What to Expect from Nicaraguan Cuisine
Food in Nicaragua is not as well-know as that of other Central American countries but certainly deserves the same recognition! Dating back to pre-Colombian times and undergoing influence by Spanish colonialism, traditional Nicaraguan food is known today as criollo, or creole. This fusion boasts unique spices and ingredients that add delicious flavors to this nation’s cuisine.
The foundation of food in Nicaragua is corn and can be found in both sweet and savory dishes as well as drinks. Corn is so prevalent in this cuisine due to the indigenous tribes that inhabited the area. A well-known drink made from corn is Chicha, a fermented beverage with a sweet flavor. Traditional Nicaraguan food is plentiful and varies according to region and cultural influences.
If you’re seeking the quintessential breakfast while on a trip to this beautiful country, you can find it in nearly every restaurant: eggs, soft cheese, and gallo pinto, which consists of rice and beans fried with onion, garlic and pepper. A food that is a bit more casual that you can enjoy while out and about is the nacatamale, a tamale filled with tender pork, rice and vegetables, and wrapped in a plantain leaf. A staple drink with any breakfast is, of course, coffee. Nicaraguan coffee is strong, rich, and famous, as it is the nation’s main export to the rest of the world.
There are plenty of other good eats to try throughout your stay in Nicaragua. Quesillo is a simply dish that includes a piece of cheese wrapped in a tortilla with onions, vinegar and cream on top. Gallo pinto is a favorite of locals, consisting of fried rice, onion, beans, garlic and pepper mixed together. Still want more? Savor some vigorón, which originated in the city of Granada. Vigorón comprises a plantain leaf and topped with yucca, chicharrón (fried pork) and a salad.
There is an abundance Nicaraguan desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth: enjoy some buñuelos, which are balls of fried dough drenched in a sweet sugary sauce. Hojuelas are another delicacy, made of fried flour and sugar and covered in honey. Both of these tasty treats are sold by street vendors and are easily found while you stroll the streets. ¡Buen Provecho!
Be sure to visit Pacaya Lodge & Spa’s open-air Restaurante Guardabarranco and Bar Macuá, complete with impeccable cuisine and cocktails as well as stunning views of the crater lake!
