Puerto Rico: A Island Full of Flavor
Originally logged on August 6, 2024
Puerto Rico wasn’t just another trip — it was a reminder of how food connects people, memory, and culture. I came to the island with close friends for a birthday celebration, ready to step outside the comfort of modern American living and immerse myself in something new. From the moment we arrived in New San Juan, the air, the color, and the rhythm of the city made it clear — this would be an experience worth remembering.
Stop 1: El Jibarito — A Taste of Tradition
This was a noteworthy dish, enjoyed this meal from a local women who had a little stand on outside of the beach shoreline. A grilled chicken skewer with pan sabo bread served on the side, flavorful and simple. Paired with the sunsetting, it was a great bite.
📍 El Jibarito — 280 Calle Sol, San Juan, PR 00901
After checking in, I reached out to some close friends with Puerto Rican roots for their local recommendations. The first name that came up — almost unanimously — was El Jibarito, a humble yet iconic spot in the heart of Old San Juan. It’s one of those places where you can feel the history in the walls — locals chatting over plates of rice and beans, tourists discovering what real Puerto Rican cooking feels like.
Everyone told me, “You can’t leave without trying the mofongo.”
Mofongo, at its core, is a mixture of mashed ripe plantain and yucca cooked down with herbs, garlic, and spices. It has a nutty, bittersweet flavor and can be served with a variety of proteins like beef or pork — or sometimes just on its own, letting the flavors speak for themselves.
I ordered the Pork Mofongo, served with tender pork cubes simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy. The pork melted in my mouth, but it was the mofongo that stole the show — rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying. There’s a beauty in dishes like this — where less is more, and every bite tells a story of where it comes from.
Stop 2: Cuba the Cave — Puerto Rican Soul, Cuban Influence
📍 Cuba The Cave — 203 Calle San Justo, San Juan, PR 00901
After a long beach day, we stumbled upon Cuba the Cave, tucked away down one of Old San Juan’s narrow streets. I hesitated at first — who eats Cuban food in Puerto Rico? — but that’s exactly what made me curious enough to stay.
The restaurant felt intimate. No crowd, just music playing softly, the smell of garlic in the air, and the staff talking casually at the bar. We mentioned it was our first time on the island, and they smiled, assuring us we were in for something special.
The waiter recommended I try their Garlic Chicken Mofongo, and I didn’t hesitate. The presentation alone was a step above what I had before — the mofongo sat neatly stacked, covered in a thick, velvety garlic cream sauce. The flavors were bold and balanced — rich, aromatic, and perfectly executed.
By the time an older gentleman began strumming his guitar and singing softly near our table, the entire night had already turned into something timeless. A meal that didn’t just feed me, but reminded me why I love this work — the art of food as an expression of culture.
Stop 3: Bistro Café — Brunch in Paradise
📍 Bistro Café — 29 Calle José M. Tartak, Isla Verde, Carolina, PR 00979
The next morning, we decided to experience the island’s brunch scene. Our destination — Bistro Café, one of the most talked-about breakfast spots in San Juan. The wait was about twenty minutes, but the vibe was worth every second — locals laughing over mimosas, tourists snapping photos, and a warm ocean breeze drifting through the open doors.
When we finally sat down, one dish caught my eye: “Si No Es Juan Es Pedro.” A Puerto Rican twist on eggs Benedict featuring fried egg, skirt steak, green peppers, red onion, jalapeño sauce, guava sauce, and two toasted English muffins.
It was a trifecta of flavor — sweet, savory, and spicy — all perfectly balanced. The steak was cooked slightly more than I usually prefer, but the guava and jalapeño sauce tied it all together beautifully. One of the best breakfast dishes I’ve ever had, hands down.
Final Thoughts:
To my Morehouse brothers, Martin W. and Leonard M., thank you for sharing your culture with me and guiding me toward the right spots. The island wouldn’t have felt the same without your insight.
From the first bite of mofongo to the last taste of guava, Puerto Rico offered more than food — it offered feeling. Every meal told a story, every street corner played its own rhythm, and every conversation reminded me that culture and cuisine are the same.
Until next time,
Keep on traveling, and keep on eating— Seasoned Thoughts
