When you are in Costa Rica, of course you have to taste some delicious local cuisine. It is a combination of Spanish, Mexican, American, Caribbean and Southern American influences. The national dish is "Gallo Pinto" ("spotted rooster"). It is mainly a combination of black beans and white rice and it is spiced with cilantro, onions, garlic, salt and a local condiment called Salsa Lizano. Another typical dish is "Arroz con pollo" ("rice with chicken"). This dish basically consists of bite size chicken chunks mixed with rice and diced vegetables that include carrots, peas, corn and garbanzo beans.A nice refreshment after a long day discovering the country are called "refrescos," "frescos," "naturales," or "batidos". They are made with either water or milk and come in an endless variety.