Homegrown ethnic diversity leads to at least 3 native cuisines. Caribbean food can be spicy and often includes the seductive flavors of coconut, chiles, black pepper, ginger, etc. Fish and various tropical roots, as well as breadfruit round out the traditional fare. Patti are spicy meat pies sold on the street. Johnny cakes are buns ideal for sandwiches or snacks.
Many small restaurants offer one basic meal with a couple of variations.
Rice and beans are served two ways. Typical of the Talamanca coast is a rice and beans mix with coconut milk. Often instead of french fries, lunch plates will feature patacones which are slices of plaintain or cooking bananas, fried to perfection. Usually, the choice is between a whole fried fish or a Jamaican style jerked chicken served with the rice and beans and perhaps a salad. Some restaurants might have lobster or other choices.