SODA (so-ða)

Nope, not a soda pop, but this word is certainly linked to things so many of us love and crave for, that is, food and (most of the time non-alcoholic) drinks …

If you are a national, a visitor, or a resident and have done some travelling around the country, you may have wondered whether there is a single city or town in Costa Rica you have been to, gone past, or heard of where -at least one- soda is NOT to be found.

Granted, if just randomly gone past a town or city, you may have not noticed the “Soda” sign, but upon a little careful observation, you will be able to conclude that sodas are scattered pretty much just about everywhere in the country and in large numbers.

But what are these sodas anyways? What is the big deal about them? Well, these are, usually, small family-owned and run restaurants where typical Costa Rican food and drinks are served. What explains their popularity amongst locals and tourists alike is the fact that, let alone the super tasty, affordable food itself, these are mandatory gathering places for someone to dig deeper into the Tico culture and way of life.

It is hard to tell whether the person “taking your order” will always be able to communicate in English or other languages, but you might be surprised that many of them are, especially in tourist areas.

Hint: You might want to try a few of them out and will soon figure out this may be a great idea. You won’t regret it. The bottom line is you will end up liking Costa Rica a little bit more. Guaranteed!