Influenced by its Caribbean location, its indigenous Taíno culture, and its African and Spanish history, the food of Puerto Rico has become a fusion of these elements. From roadside kiosks to award-winning restaurants, there is something for everyone. While I can make a mile-long list of foods that you should try when visiting the island, here are six foods that may be unfamiliar and are worth seeking out on your next trip.
Alcapurrias
Alcapurrias are a Puerto Rican fritter made with a masa dough that is traditionally stuffed with picadillo, a seasoned ground beef and potato mixture, and then fried. However, you can also find them filled with crab, chicken, or other proteins. These are a fried, handheld snack that can be purchased from roadside kiosks throughout the island.
Bacalaitos
Bacalaitos are thin, codfish fritters. These fritters are usually made from a batter of salted codfish mixed with flour, water, baking soda, baking powder, and a variety of spices. The batter is fried into flat pancake-like shapes. Similar to alcapurrias and empanadillas, this is a popular snack that can be found at street vendors and food stalls at local restaurants.
Empanadillas
Empanadillas are also known as turnovers. They are very similar to the familiar empanada, except made with a thinner dough. Traditionally, pockets of pie dough are stuffed with ground beef, potatoes, and seasoning and then fried. However, you can also find them made with chicken, crab, or cheese.
Limbers
A limber is a Puerto Rican ice pop made in a plastic cup. We sampled limbers in Old San Juan. Limbers Del Viejo San Juan is located on Caleta de Las Monjas. Here a woman sells limbers in a variety of flavors right out of her apartment window for only $1 each. They come in all different tropical flavors and are a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
Mallorca
Mallorcas are a type of Puerto Rican sweet bread. The soft, spiral-shaped buns have a yeast base and are topped with confectioners sugar. We found these treats in Old San Juan at the appropriately named Mallorca Cafe. This restaurant has been in business since 1961 and is one of the more popular places that sells them. The front window is also filled with a variety of other delicious pastries that you'll want to sample! While you can eat a Mallorca on its own, we enjoyed ours filled with eggs and cheese for a perfect sweet and salty combo.
Mofongo
You cannot visit Puerto Rico without trying mofongo. While arroz con gandules (Puerto Rican rice with pigeon peas) is the national dish of Puerto Rico, mofongo is one of the most popular dishes of the island. It is made from mashed unripe plantains mixed with garlic, spices, and often chicharrón (fried pork rinds), which is then stuffed or topped with meat, seafood, or vegetables. Mofongo can be found on almost every restaurant menu on the island.