COSTA RICA EXTREME FOODS

I have not personally tried any of the following foods, but Rick loves chicherones. Other than that don't really plan on trying any of them either. Many of our students have tried one or more and did not take any home, if that tells you anything.

What NOT to Eat in Costa Rica

• by Stephanie Casanova
• 03.10.09
• 11:29 AM GMT+8

• Filed in Costa Rica

Costa Rican locals have grown up with a variety of different dishes, some of which North Americans might find odd. For those tourists who are travelling to Costa Rica and have a queasy stomach or do not enjoy tasting new cuisines, here is our list of Costa Rica’s top five less-than-popular culinary oddities.

#5) Chicharrones (fried pig skin): These hot, salty and oily snacks do not seem odd at first glance, however it can be difficult to eat the skin of a pig knowing it was rolling around in its own filth before being fed to you. Fried pig skin in Costa Rica looks like a large pork-flavoured potato chip, however it tastes and feels more like a greasy slab of pork-flavoured fat.

#4) Vino de palma (palm wine): Palm wine is the fermented sap of the “palma de corozo” tree, and too much of it will give you a burning sensation, induce temporary blindness, and kill more than a few million brain cells- not to mention give you one of the worst hangovers of your life!

#3) Ceviche de pulpo (octopus ceviche): Sushi and seafood lovers may disagree, however it may take a moment of mental preparation to put this raw octopus in your mouth. It has a rubber texture and is fairly tough to chew, and the slimy feel of it sliding down your throat will likely give you the shivers.

#2) Huevos de tortugas (turtle eggs): Although turtle eggs are believed to increase virility and make you better in bed, it is simply ethically wrong to eat the eggs of endangered sea turtles. It is very rare to see turtle eggs on a menu; however the taste of species extinction and environmental insensitivity will haunt you with every bite!

#1) Mondongo (tripe soup): This hot, steamy bowl of boiled intestines is certainly not for the average tourist. If you can forget about what you are eating and where it has been, the chewy, stringy, spongy texture will likely remind you and you might end up tasting it twice!

You will very seldom find these items on a typical menu, however if you come across them make sure to read the description before ordering!

~Stephanie Casanova