Food

Despite economic differences in the community, Puerto Ricans share a close cultural bond that transcends the economy, in terms of food and religion.   The most notable food items that Puerto Ricans have brought to the Lower East side are arroz con gandules, pastelitos, mofongo, and coquito.[i]

Arroz con gandules is a “combination of rice, pigeon peas and pork, cooked in the same pot with sofrito,” a uniquely Puerto Rican sauce made up garlic, onion, tomatoes, and olive oil.[ii]

 

Pastelitos are more of a pastry in Cuban cuisine, but in Puerto Rican cuisine they are intended to be a main dish.  The pastries are typically filled with beef or chicken, and tomato sauce.

 

 

 

Mofongo is a widely known Puerto Rican fried dish made of plantains and bits of bacon.  These plantains can also be stuffed with various meats and sauces, depending on preference.  The final item that Puerto Ricans introduced to the Lower East Side is coquito.

Coquito is an alcoholic beverage with the same texture as eggnog.  It is rum-based, and is usually combined with ice cream or chocolate.  The drink has become so popular that other Latin American cultures have incorporated it into their cuisine.  All of these staples can be found at two prominent Puerto Rican restaurants on the Lower East Side.