 +0000

In reply to Viviana. Yes, the Caribbean style with coconut milk is my favourite!! :D

By: Viviana

Viviana — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 02:26:19 +0000

In reply to Charlie on Travel.

I do, I’m costarrican :)
and yes, the mixed rice&beans can be found at non breakfast times, there’s even a Caribbean dish, aptly named “Rice and Beans”, in which the rice and beans are cooked with coconut milk, delish!

By: Charlie on Travel

Charlie on Travel — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 23:09:09 +0000

In reply to Viviana.

Hi Viviana,
Thanks for commenting! Yep, you’re totally right about gallo pinto and rice & beans. I found that the mix and non-mix doesn’t always correspond to the time of day, just what each local soda happens to have prepped up. I love casados and was always able to get ones with a side of eggs, fried cheese or salad :) And I love the local ferias so much!!! Such amazing, fresh and often organic produce :)
Do you live in Costa Rica?

By: Viviana

Viviana — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 06:31:19 +0000

Great tips for vegetarians in Costa Rica!
The rice & beans (mixed) is called Gallo Pinto, base of the typical costarrican breakfast, it’s available everywhere around the country. For lunch and dinner, rice & beans (next to each other) are the base for a typical meal called “casado”, and it’s also available everywhere throughout the country. Casado will usually come with a side of meat, so be sure to change that for a veggie option.
Also, the Feria Verde de Aranjuez is a weekly event that only runs on Saturdays, good for breakfast and early lunch, quite likely to close by 1pm. Ferias are popular on Saturdays all around, great option to get fresh fruits and veggies at cheaper prices, buying them right from the farmer. Great you mentioned it! *Do note that not all ferias have breakfast/lunch options*
There are also a bunch of vegetarian and vegan options to eat out in San José downtown area, and they too are delicious.

By: Charlie on Travel

Charlie on Travel — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 22:34:09 +0000

In reply to Damon and Jo.

Totally no worries! Glad you enjoyed the foodie photos :D I’ve had absolutely no photography classes or anything, and you’re the first person to ask me that EVER! I actually always consider my photos kind of average, so that’s really sweet of you to say. I just have a canon 550D with the standard lens (no others). My photography has improved since I first started taking photos (some of which are included in my latest post as it’s about something from a few years ago) and have found that lighting and composition make a big difference and that my camera is pretty good for close ups.

Anyway, thank you so much for the compliments! Looking forward to checking out your blogs guys, I always love to hear from fellow veggies! :D

By: Damon and Jo

Damon and Jo — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 22:08:52 +0000

I’m sorry but I got completely distracted by the amazing photos (it’s a good thing)! I love how colorful your photos are and I have to ask: how/where did you learn your photography skills? They’re perfect for travel!!!

Your fellow vegetarian travelers,

Damon and Jo