With its tropical temperatures, Costa Rican cuisine features an abundance of exotic fruits (especially pejibayes) and vegetables, and depending on what part of the country you are in, lots of fresh fish. Black beans and rice are a staple and a part of almost every traditional meal. Of course, Costa Rica is famous for its coffee beans (though much of it is exported), but you shouldn't leave without trying a cup.
Common dishes you will see on menus include gallo pinto (rice and beans), ceviche (fish marinated in lemon juice), pati (pastry dough stuffed with curried beef and onions) and agua dulce (warm melted sugarcane). If you visit San José, don't miss the Central Market, which opened in 1880, and is the largest market in the city, with more than 200 shops, stalls and small restaurants.
