If I had been a blogger several years ago, I probably would not be writing a blog post about trying new foods. I was such a picky eater that when I ordered a hamburger, I only requested a sesame seed bun, ground beef patty and a slice of cheese. Hamburger fixings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions or pickles to accompany the sandwich was out of the question.
With that being said, I’m proud to say that I now love trying new types of food. My goal is to take a cooking class or a food tour in every city I travel too. Puerto Rico was no exception. I like to be immersed in the culture. Food is a huge part of the Puerto Rican culture. I booked a 3-hour tour with Flavors of San Juan.
I met the tour guide and several other tourists at Plazoleta Rafael Carrión in front of the Banco Popular to began the food tour.
A Taste Of Puerto Rico
We stopped at Cuatro Sombras which means 4 shades in English. Workers would plant coffee under shaded trees, hence the name. The coffee shop is known for is specialized coffee. They roast, grind and make coffee on a daily basis.
I loved the cute heart shaped design inside of the coffee but I didn’t like the taste. To be fair, I am not a fan of coffee. The only time I drank coffee was in college when studying for final exams.
Cuatros Sombras served us a ham and cheese croissant sandwich with guava paste. The saltiness of the ham and the sweetness of the guava was really tasty.
Puerto Rican Snacks
Cafe el Punto– Alcapurrias also known as dough fritters is a popular snack in Puerto Rico. It is made with yucca, green plantains, and a beef filling.
We sampled Cevechi, this dish originated in Peru but is widely eaten in Puerto Rico. It is very light, and refreshing due to the citrus juice. Ingredients include onions, avocado, lemon juice, salt, cucumbers, and seafood. It was so delicious that I want to try this recipe for my next family outing.
Senor Paleta sells sorbet and gelato popsicles. We were given a Mango Paleta. The best part of consuming this summer treat was filling guilt free because of its natural juice with no added sugars.
As we were walking we came across La Casa Estrecha. It is known as the smallest door in Puerto Rico. It is only 5 ft in height and is 2 stories high.
Make sure to visit Fortaleza St. where the popular tourist attraction Paseo de Sombrillas is located. The umbrellas can certainly provide shelter from the rain but the Governor of Puerto Rico Ricardo Rosello sees it as a beautiful art installation.
I had the opportunity to go to Plaza de Armas and sit next to Tite Curet Alonso. Mr. Alonso was a salsa composer who wrote over 2,000 songs. Although he composed thousands of songs, they were banned on Puerto Rican radio stations. In 2009, 695 songs were released, 6 years after his death. Legal battles continue to have further songs released from his salsa collection.
Popular Puerto Rican Dishes
At Cafe de Angel, we were served mofongo, chicken, rice, beans, and a glass of mojitos. Mofongos is a very popular dish and can be topped with meat or seafood. The main ingredient is plantain. It is picked, friend and seasoned to taste.
Chocolate
The tour occurs whether the sun shines or rain pours. We happened to get caught in the downpour but we made a fast dash to our last and final stop for dessert. At Casa Cortes Choco bar we were given hot chocolate and churros. In Puerto Rico, they eat cheese and chocolate together accompanied by dipping the two ingredients in hot chocolate. I know it sounds weird but it was actually tasty.
At the end of the night, I was full of delicious food and snacks. I would recommend that you take the day tour so that you can actually see the city in all its glory. Which food or snack would you be interested in trying?
That chocolate looks amazing! Great recap, thanks for sharing!
You’re a Welcome. Chocolate was great, wish I had some now. lol
I’ve never traveled to South America but this sounds like a treat! Would definitely be up to check out the food tour and enjoy the chocolate and cheese combo! Hope you’re enjoying the rest of your travels!
Puerto Rico is actually a part of the USA, so you don’t need a passport if you are a US citizen. Yes I encourage everyone to take a cooking class or a food tour
It’s been forever since I’ve had a churro. They used to sell them near a Home Depot by my home in Chicago. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a churro or corn cart in Atlanta.
I love churros but the only time I have actually seen a churro stand is the fair or amusement parks. We do have unoffocial corn carts everywhere
I LOVE mofongo! I also love coffee and would have been in heave at cuatro sombras LOL. I think the idea of cooking classes or something like that while traveling is dope.
Cooking classes are great and give you an idea of the culture. My favorite cooking class was in Thailand
Everything looks so delicious! When I start back traveling I’m definitely going for the food! Glad you enjoyed your trip!
Food is always a great reason to travel
I would go for the Senor Paleta to keep cool. I’ve only been to Puerto Rico once and it was 8 years ago. I didn’t get to try a lot of exotic food because I was pregnant. I want to go back.
Yeah def go back, I think it would be a great family trip!
Love Puerto Rico. The people the food the culture all so rich. I look forward to returning with my 7 yr old next time. Love your pics and glad you had a great time !
I think your 7 would enjoy, I met up with a friend who lives there with her 8 year old son. My second time going and I would return to explore more
The photos are amazing and I have wanted to get to Puerto Rico for a long time. Thank you for the tips and advice.
Your’e Welcome! Hope you make it to PR soon, great place to visit
I need to be there! The food the ambiance! This is life catch fights and food!
Can you believe that some people fly to places just to eat food. LOL
As someone from New York, I have had all types of Spanish food. I am glad you are stepping out of your comfort zone. Cooking classes are fun.
I love NYC and was just there in the summer time. I have never tried Spanish food there, Ill make sure I try some the next time I go.
You’ve seen so many different places. I wanted to go to Puerto Rico for my honeymoon. I’d be so thrilled to take a cooking class when i go, seems like an amazing place.
Where did you up going for your honey moon? Hopefully you can go to PR for a family vacation
Everything looks delicious! I’ll had to do this tour if I ever find myself in Puerto Rico.
It tasted even more delicious in person
Looks like you had a great time.
I love Puerto Rico and the food even for a vegan was so good. We didn’t do Fortaleza St. but it is definitely on my list for a future visit.
I’m not Vegan but I do want to try Vegan food. Next time hope you can see Fortaleza street
You looks like you had such a yummy time in Puerto Rico. I totally belief that half the fun of travelling is the food. Thanks for sharing your eats with us!
Happy to share! I dont consider myself a foodie but I think the food is super important part of the experience….
The food looks so delicious! I would love to visit Puerto Rico simply because of the food. I love how you have opened your mind to new foods. One of my goals of 2019 is to not only try new dishes in my own kitchen but try to eat out at different restaurants as well.
The food was yummy! Your world expands just by trying new foods, lol Excited to see what new dishes you will try at home. Visit PR when you get a chance, I think you would love it
The food looks amaizinng and thats my favorite part about traveling is trying different foods! You just gave me hope for my little brother, he’s the world’s pickiest eater!
Yes if I can go from picky eater to trying new foods, I def have hope for your lil brother.. lol
Everything look amazing. And the tour guide is my cousin!! Lol
Yes the food was delicious 😋 wow that’s your cousin! You’re from PR as well? What a small world 🌍