Vistor Notes:

Subject: 'Costa Rica is vegan-friendly'
Posted by walktalk on: Thursday, August 07, 2008 at 05:37 AM PST

It's worth noting that Costa Rica's national dish, gallo pinto, is usually vegan, and is available at most restaurants. "Gallo pinto" translates as "spotted rooster", and refers to the dish's appearance. It's a beans and rice combination, usually served with platanos (fried plantains).

Most recipes use water (agua), but some use chicken broth (caldo de pollo). On much rarer occasions, pork fat (manteca de cerdo) may be used. However, pork fat is generally too expensive for most "sodas" (small traditional restaurants), and asking for the dish "sin carne o pollo" (without meat or chicken) will save you from any surprise embellishments.