Sikwa - Costa Rica

@sikwa.cr is much more than just the best restaurant in Costa Rica. It is the end product of @pabloelcocinero ‘s extensive investigation on local traditions. It is a place where ancestral gastronomic identity from indigenous communities are on full display for customers to learn and indulge.

Sikwa centralizes Costa Rican gastronomic research and education. Through a thoughtful supplier selection, it also stimulates a virtuous production chain and raises awareness on very important social matters. All of that while serving incredibly delicious food.

I know Pablo personally and have grown to admire him and his beautiful work. And while every dish that I had at his restaurant was memorable, I don’t think that I would have fully appreciated the meal without first understanding the background on the gastronomic heritage that the place represents. It is about much more than just food. It is the expression of identity of a whole country and its people through it.

The local culture can be felt in every bite here. Be it the green plantain flour used on the chicken empanadas, the adobo sauce, the maíz pujagaba… There is a deep meaning and a story behind each ingredient, recipe and cooking technique.

Finally, Sikwa actually means foreigner in Bribri, symbolizing how the whole project does not pretend to be native. They just celebrate and look to protect the knowledge of those who are.

(Versão em Português nos comentários)