Caribbean Eats: In Puerto Rico, the Joy of the Bacalaito

PUERTO RICO — This island has some of the most diverse offerings of street food in the Caribbean — particularly of the fried variety.

And on an early morning visit to the beaches on the outskirts of San Juan, one particular variety stood out.

It’s called the Bacalaito, a hand-held, deep-fried, golden brown cod fritter. It’s large, flat and oh so fried.

We were lucky enough to sample some at the famous El Farol, a seafood joint that specializes in all things fried in the beachfront town of Piñones,

While the shape of the bacalaito can vary, El Farol’s was almost a kind of bacalaito pancake, crispy and misshapen, like Picasso had sculpted a croqueta.

Above: more fried delights at El Farol

But in the anarchy of its shape, its golden-hued colour, was unparalleled flavour.

The bacalaito is certainly salty, but with perfect consistency, equal parts softness and crunchiness.

And it’s one of the best fried foods you’ll find anywhere in the region.

— CJ