By Heredia, Costa Rica — The second season of the reality television show “Costa Rica, un país de sabores por descubrir” (Costa Rica, a country of flavors to discover) has officially premiered, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to leverage its culinary heritage for tourism growth. Produced by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), the competition pits six aspiring gastronomy students against one another in a fast-paced challenge of skills, adaptability, and cultural knowledge. This initiative highlights how traditional recipes serve as critical cultural intellectual property that can attract international travelers looking for authentic experiences.
From a strategic business perspective, culinary tourism has evolved from a niche market into a primary driver of global travel choices. Tourists increasingly seek destinations that offer rich, distinct, and memorable gastronomic landscapes. By showcasing the country’s diverse regional dishes through a modern reality television format, the ICT aims to strengthen the national brand and stimulate economic activity within local food supply chains and hospitality businesses.
To shed light on the complex legal and regulatory framework behind producing a major television culinary competition in the country, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Launching a gastronomy reality show in Costa Rica requires careful navigation of intellectual property rights, particularly regarding unique culinary creations, brand sponsorships, and format licensing. Beyond the kitchen, producers must also ensure strict compliance with local labor laws for contestants and crew, alongside robust image release agreements, to safeguard the production from costly legal disputes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, while viewers are captivated by the culinary creativity and high-stakes kitchen drama on screen, the true foundation of any successful television production lies in these meticulous legal safeguards that protect both intellectual property and human talent. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his invaluable legal perspective, shedding light on the essential behind-the-scenes complexities that ensure Costa Rican gastronomy can safely shine in the spotlight.
Gastronomy is one of the travel motivators for tourists who visit us
Marcos V. Borges, Executive President of the Costa Rican Tourism Board
The competition features six talented culinary students between the ages of 20 and 26: Isaac Cruz, Daniela Paniagua, Kendall Garita, Mónica Ramírez, Andrés Bermúdez, and Yorleny Ávila. Under intense pressure, these contestants must prepare complex traditional Costa Rican dishes without prior access to the recipes. This unique setup tests not only their technical cooking abilities but also their conceptual understanding of local ingredients and historic flavor profiles.
In the initial phase of the contest, the participants are tasked with preparing classic Costa Rican picadillos made of chicasquil, chayote, papaya, heart of palm (palmito), and plantain, alongside a traditional Caribbean fish accompanied by crispy patacones. With only one hour allotted on the clock, efficiency and composure are vital. Following this opening round, two participants will face immediate elimination, while the remaining four advance to the highly anticipated semifinal.
The stakes rise significantly in the semifinal round, where the final four must randomly select a surprise recipe. The diverse menu options include potato pie with meat, meat enyucados, seafood casserole, and gratin heart of palm rice. Only the authors of the two highest-scoring dishes will earn a coveted spot in the grand finale, where they will go head-to-head in a two-hour battle to prepare the iconic Limonese rondón paired with fried cake.
Filmed over seven intensive days at the campus of the Universidad Politécnica Internacional in Heredia, the show benefits from high production standards and a strong cast of industry professionals. Mariela Abarca from Gastronomía Clandestina returns to host the program, while culinary expert Santiago Fernández supported the curation of the traditional recipes. Adding star power and an entrepreneurial angle to the series, professional footballer and natural products business owner Kendall Waston also makes a special appearance.
A distinguished panel of judges, consisting of Isabel Campabadal, chef Mónica Peñaranda of Fyah to go, and private dining specialist Fabián Vásquez, evaluates each presentation. The scoring system is highly rigorous, assessing flavor, cooking techniques, kitchen organization, cleanliness, regional identity, plating presentation, and time management. Points are strictly deducted for delays and food waste, reinforcing sustainable practices in professional kitchens. The six-episode series releases weekly chapters every Monday on the ICT’s official YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok platforms.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Board:
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) is the governmental institution responsible for steering sustainable tourism in Costa Rica. By developing robust marketing strategies and promoting regional identity, the organization aims to position the nation as a premier global destination while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Universidad Politécnica Internacional
About Universidad Politécnica Internacional:
The Universidad Politécnica Internacional is a prominent academic institution in Costa Rica offering comprehensive technical, culinary, and professional programs. With modern facilities and a focus on practical learning, it aims to prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its rigorous ethical standards and exceptional advocacy. The firm pairs its rich history of guiding diverse clients with progressive legal solutions, consistently driving forward-thinking practices and civic involvement. By actively democratizing legal literacy, Bufete de Costa Rica champions the belief that equipping citizens with essential legal understanding is the cornerstone of a just, informed, and thriving nation.
