What is Arroz con Gandules?

Arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) is Puerto Rico's national dish, a celebration dish that's central to Puerto Rican culinary identity. This one-pot rice dish combines long-grain rice with pigeon peas (gandules), sofrito (a blend of peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs), and a variety of seasonings that create a rich, aromatic, and deeply flavorful dish. The dish is traditionally cooked with annatto oil (achiote), which gives it its distinctive yellow-orange color and subtle earthy flavor.

Arroz con gandules is more than just a side dish—it's a symbol of Puerto Rican culture, often served at holidays, celebrations, and family gatherings. The dish represents the fusion of Taino, Spanish, and African culinary influences that define Puerto Rican cuisine. At The Caribe, we honor this tradition while serving it alongside other Afro-Caribbean and Latin dishes, creating a unique fusion experience that celebrates the full spectrum of diaspora cuisine.

Our Signature Arroz con Gandules

Our signature arroz con gandules is prepared using traditional Puerto Rican techniques, starting with a sofrito base that's been carefully balanced to create depth and complexity. We use authentic pigeon peas (gandules), which provide a nutty, earthy flavor and satisfying texture. The rice is cooked slowly, allowing each grain to absorb the rich flavors of the sofrito, annatto oil, and seasonings, resulting in rice that's fragrant, flavorful, and perfectly textured.

Each order is prepared fresh, ensuring that the rice is perfectly cooked—grains that are separate but not dry, with the rich flavors of the sofrito and seasonings in every bite. Our arroz con gandules is served with herb-roasted pernil (slow-roasted pork shoulder), creating a complete Puerto Rican feast that's both comforting and celebratory.

Served with Herb-Roasted Pernil

Our arroz con gandules is served with herb-roasted pernil (slow-roasted pork shoulder), a traditional Puerto Rican preparation that complements the rice perfectly. The pernil is marinated in aromatic Caribbean herbs, garlic, and spices, then slow-roasted until it's tender, juicy, and falling apart—with a crispy, flavorful exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior.

The rich, savory flavors of the pernil provide the perfect counterpoint to the fragrant, slightly sweet arroz con gandules. This combination represents the heart of Puerto Rican comfort food, bringing together two classic dishes that are traditionally served together at celebrations and family gatherings.

Pricing & Ordering

Price: $24

Our Herb-Roasted Pernil with Signature Arroz con Gandules is available for dine-in, takeout, and catering orders. You can order online through our website, call us at (619) 472-2400 to place an order, or visit us at our Bonita location at 5080 Bonita Rd Suite H–K.

We're open Thursday through Sunday, 11 AM to 8 PM. For larger orders or catering needs, please call ahead to ensure availability and discuss your requirements.

Pairing Suggestions

Arroz con gandules pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and beverages. Here are some recommendations:

• With Other Puerto Rican Dishes: Create a complete Puerto Rican feast by pairing our arroz con gandules with Garlic-Crushed Crispy Mofongo Royale. This combination showcases the full range of Puerto Rican comfort food in one meal.
• With Fusion Dishes: Pair our arroz con gandules with Nigerian jollof rice or Jamaican jerk chicken for a true Afro-Caribbean fusion experience that spans multiple culinary traditions.
• Beverages: Our signature cocktails, including the Caribe Classic Margarita or Passion Fruit Mojito, complement the rich, savory flavors of arroz con gandules perfectly.

The Cultural Story of Arroz con Gandules

Arroz con gandules tells a story of cultural fusion and culinary evolution. The dish combines ingredients and techniques from multiple culinary traditions: rice from Asia (brought by Spanish colonizers), pigeon peas from Africa (brought by enslaved Africans), and cooking methods that blend Taino, Spanish, and African influences. This fusion of cultures created a dish that's uniquely Puerto Rican—a symbol of the island's complex history and rich culinary heritage.

The dish is traditionally associated with celebrations, especially during the holidays. In Puerto Rican households, arroz con gandules is often the centerpiece of Christmas, New Year's, and other special occasions. The preparation is a labor of love, requiring attention to detail and respect for tradition. The sofrito must be balanced, the rice must be cooked just right, and the seasonings must be carefully measured to achieve that perfect flavor profile.

At The Caribe, we celebrate this rich cultural heritage by preparing arroz con gandules with respect for its origins while serving it alongside dishes from across the African diaspora and the Caribbean. This fusion approach allows us to honor the interconnectedness of these culinary traditions while creating a dining experience that's both authentic and innovative.

Customer Favorites

Customers who enjoy our arroz con gandules often also order these fusion dishes:

Ready to Try Our Arroz con Gandules?

Experience authentic Puerto Rican arroz con gandules at The Caribe. Order online, call us at (619) 472-2400, or visit us in Bonita.