What is Mofongo?

Mofongo is one of Puerto Rico's most beloved and iconic dishes, a culinary treasure that represents the island's rich cultural heritage. The dish consists of green plantains that are fried, then mashed with garlic, olive oil, and crispy pork cracklings (chicharrón), and formed into a mound. Mofongo has its roots in West African fufu, which was adapted in Puerto Rico using plantains instead of yams, creating something uniquely Puerto Rican.

The name "mofongo" comes from the Kongo word "mofongo," meaning "to mash," reflecting the dish's African origins. Today, mofongo is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, served in homes and restaurants throughout the island and the Puerto Rican diaspora. At The Caribe, we honor this tradition by preparing mofongo using authentic Puerto Rican methods, ensuring that every bite delivers the rich, complex flavors that make this dish a Puerto Rican classic.

Our Garlic-Crushed Crispy Mofongo Royale

Our Garlic-Crushed Crispy Mofongo Royale represents the perfect balance of authentic Puerto Rican technique and careful preparation. We start with green plantains, which we fry until they're tender and golden. The plantains are then hand-mashed in a traditional pilón (wooden mortar) with roasted garlic, creating a rich, aromatic base that's the heart of authentic mofongo.

What makes our mofongo truly special is the addition of crispy pork accents (chicharrón), which provide texture, flavor, and that signature crunch that elevates the dish. We use deep island seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the plantains, creating a dish that's simultaneously comforting and bold. The "crispy" element comes from our careful preparation—ensuring the plantains are perfectly fried before mashing, creating a texture that's both tender and slightly crisp.

Each order is prepared fresh, ensuring that the mofongo arrives at your table with that perfect texture—creamy and smooth from the mashed plantains, with the satisfying crunch of crispy pork and the aromatic depth of roasted garlic. The dish is formed into a traditional mound, ready to be enjoyed with your choice of protein and a rich, flavorful broth.

What's in Our Mofongo

Our Garlic-Crushed Crispy Mofongo Royale features:

• Green Plantains: The foundation of mofongo, fried until tender and golden, then hand-mashed to the perfect texture
• Roasted Garlic: Fresh garlic that's been roasted to bring out its sweet, aromatic qualities, creating the signature flavor of authentic mofongo
• Crispy Pork (Chicharrón): Crispy pork cracklings that provide texture, flavor, and that satisfying crunch that elevates the dish
• Olive Oil: Used to bind the ingredients and add richness and moisture to the mofongo
• Deep Island Seasoning: A carefully balanced blend of Caribbean spices that enhance the natural flavors of the plantains

The result is a dish that's simultaneously creamy and crispy, aromatic and flavorful—a true celebration of Puerto Rican culinary artistry.

Pricing & Ordering

Price: $20

Our Garlic-Crushed Crispy Mofongo Royale 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

Mofongo pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and beverages. Here are some recommendations:

• With Other Fusion Dishes: Create a complete Afro-Caribbean feast by pairing our mofongo with Nigerian jollof rice or Jamaican jerk chicken. This fusion combination showcases the full spectrum of Caribbean and African flavors in one meal.
• Beverages: Our signature cocktails, including the Passion Fruit Mojito or Caribe Classic Margarita, complement the rich, savory flavors of mofongo perfectly. The tropical notes in these drinks enhance the Caribbean experience.
• As Part of a Fusion Meal: Order mofongo alongside our Herb-Roasted Pernil with Arroz con Gandules to experience the full range of Puerto Rican cuisine in one visit.

The Cultural Story of Mofongo

Mofongo tells a story of cultural exchange, adaptation, and culinary innovation. The dish has its roots in West African fufu, a staple food made from mashed starchy vegetables like yams or cassava. When African slaves were brought to the Caribbean, they adapted their traditional cooking methods to use the ingredients available in their new home—plantains, which were abundant in the Caribbean.

In Puerto Rico, this adaptation became mofongo—a dish that combines African techniques with Caribbean ingredients, creating something uniquely Puerto Rican. The name "mofongo" comes from the Kongo word meaning "to mash," reflecting the dish's African origins. Over time, mofongo became a symbol of Puerto Rican identity, representing the island's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people.

Today, mofongo stands as one of Puerto Rico's most celebrated culinary exports, representing the island's bold flavors and rich cultural heritage. At The Caribe, we honor this history by preparing mofongo with respect for its origins while serving it alongside dishes from across the African diaspora and the Caribbean, creating a dining experience that celebrates the interconnectedness of these culinary traditions.

Customer Favorites

Customers who enjoy our mofongo often also order these fusion dishes:

Ready to Try Our Mofongo?

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