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A Guide to Puerto Rican Cuisine and Cooking Terms

When dining in Puerto Rico, you're likely to come across dishes you’ve never heard of, and that’s because Puerto Rican cuisine is a unique blend of Spanish, African, Taíno, and Amerian flavors. Here's a handy guide to some of the local specialties you'll find when you and your appetite go exploring.
Unusual Foods of Puerto Rico
Food in Puerto Rico iss delicious, exotic, and, these days, rich in creative fusion flavors. But a culinary tradition this diverse obviously comes with its exotic side, and Puerto Rico has its share of dishes that might make you think twice before diving in. Here are just a few examples of the interesting, unusual, and just plain weird foods of Puerto Rico.
The Cuisine of Puerto Rico: Five Foods You Have to Try
A list of the five most well-known and distinctive dishes of Puerto Rico. These classic meals show the range of the island's local cuisine, or Comida Criolla, and incorporate indigenous, Spanish and African recipes, ingredients and techniques. It's this mix of cultures that makes these five foods unique to Puerto Rico, and a must-try for visitors who enjoy experiencing exotic flavors.
The Food of Puerto Rico
An image gallery of typical foods in Puerto Rico, and some not-so-typical fusion cuisine, that make this island a gastronomic center in the Caribbean.
Piña Colada: A Recipe for a Puerto Rican Classic
A recipe for making Piña Colada, taken from the restaurant in Old San Juan where the cocktail was first made: Barrachina.
An Introduction to Rum
A terrific introduction to Puerto Rico's most prized liquid asset by the true expert: your About.com guide to cocktails.
All About Coffee in Puerto Rico
A summary of coffee in Puerto Rico, including how coffee is served, where to visit coffee plantations, and the history of the coffee industry on the island.
Puerto Rico's Panaderías
Puerto Rico's panaderías, or bakeries, are far more than a place to get cakes and pastries in Puerto Rico. A panadería can be anything from a hole in the wall that sells bread and basic groceries to a full-blown restaurant and mini-mart. It’s a good way to experience a slice of daily life (and local bread), no matter what part of the island you’re visiting.
Buena Comida Guide to Restaurants
A handy online resource that lists restaurants throughout Puerto Rico by type of cuisine and location. Check out their top ten lists and featured restaurants for more in-depth reviews.
Rums of Puerto Rico
One of the coolest and most comprehensive sites you'll find, Rums of Puerto Rico has an online web portal that's the equivalent of an international airport terminal. Your rum destination awaits, whether it's know what to order, how to order it, or where to go to get it!
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