Nestled in the northeastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a vibrant U.S. territory where Spanish, Taíno, African, and American influences blend seamlessly. For me, it’s more than just a beautiful island—it’s where I was born, and its bold, comforting flavors have always been a part of my life.
Fun Facts About Puerto Rico
- Mosquito Bay on Vieques is home to one of the world’s brightest bioluminescent bays, glowing thanks to millions of tiny dinoflagellates.
- El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
- The piña colada was created in the 1950s at San Juan’s Caribe Hilton Hotel.
- Puerto Rico has the highest density of Starbucks locations of any U.S. state or territory.
Iconic Puerto Rican Recipes
Mofongo – Fried green plantains mashed with crispy pork crackling, garlic, and broth for a rich, comforting dish.
Alcapurrias – Deep-fried fritters made from masa (a blend of root vegetables and green banana), stuffed with savory ground beef.
Tembleque – A silky coconut pudding thickened with cornstarch and infused with cinnamon, a favorite local dessert.
Asopao – A hearty rice stew packed with garlic, pigeon peas, and your choice of meat or seafood.
Picadillo – A flavorful ground beef dish simmered with tomatoes, olives, raisins, and warm spices, often used as a filling for empanadas and alcapurrias.
From the colorful streets of Old San Juan to the lush rainforests of El Yunque, Puerto Rico captivates the senses, and its bold, diverse flavors—shaped by centuries of cultural fusion—make it one of the most unique and delicious cuisines in the Caribbean. ¡Buen provecho!
