The Heart of Costa Rica: Why You Need to Experience a “Soda”

When you think of the word soda, you probably picture a can of something fizzy. But here in Costa Rica, soda means something entirely different — and so much better.

A soda is a small, family-run eatery serving up traditional Costa Rican food, made with love and served with a side of Pura Vida. These little gems are woven into the very fabric of daily life here. You’ll find them everywhere — perched along the beach, tucked into tiny mountain towns, hidden on winding country roads.

Walk into a soda, and you’ll know you’re in the right place. Plastic tablecloths, handwritten menus, a few locals sipping strong coffee at the counter, and the smell of something delicious simmering in the kitchen. There’s nothing fancy about them — and that’s exactly the magic.

The Food Is Comfort On a Plate

Start your day with gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s beloved breakfast of rice and beans, often paired with eggs, cheese, and plantains. For lunch, order a casado (which literally means “married”) — a beautiful mix of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of chicken, fish, pork, or beef. It’s hearty, satisfying, and somehow always tastes like it was made just for you. Add in fresh-squeezed tropical juices and a steaming cup of café con leche, and you’ve got the perfect Costa Rican meal.

But Sodas Aren’t Just About The Food — They’re About Connection.

Many are run by multiple generations of the same family. You might see grandma stirring a pot, dad taking orders, and the kids helping out wherever they can. There’s a warmth in these places that you won’t find anywhere else.

Strangers become friends over a shared table. Travelers get their first real taste of Pura Vida life. And expats like me? We start to feel like we belong after the third visit.

Sodas Are The Heartbeat Of Costa Rica.

They’re not just places to grab a bite — they’re where stories are told, laughter is shared, and culture is passed down one plate at a time.

So, if you ever find yourself in Costa Rica, here’s my advice: skip the tourist spots at least once and find a soda. Order a casado, sip your coffee slowly, and listen to the hum of conversation around you.

Because in that moment, you won’t just be visiting Costa Rica — you’ll be experiencing it.