Five Reasons To Eat and Drink in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican cuisine has evolved into a true gastronomic paradise. Constant creativity and unstoppable transformation have been the driving force. Puerto Rico's culinary scene is more thriving and vibrant than ever. It can be experienced from San Juan to Cabo Rojo, Rincón to Fajardo, and all points in between.

From the chinchorros (roadside or beachside kiosk or stand) to haute cuisine, the island's cooks and chefs reinvent those delicious abuelitas recipes and indulge locals and visitors through food. You can savor that Puerto Rican passion as you follow your cravings (and curiosity) around the island.

Here are five reasons why Puerto Rico is a true paradise for lovers of the good life and food:

Puerto Rico is much more than rice and beans. Gastronomy is an essential part of Puerto Rico's culture, blending the heritage of Spanish, African, and Taino cuisine elements.

Your trip to the island won't be complete if you don't try such staples as mofongo, made from fried green plantains; tostones, fried double plantain wheels; pasteles, which resemble tamales and are traditionally prepared with green plantain dough stuffed with stewed pork; lechón asado, slow-roasted pork with juicy meat and crispy skin, which has recently been declared a Puerto Rican culinary legacy. And because a good meal is never complete without dessert, tembleque is a type of silky coconut-based flan, and casquitos de guayaba, guava paste accompanied by local white cheese, are two of the must-try classics.

The island's cocktail scene has evolved with the same care as the culinary scene. Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the piña colada, and you'll find that the innovative approach to refreshing drinks continues to this day. In Old San Juan, you can take a brewery tour, participate in a tasting of local rums or sip a cocktail by the pool.

Golden or white, spicy or dark, Puerto Rico is the rum capital of the world, and you'll find many creative interpretations of rum-based cocktails on the island. While many bartenders have their version of classics, such as the piña colada, ask to have your drink made with award-winning Puerto Rican brands such as Bacardi, Ron del Barrilito, or Don Q.