4 Puerto Rican Vacation Must Haves

Click the image to get the Bacalaitos recipe

On your Puerto Rican Vacation, your priorities should be clear – enjoy the sun, sand, sea and FOOD!!! Puerto Rican cuisine has obvious Latin influence, but the island’s history means that there are African, Arawak, Taino and American influences as well. Here are some of the local dishes you should try when you get there…

1. Bacalaitos (Cod Fish Fritters)

These fritters can be found in various versions throughout the islands and are called stamp-and-go in Jamaica, saltfish accra in Trinidad, and fish cakes in Barbados. They are a mixture of flour, codfish and spices deep fried as either flat cakes or round balls. They make a great appetizer.

2. Frijoles Negros (Black Bean Soup)

Black beans are used far more in the Latin countries than in the English speaking islands. This black bean soup recipe is thick and rich and can be eaten as an appetizer, on its own, or with rice or bread.

Click the image to get the Frijoles Negros recipe

3. Arroz con Pollo (Chicken and Rice)

This one pot dish is popular throughout the Latin-Caribbean islands and consists of rice, whole pieces of chicken, sofrito, annatto for color, and lots of Adobo and other traditional seasonings. Each island, and in fact each family, makes their own unique version. This one includes olives!

Click the image to get the Arroz con Pollo recipe

4. Boudin de Pasas con Coco (Coconut Bread Pudding)

Add coconut to anything and you’ve got a winner. This bread pudding is made yummy with the addition of coconut milk, coconut rum and bits of shredded coconut. Add the caramel rum sauce for even more amazing deliciousness.

Click the image to get the Coconut Bread Pudding recipe

Share Your Puerto Rican Vacation Recipes

Be sure to take photos of your own Puerto Rican-inspired creations and share them on our facebook page, pinterest or instagram using the hashtag #tastetheislands so we can share them with our community!