Lexi-tico: Bocas
Bocas (boh-kahs):
Literally, the word “bocas” means mouths. Bocas are the quintessential snacks in Costa Rican cuisine, commonly found in bars and restaurants all over the place. Granted, many Spanish tapas are killer. But Costa Rican bocas are, hands down, tough competitors. Some of our bocas are cultural imports but Costa Ricans have also raised the bar.
In an effort to provide an unbiased (yeah, right!) review of Costa Rica’s best bocas, I hereby present to you MY 3 favorite picks, in no particular order:
Warning: Bocas may be extremely addictive. Are you up for the challenge?
Let’s rock and roll…
- Chifrijo: The name chifrijo combines the words “chicharrones” (fried pork rinds) and “frijoles” (beans). Additionally, you (may) get avocado, rice, pico de gallo sauce and chips along with it. Whether visiting Costa Rica for the first time or, if you are lucky enough to come back or live here, you may get to try chifrijo for a second, third, fourth or millionth time. From my own experience, I stopped counting them after the first million. ?
- Dedos de pescado con salsa blanca (Fish fingers with white sauce): Granted, originally not a Costa Rican contribution to world cuisine but many Costa Rican bar and restaurant owners have done a great job here.
- Pejibaye con mayonesa (Pejibaye dipped in mayonnaise): Pejibaye (peach palm fruit) is indigenous to Central and tropical South America. Unlike chifrijo and fish fingers, this boca is a far more nutritious choice. Yet, unlike the other two, it unfortunately is not as common in bars or restaurant.
I guess this list could go on and on but for the sake of our mental calorie count, let’s stop here…
Bon appétit!