Emergency last minute questions about CR
May 12th, 2005, 04:59 AM
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Emergency last minute questions about CR
Finally leaving tomorrow for Guanacaste and Arenal after months of planning and eager anticipation. I have 2 last minute questions if anyone is able to help.
1) I think I remember reading that the water is safe to drink and brush teeth with in Costa Rica. I always drink only bottled water anyway even at home, but is it okay to brush one's teeth with tap water?
2) Does anyone know if the commonly found dish of rice and beans is vegetarian? I know that sounds like a funny question, but I am a vegetarian (no meat, no seafood, but dairy is fine) and have found that when such dishes are prepared in the U.S. they often include chicken broth in the rice and bacon, etc., in the beans. This is a dish I would really like to have while in CR as it is a good way for vegetarians to get protein. I know my selections will be limited so it would be nice to have this dish.
Thanks very much for any help and for all the great information I found here while planning our trip!
1) I think I remember reading that the water is safe to drink and brush teeth with in Costa Rica. I always drink only bottled water anyway even at home, but is it okay to brush one's teeth with tap water?
2) Does anyone know if the commonly found dish of rice and beans is vegetarian? I know that sounds like a funny question, but I am a vegetarian (no meat, no seafood, but dairy is fine) and have found that when such dishes are prepared in the U.S. they often include chicken broth in the rice and bacon, etc., in the beans. This is a dish I would really like to have while in CR as it is a good way for vegetarians to get protein. I know my selections will be limited so it would be nice to have this dish.
Thanks very much for any help and for all the great information I found here while planning our trip!
May 12th, 2005, 06:12 AM
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1) CR is really proud of the cleanliness of their water compared to other Central American countries. But, while I think it's perfectly safe for brushing your teeth (and many hotels have their own water purification systems), I wouldn't drink glassfuls of it. San Jose's water is good, but the quality varies elsewhere. I've never had a problem and never used bottled water to brush.
2) I don't think regular gallo pinto has any meat in it, but some places will put their own spin on it, which might include meat. I'd ask before ordering.
2) I don't think regular gallo pinto has any meat in it, but some places will put their own spin on it, which might include meat. I'd ask before ordering.
May 12th, 2005, 06:18 AM
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Hey there fellow vegetarian,
You're going to be quite happy eating in Costa Rica. First of all, yes you can drink and brush your teeth with the tap water (I also only drink bottled or filtered at home, but it's a short period of time).
As far as food goes, you'll find plenty of vegetable dishes. The common rice and beans dish (known as pico de gallo) is most often going to be safe for you to eat (i.e. no chicken stock, etc.) However, occasionally some people cook it with lard. Your safest bet is to learn this phrase: "Sin manteca" -- which means without lard.
It's also useful to remember not to just say "no meat" but cover all your bases (as I'm sure you know, some people think no meat means no beef). So be sure your food is "Sin carne, sin pollo, sin jamon (ham), sin pescado..." Everyone is CR is so friendly and accomodating, you won't have any trouble.
Have a great trip!
You're going to be quite happy eating in Costa Rica. First of all, yes you can drink and brush your teeth with the tap water (I also only drink bottled or filtered at home, but it's a short period of time).
As far as food goes, you'll find plenty of vegetable dishes. The common rice and beans dish (known as pico de gallo) is most often going to be safe for you to eat (i.e. no chicken stock, etc.) However, occasionally some people cook it with lard. Your safest bet is to learn this phrase: "Sin manteca" -- which means without lard.
It's also useful to remember not to just say "no meat" but cover all your bases (as I'm sure you know, some people think no meat means no beef). So be sure your food is "Sin carne, sin pollo, sin jamon (ham), sin pescado..." Everyone is CR is so friendly and accomodating, you won't have any trouble.
Have a great trip!
