In Costa Rica a Soda is just a name for a privately owned mom and pop restaurant that serves home cooked meals. They are generally only open for breakfast and lunch (most closing at around 3pm). And you can find them in every town around the country. Finding the right soda is where it's at.
Some are big, and some are small. Some are on the side of quite streets and some on along prominent high ways. Some only serve through a sneeze guard and some have sit down service where they bring it to the table. The thing they all have in common are the healthy and consistent food options that you'll find there. They all have white rice, beans, rice and beans mixed, a protein, or two, maybe ceviche, various salads from fresh greens to mayo soaked slaw, grilled or steamed or fresh veggies and some sweet juices or iced tea. And while some sodas serve more creative options, one thing is for sure - they all taste healthy and fresh, like your mom or nana just finished cooking it in her own kitchen.
Costa Rican cuisine is not particularly spicy. Like so many of their neighbors, they serve a side of hot sauce at every table. For those of us that like it hot, you can adjust for your personal levels. And while all the food is fresh (literally from the farms down the road), the preparation techniques vary.
I was lucky that during my 4 week stay in Costa Rica I moved a couple of times and was able to experience different "mom's" cooking. The first soda I had was in Jaco. It was conveniently close to my hotel and I ended up going there almost everyday. I went there for lunch almost every day. And for $5 USD I'd be crazy not to, when you get a giant plated loaded with rice, salad and a protein.
My favorite soda was in Nossara. One morning I spent walking the beach, people watching, getting some sun and my steps in. I walked into town to find a tiny soda in the center. I recognized some folks from my hotel and while saying hi to them I eyed their massive plates with heaping amounts of fresh produce. I felt like the cartoon character when the smell of something good enters your nose and your eyes close and you float your way toward the dish. Instead, I floated my way toward an empty table and ordered the typical. Again, the food was just some fried fish, rice and salad. But the freshness of the food made every flavor pop. Did you know that lettuce has a flavor? And since American style dressing is atypical in Costa Rica, all I had a was squeeze of lime over the salad. I tasted every bite like it was a symphony of flavors.
Ultimately, I will not say you will be necessarily surprised by the creativity of everyday cooking in Costa Rican soda. But what you will be impressed with is the quality and freshness of produce and how the dishes highlight their flavor.
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