Puerto Rican street food is a vibrant reflection of the island’s rich culinary heritage, offering a tantalizing mix of flavors that blend indigenous, African, and Spanish influences.
From crispy alcapurrias to savory pinchos, these island dishes capture the heart and soul of Puerto Rico’s diverse food culture.
Whether you’re strolling through the streets of San Juan or visiting a coastal town, the irresistible aroma of freshly prepared street food is an invitation to savor the bold and authentic tastes that define Puerto Rican cuisine.
Here are the top 12 Puerto Rican street foods & drinks:
- Alcapurrias
- Arroz con Dulce
- Arroz con Gandules
- Bacalaitos
- Chicharrón de Pollo
- Jibarito
- Empanadilla
- Morcilla
- Pasteles
- Pernil Asado
- Coquito
- Piña Colada
In this article, I will tell you about these different street foods to try next time you are visiting Puerto Rico.
I’m also going to tell you what you need to make these popular Puerto Rican dishes at home if you can’t wait to try them!
1. Alcapurrias
One of the most popular Puerto Rican street foods is the alcapurria.
These tasty handheld fritters consist of a delicious filling, the masa, and are encased in a crispy, fried dough.
The masa filling consists of yautia and green plantain and is mixed with sofrito and beef.
These small bites are perfect for eating on the go while walking around Puerto Rico.
Recipe
If you want to make these at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Annatto seeds
- Yautia
- Green plantain
- Salt
- Sofrito
- Beef
- Latin seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Beef stock
- Raisins
Check out this Complete Guide to Alcapurrias to learn more about this yummy dish!
2. Arroz con Dulce
The next street food that you should try is Arroz con dulce.
You can enjoy this traditional Puerto Rican dessert at any time of the year.
This rice dish has a consistency similar to Arroz con Leche, but the taste is sweeter.
It is best to serve this dish at room temperature, and you can add raisins for extra texture and flavor.
If you are looking for a sweet way to end your night, Arroz con dulce is a great option.
Recipe
Arroz con dulce is also a simple recipe that you can easily make at home.
To make Arroz con dulce yourself, you will need the following ingredients:
- Water
- Medium grain rice
- Milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Cinnamon sticks
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon zest
- Ground cinnamon
Check out this Arroz con Dulce Recipe to try it out at home.
3. Arroz con Gandules
Arroz con gandules is a signature Puerto Rican dish. It is one of Puerto Rico’s national dishes and is a family favorite around the holidays.
Though it is the perfect Christmas dish to enjoy with loved ones, it is also fantastic street food to enjoy year-round.
Recipe
Arroz con gandules is a rice dish that includes pigeon peas, pork, and sofrito.
Here are all the ingredients you will need to make this dish for your friends and family:
- Long Grain White Rice
- Uncured Thick Cut Bacon
- Water
- Gandules
- Spanish Olives
- Tomato Sauce
- Capers
- Sofrito
- Olive Oil
- Sazón with Coriander and Annatto
- Oregano
You can use this Arroz con Gandules Recipe at home to try it out for yourself.
4. Bacalaitos
If you aren’t familiar with Puerto Rican food, you may be a bit surprised about this next entry on the list.
Bacalaitos, also known as cod fritters, are extremely popular on the island. This street food is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
They make a perfect addition to any beach day.
Recipe
Bacalaitos are relatively simple to make at home if you can’t make it to a Puerto Rican beach anytime soon.
Here are the ingredients you will need to make these yourself:
- Salt cod
- Water
- Scallions
- Serrano chili pepper
- Sofrito
- Tomato
- Flour
- Dried breadcrumbs
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Adobo seasoning
- Garlic salt
- Black pepper
- Eggs
- Milk
- Egg whites
- Vegetable oil
To learn more about the history of bacalaitos and how to make them, check out this blog on these Delicious Puerto Rican Codfish Fritters.
5. Chicharrón de Pollo
Chicharrón de Pollo is a popular Puerto Rican street food that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
These deep-fried chicken chunks are seasoned with a blend of traditional spices, giving them a flavorful, crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
Often enjoyed as a snack or paired with other street foods like tostones or rice, Chicharrón de Pollo is a perfect example of the island’s love for bold, savory flavors.
Recipe
The Puerto Rican Chicharrón de Pollo is easy to make at home.
Here are the ingredients you will need to make these yourself:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup flour (for dredging)
- Oil for frying
Whether bought from a street vendor or made at home, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine.
6. Jibarito
Jibaritos are the perfect walking around food in Puerto Rico.
These popular latin sandwiches consist of meat, cheese, and other sandwich toppings, and they use plantains instead of bread.
The sandwich toppings on the jibarito are entirely customizable, and there are several different versions available.
Recipe
The classic jibarito is a savory dish and uses fried green plantains.
To make this dish at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- Vegetable oil
- Plantain
- Garlic
- Skirt steak
- Yellow onion
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Mayo
- Cheese
- Tomato
- Lettuce
To learn more about this delicious sandwich, including the recipe’s details, check out this blog on the Jibarito.
7. Empanadilla
Empanadillas are the Puerto Rican version of the classic Spanish empanada.
Empanadillas are a very popular street food because they are small, easy to hold, and easy to eat on the go.
This dish is completely customizable and comes in many variations.
These are the perfect afternoon snack to eat while walking around the island.
Recipe
Because empanadillas are so versatile, there are a lot of different recipes to try out.
This dish consists of flour-based or corn-based dough stuffed with delicious fillings.
