New York City has a very large Latin American population, including Mexicans, Colombians and Dominicans, among others. There is also a large number of Puerto Ricans, particularly in the Bronx and Brooklyn. As a result, there is a lot of fantastic Puerto Rican cuisine in the city. Puerto Rican cuisine is based around a lot of rice and beans and meats such as pork and beef. Other Puerto Rican favorites include plantains (similar to bananas), often served fried, called tostones. Most Puerto Rican cuisine can be found in the Bronx or on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, but there are Puerto Rican restaurants all over the city if you take the time to look. Here are a few ways to enjoy the best Puerto Rican dining New York City has to offer.
Instructions
1. Dine at Sofrito on East 57th Street. Located in midtown Manhattan, Sofrito gives diners an elegant and sleek atmosphere combined with genuine Puerto Rican cuisine. With amazing main courses like chicken rice and seafood stew and green plantains, you will feel like you just stepped out into the breezy island climate of Puerto Rico. Not to mention, the restaurant often has gentle live Caribbean music playing.
2. Try El Deportivo Restaurant on 9th Avenue. El Deportivo specializes in homey, traditional, unpretentious Puerto Rican cooking. Many Puerto Rican customers remark that the food tastes "just like my mother used to make." With a family-oriented atmosphere and great portions, you can't lose at El Deportivo. The pernil asado (roast pork) and ropa vieja (pulled beef) items on the menu are particularly delicious.
3. Check at La Taza de Oro on Eighth Avenue. La Taza de Oro is a simple and casual way to fill up on tasty and genuine Puerto Rican dining. Whether you want rice and beans or tostones, plantains, or pork, you can get it at La Taza de Oro. Not to mention, the service is absolutely excellent; warm and efficient. Take advantage of the low prices and warm atmosphere of La Taza de Oro.
4. Eat at Old San Juan on 9th Avenue. Old San Juan serves up traditional Puerto Rican fare with low prices and heaping portions. The alcapurrias are excellent, as are the delightfully crispy tostones. One of the highlights on the menu is the mofongo with crab meat, as the crab meat is very tasty and fresh. If you are interested in classic Puerto Rican cuisine in a cozy and mellow environment, Old San Juan is the place.
5. Stop by La Fonda Boricua on East 106th Street. This uptown Puerto Rican dining establishment serves up tantalizing stews, roasted porks, fish, salads, amongst other dishes. The pan-fried steaks available at La Fonda Boricua are some of the best available in the entire city, full of flavor and genuinely Puerto Rican. If you like a combination of great food and live music, then La Fonda Boricua is the place for you.
Tags: Puerto Rican, Puerto Rican cuisine, Rican cuisine, Fonda Boricua, Puerto Rican dining
