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At RIU Hotels & Resorts, we know that, to enjoy a trip to its fullest, it’s essential to rest well and recharge your batteries. But we also know that part of that energy comes from discovering the local culture through taste. Travellers who choose our hotels in Agadir, Toronto or Guanacaste seek an authentic immersion that begins with local gastronomy.
Summary of the RIU gastronomic experience
Esta guide presents five typical dishes (Peameal Bacon, Tajín, Gallo Pinto, Papas Arrugadas and Thiéboudienne) located in the vicinity of the RIU Plaza hotels and beach resorts in Canada, Morocco, Costa Rica, Spain and Senegal.
To travel is, in essence, to taste. That’s why today we invite you to explore with us five vibrant destinations and discover the flavours you cannot miss near your hotel. At RIU we have options for all tastes!
1. Toronto, Canada: The historic bite of Peameal Bacon
Our arrival in Canada with the Riu Plaza Toronto is an exciting milestone for the chain. This hotel, the 12th in our urban line, enjoys an excellent location in the financial district, very close to the famous Entertainment District.
- The dish: Peameal Bacon Sandwich.
- The essence: Unlike traditional bacon, this is made with cured pork loin and coated in cornmeal. It’s a bite with more than a century of history.
- RIU Tip: You must eat this sandwich at the historic St. Lawrence Market, a short walk from the hotel. It’s a ritual that mixes executives and tourists alike.
2. Agadir, Morocco: The aroma of Lamb Tagine
Morocco is a destination that awakens the senses. In our hotels in Agadir, we combine the Atlantic sea breeze with the exoticism of Maghrebi culture in a privileged setting.
Hotel Riu Palace Tikida Agadir
- The dish: Lamb Tagine with plums and almonds.
- The essence: This stew gets its name from the clay pot where it is slow-cooked, retaining all the aromas of the spices.
- RIU Tip: After getting lost in the local souk, return to the hotel to enjoy a mint tea in our lobby bar while watching the sunset by the sea.
3. Costa Rica: The “Pura Vida” in a plate of Gallo Pinto
In Guanacaste, RIU offers a total immersion experience in nature. Here, luxury blends with the jungle and the sea in perfect harmony.
- The dish: Gallo Pinto.
- The essence: It is the national breakfast par excellence. It consists of a mixture of rice and black beans seasoned with local spices such as the famous Lizano sauce.
- RIU Tip: It is the ideal dish to recharge your batteries before an adventure excursion. At RIU you will find it in our buffet with all its “Pura Vida” authenticity.
4. Gran Canaria, Spain: The power of Papas Arrugadas
We couldn’t do this route without visiting the Canary Islands, a destination that is in our DNA. Gran Canaria offers us a unique volcanic landscape and a gastronomy with an Atlantic character.
Hotel Riu Gran Canaria
- The dish: Papas arrugadas with Mojo Picón.
- The essence: Small local potatoes cooked with their skin in heavily salted water. The soul of the dish is the mojo, a vibrant sauce based on paprika, garlic, oil, and cumin.
- RIU Tip: Perfect for an informal lunch near the beach.
5. Senegal: The colourful flavour of Thiéboudienne
We finish at the Riu Baobab, our jewel in Senegal. We have brought the quality of RIU to the stunning beaches of Pointe Sarène, a destination to discover.
Hotel Riu Baobab
- The dish: Thiéboudienne (fish with rice).
- The essence: A World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, it consists of marinated fish, rice, and fresh vegetables such as cassava, carrot, and aubergine.
- RIU Tip: After tasting it, we recommend a stroll along the beach to admire the baobabs that give our hotel its name.
Local destinations and flavours
Comparative Table: Destinations and Local Flavors
| Destination | Featured Hotel | Must-Try Dish | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Riu Plaza Toronto | Peameal Bacon Sandwich | History (St. Lawrence Market) |
| Agadir | Riu Palace Agadir | Lamb Tagine | Hospitality & slow cooking |
| Guanacaste | Riu Guanacaste | Gallo Pinto | Energy for adventure |
| Gran Canaria | Riu Palace Maspalomas | Wrinkled Potatoes with Mojo | Atlantic volcanic flavor |
| Pointe Sarène | Riu Baobab | Thiéboudienne | UNESCO Heritage site |
Your passport to a world of flavours
At RIU, we are convinced that the richness of a trip is measured by the flavours we discover. Every local ingredient is an invitation to better understand the world around us. Book your next getaway at riu.com and discover that, at RIU, a destination is not just visited… it’s also savoured.
Which of these dishes will be first on your list? Tell us in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where to eat the best Peameal Bacon Sandwich in Toronto?
The most iconic place is the St. Lawrence Market, located in the financial district and a short walk from the Hotel Riu Plaza Toronto.
What ingredients does Costa Rica’s Gallo Pinto contain?
It is a base of rice and black beans, seasoned with onion, sweet pepper, coriander, and the traditional Lizano sauce. It is usually served with egg and fried plantain.
Is Senegal’s Thiéboudienne suitable for all palates?
Yes, it is a very balanced dish of fish, rice, and vegetables. It is Senegal’s national dish and stands out for its explosion of natural flavours and freshness.