They are traditionally meat-filled appetizers, but it is common to make vegetarian versions and even dessert versions.
Some classic empanadilla fillings to try are:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork
- Black bean
- Apple
- Cheese and guayaba (guava)
To learn more about the empanadilla and these different recipes, check out this guide to making the most delicious empanadas.
8. Morcilla
Morcilla is another popular street food in Puerto Rico.
This dish is a blood sausage that originated in Spain and resembles black pudding.
There are different variations of this classic recipe, but they all include four main ingredients:
- Fat
- Pork blood
- Onions
- Rice
Recipe
Morcilla is a simple recipe to make at home.
You will need to following ingredients for this recipe:
- White rice
- Pork blood
- Salt
- Cilantro
- Chili peppers
- Garlic
- Pork tripes (intestines or sausage casings)
To learn more about the Morcilla and how to make them at home, check out this blog on Morcilla.
9. Pasteles
Pasteles are a popular type of tamale in Puerto Rico and are the perfect Christmas time dish.
You don’t steam these like traditional Mexican tamales, but instead, you broil them.
The main ingredients of this dish include pork and green banana masa.
Recipe
This dish is straightforward to make but does require a Dutch oven.
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- Pork
- Onion
- Ajíces Dulces
- Recaito
- Adobo
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Bay Leaf
- Yautía
- Green Bananas
- Achiote Oil
- Salt
- Banana Leaves
Pasteles take a while to make but are worth it in the end.
To learn more about this delicious Puerto Rican street food and how to make them, check out this Pasteles Recipe.
10. Pernil Asado
One of the most popular street foods in Puerto Rico is pernil asado. This dish is roasted pork but can take days to cook correctly.
On the streets of Puerto Rico, you can find this pork dish served with rice and beans or in a sandwich.
It is the perfect lunchtime to fuel you up for the rest of the day.
Recipe
The classic pernil Asado recipe can take days to make.
Making this dish is relatively easy, but the meat must marinate for a few days before you can cook it.
Here are the ingredients you will need to make pernil Asado:
- Pork Shoulder
- Garlic
- Black Pepper
- Sazon with Culantro & Achiote
- Adobo
- Oregano
- Olive Oil
- Sofrito
If you don’t have a few days to work on this meal, check out this Pernil Recipe that only takes a few hours.
11. Coquito
Coquito is the Puerto Rican version of eggnog.
This classic drink is popular around the holidays and is sure to warm you up while you are spending time with your friends and family.
This beverage has many variations throughout Latin culture.
Each country seems to have its own twist on this classic drink, but the Puerto Rican version is one of the best.
Recipe
The Puerto Rican coquito is easy to make at home during your next holiday party.
To make this drink, you will need:
- Water
- Cinnamon sticks
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Evaporated milk
- Cream of coconut
To learn more about this holiday drink, check out this blog on Coquitos.
12. Piña Colada
We can’t make a list of Puerto Rican street foods without mentioning piña coladas!
Not only is it one of Latin America’s most popular drinks, the piña colada is Puerto Rico’s national drink and is a must when trying the local cuisine.
They are a very tropical drink and are perfect for your island stay.
Be sure to grab one on your next beach day.
Recipe
The piña colada is the perfect addition to a home pool party or on a day when you are feeling tropical.
There are a few variations of this yummy drink, but the classic recipe includes the following ingredients:
- Coconut cream
- Pineapple juice
- Ice
- White rum
- Cherries
- Pineapple
- Whipped cream
Don’t forget to put the drink in a pineapple cup to feel like you are on the island.
Savor the Flavors: A Taste of Puerto Rican Street Food
Puerto Rican street food is an unforgettable part of any visit to the island.
From savory bites like alcapurrias and chicharrón de pollo to sweet treats like arroz con dulce and refreshing drinks like piña colada, the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine are a reflection of the island’s rich culture and history.
Whether you’re wandering through the streets of San Juan or recreating these dishes at home, these street foods will give you a true taste of Puerto Rico.
So, get ready to savor the bold and delicious flavors that make Puerto Rican street food so special!
Sources
- Amigo Foods: Arroz con Dulce Recipe | Receta Arroz con Dulce
- Amigo Foods: A Complete Guide to Alcapurrias
- Amigo Foods: Arroz con Gandules Recipe | Receta Arroz con Gandules
- Amigo Foods: Bacalaitos, Delicious Puerto Rican Codfish Fritters
- Amigo Foods: Jibarito, the Puerto Rican Plantain Sandwich
- Amigo Foods: Golden and Crispy: Your Guide To Making The Most Delicious Empanadas
- Amigo Foods: Morcilla, Spanish Blood Sausage
- Amigo Foods: Pasteles Recipe | Receta Pasteles
- Amigo Foods: Coquito: All You Need to Know About Puerto Rican Eggnog
- Discover Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico’s National Drink: The Piña Colada
More Puerto Rican Foods
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Jorge Garcia is the founder of AmigoFoods, where he has spent over 20 years helping readers discover authentic Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Raised in a Cuban-American household, Jorge learned to cook at the hands of his mother and grandmother, carrying forward generations of family recipes. That heritage, backed by his family’s four-generation history in the Latin food industry, inspired him to launch AmigoFoods in 2003. With more than 1,000 published articles on recipes, ingredients, and food culture, Jorge’s mission is simple: make authentic Latin cooking approachable for home cooks everywhere while honoring the traditions behind every dish.