Expats can now savor more and more foods and goodies from home

Once you relocate to Costa Rica you will notice the abundance of affordable fresh foods and vegetables at the many weekend farmers markets. In addition, there many unique local food products sold here and a whole gamut of Costa Rican and international restaurants from which to choose.

When I moved to Costa Rica, over 40 years ago, there was virtually nothing imported from the U.S., but all of that has changed over the last 20 years.

This due to the large U.S.-style box stores like Walmart, Pricesmart (just like Costco), Más por Menos and specialty stores like Saretto. There are even stores which feature a wide variety of Asian foods. Two of the best are located along the main bus route in the town of Tibás, just north of downtown San José.

In addition, there are more than a dozen restaurant and fast-food chains from the good old USA: Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Starbucks, Domino’s Pizza, MacDonalds, Pap John’s, Burger King, Subway, Quiznos, Outback Steak House, Denny’s, the Olive Garden, Johnny Rocket and more.

Fast food as far as the eye can see at City Mall Alajuela

Earlier this year, Krispy Kreme opened its first location in the town of Escazú, to the west of San José. Not to be left behind, AR Holdings recently announced it will bring Dunkin’, the omnipresent coffee and donut brand in America, to Costa Rica in 2024. Dunkin’ is one of the largest coffee shop and donut shop chains in the world with approximately 12,900 locations in 42 countries.

Although, many of the food chains mentioned above do not offer the healthiest food, they do provide a “slice of life from home” and in some cases help ward off homesickness.

During the time I have lived here, I have noticed that some expats crave foods from the U.S. and Canada. By occasionally frequenting one of the establishments above, foreigners are less likely to yearn for certain foods and treats and avoid boredom which can be an issue when adjusting to a new country and culture.

Truthfully, the combination of year-round outdoor activities because of the country’s privileged climate, the variety of restaurants and entertainment (concerts, movies and streaming programs, etc.), should be enough to keep almost anyone busy and happy and keep boredom at bay. As one long-time resident said, “Costa Rica has everything for someone and something for everyone.”