Missing the delicious snacks and treats from the island? Here are 15 antojitos from Antojo Boricua that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Have you heard of the “madeleine moment”? That’s when a memory is invoked by a taste, a sound, or even an aroma that takes us back to a place or a moment in time. It’s what happens in Marcel Proust’s famous novel, “Remembrance of Things Past,” when the protagonist dunks a madeleine — a short, plump little cake — in a cup of tea, and memories flow from “the warm liquid, and the crumbs with it.”

It’s also what happens to every Boricua living outside la isla when he or she bites into a mallorca or enjoys the delicious aroma of pan sobao. Memories come rushing back of afternoon walks in the plaza, sweet treats shared during school recess, and seaside picnics enjoyed with friends.

Luckily, Boricuas who live in the United States, especially those residing in Florida, have access to many of these antojitos that can be found in bakeries, bodegas, and even national supermarket chains. 

But not all are so readily available. So for that reason here are 14 delicious antojitos you can find at Antojo Boricua, and there’s a sweet bonus to make it 15: A delicious recipe you can make at home and share with the family!

Pilones

With their barrel-like shape, these tiny sesame seed bites don’t look like lollipops, which is what they really are, but they are just as sweet and addictive!

Mallorcas con azúcar

Whether you call them mallorcas or ensaimadas, those sweet bread bagels sprinkled with white sugar are very popular on the island. And now you can have them shipped right to your home!

Tembleque

A simple dessert made from ingredients you probably have on hand – coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch – or you can order a mix that you can whip up at home in minutes! 

Majarete de arroz

Sure, Majarete de arroz is very popular around the Christmas holiday season, but let’s be honest: Who can resist that sweet Caribbean coconut flavor any time of the year? With this mix, you can have it whenever you long for the taste of home. 

El Coquí Coffee

Nothing brings back memories of home like a rich, aromatic cup of coffee. Coffee from Puerto Rico, that is. And like the famous coquí that gives it its name, this cafe is Boricua… ¡hasta en la luna!

Platanutres

The perfect snack for when you’re craving something crispy, salty, and delicious? Platanutres, aka plantain chips, hit the spot.

Pan mal cortao

Yes, the name of this bread translates as “badly cut bread,” but there’s nothing bad about this loaf from La Orocoveña. In fact, it’s delicioso!

Pique Hot Sauce

If you like it hot, this Puerto Rican hot sauce made with peppers, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and peppercorns is what you crave to spice up your meals. 

Gandules verdes con coco

Yes, there’s no denying it: Boricuas love their coconut. And there is no better way to brighten a rice dish, than by adding green pigeon peas with coconut to give it a sweet flavor that takes you right back to la islita. 

Sazón con culantro y achiote

When you like your meals with that zing of extra flavor, this sazón brings a mixture of flavors like coriander, garlic, cumin, and achiote that delight your taste buds with Boricua flavor. 

Cantinflas de Guayaba

We all remember the Cantinflas of old Mexican films that made us laugh until we cried. But these guava Cantinflas are soft, sweet, tart, delicious Puerto Rican snacks.  

Brazo Gitano

This cake, called gypsy’s arm for its original bejeweled look, now comes in five delicious flavors — pistachio, guava and cheese, coconut, cream, guava, and cheese — and is oh so perfect with an aromatic cup of island coffee.

Crema de plátano

Made with green plantains and spices, this delicious soup is creamy, crunchy, and, best of all, instant, so it can be enjoyed en un dos por tres. 

Sweet Plantain Chips

If you love fried green plantains, then you also love fried sweet plantains. One is savory, one is sweet, but both are delicious as a snack, or with your meals. 

Barriguitas de viejas (Old Ladies’ Bellies)

These Puerto Rican pumpkin fritters are usually made with roasted kabocha squash, flour, eggs, sugar, and spices … just like abuela made them. And now you can make them at home.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of pumpkin
• 1 cup all-purpose wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• Salt to taste

Directions

• Boil the pumpkin* until it is soft, then let it drain well, mash it with a fork, and add the other ingredients. The wheat flour is to maintain the consistency of the frying.
• With a spoon (for eating), pour small amounts of the mixture into the pan with the hot oil, until golden brown on both sides.
• Remember that the oil must be very hot, but not at a “high” temperature, so that the barriguitas don’t burn when you start frying.
• Sprinkle them with a little cinnamon powder or confectioners’ sugar to taste.

*You can also roast the pumpkin instead of boiling it, so that it will retain all its nutrients. 

Serve the barriguitas as a snack or with your dinner.