Expatriate Forums in Nicaragua

FOOD & DINING IN NICARAGUA / NICARAGUA DINING GUIDE

Nicaragua Info — Thu Nov 23, 2006 4:14 am

Author: Nicaragua Info

Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 4:14 am

FOOD & DINING IN NICARAGUA

The majority of Nicaraguan culinary dishes date back to pre-Colombian times and as a result are a mixture of interesting dishes and unusual ingredients. When colonists arrived in Nicaragua, they found that the Creole people living here had made ample use of the foods available in the area. The varied menu that was present then and is still used today is a delicious mixture of soups, meats and sweets which reflects the mixed ancestry of the Creole people.

One of the most fundamental components of Nicaraguan food is corn. It has long been used by the indigenous tribes who lived in the area and is still every bit as popular today. It permeates all aspects of cuisine in Nicaragua and you will find it in the most unexpected places. Corn is used to make drinks such as Chicha and Pinol. It is also used in the Nacatamal, Indio Viejo and Sopa de Albondiga dishes which are commonly served as a main meal. Popular sweets featuring this dynamic vegetable include Atolillo and Perrereque.

However there is much more to be found in Nicaraguan cuisine than just corn. A largely tropical country, there is a wealth of fruits to be found which are used widely in the kitchen. Traditional foods generally feature jacote, mango, papaya, tamarind, pipian, banans, avocados, yucca roots, quequisque roots as well as cilantro, oregano and achiote herbs. However Nicaraguan’s do not limit their dishes to that found only in their own country. Ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, flour, rice, oranges, mustard, mayonnaise, milk, cheese, vanilla and cinnamon have found their way into Nicaraguan dishes in the most wonderful way.

Nicaraguan culture also shuns wastefulness and so many foreigners will often be surprised to find them using a cow’s tail, udder, stomach, brain or testicles in a dish while the skin, hoofs and blood of a pig are sometimes used. It is good to keep in mind that these dishes are not commonly offered in restaurants. Nicaraguan’s also eat turtle eggs, lizards, armadillos and boas but as all these creatures are threatened with extinction efforts are being made to curb this tendency.

SHOPPING IN NICARAGUA / NICARAGUA SHOPPING GUIDE

Nicaragua Info — Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:38 am

Author: Nicaragua Info

Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:38 am

SHOPPING IN NICARAGUA

Nicaragua has some very impressive shopping centres and markets, with so many different shops selling different goods that you will be able to just stroll around for days on one. Some of the local items of Nicaragua include gold work, embroidery, leather works and shoes, artworks and paintings.

In Managua as well as in some of the other major cities, you can find national products such as clothing, shoes, handicrafts and souvenirs. Foreign goods are also available, but sometimes at a little more expensive prices. Gold and silver goods produced in Nicaragua have great demand and can be purchased in major jewelry stores. Some of the largest and best stores are the Centro Comercial Managua, Metrocentro, Supermercados, Diplotiendas and Supermercados Internacionales.

Nicaragua has two major craft markets, Managua'a Roberto Huembes Market and Masaya. These craft markets sell everything imaginable from clothes, leather products, hemp products, wood goods, shoes, ceramics, to all sorts of souvenirs and gifts.

Another popular market is the farmers market that sells all types of farm products such as flowers, fruit and vegetables, rice, eggs, meat, spices, sauces, ceramics, pottery and baskets.

The shopping hours of most shops in Nicaragua are from Monday to Friday from 09:00 am to 19:00 pm and form 09:00 am to 18:00 pm on Saturdays.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport, at the banks and at official bureau de change in major cities. Travelers cheques are accepted widely. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted on a limited basis.

NIGHTLIFE IN NICARAGUA / NICARAGUA NIGHTLIFE GUIDE

Nicaragua Info — Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:34 am

Author: Nicaragua Info

Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:34 am

NIGHTLIFE IN NICARAGUA

Some who have visited the country would argue that there is little nightlife in Nicaragua to enjoy. Others would say that it is vibrant and colourful. The differences in opinion are understandable since Nicaragua’s nightlife options change from city to city and it all depends on where you go and who you know.

There are a variety of options available and what you choose will generally depend on your taste in entertainment. Some cities have a thriving disco and club scene whilst others feature theatrical performances and picturesque restaurant dining. Still others feature virtually no nightlife at all and focus on relaxing evenings by the fireplace or on the balcony whilst nursing your beverage of choice. It is good to keep in mind that the lifestyle here is generally quite laid back.

Granada is a popular choice with tourists due to its architectural heritage. If you visit this town, you will find that there is quite an active nightlife near the end of ‘La Calzada’ Avenue by the shore of Lake Nicaragua. Perhaps the best feature here is a boulevard where you can enjoy pleasant evening strolls. The ‘Centro Turistico’ features restaurants, beaches and discos for those looking for something more lively.

As a resort town, Montelimar has endless activities to enjoy during the evening. You can swim whilst sipping a beverage from the beach bar, go gambling at the casino, enjoy fine dining or join the local and visiting youth at the discotheque. Puerto Cabezas features four disco clubs which are open almost every day of the week. Clubs are usually busiest and at their best on weekends and during the holidays seasons.

Managua is still recovering from extensive damaged caused by an earthquake, but that does not mean it has nothing to offer. It may not be the ideal for club-seeking younger adventurers, but it does offer those with a taste for culture two fine options. Firstly, right near the city centre in one of the original, undamaged buildings called the Fine Arts Palace. The Palace regularly hosts theatrical performances which are definitely worth catching. There is also a theatre on the small hill outside of town known as La Loma. For a before or after performance treat, you will find a great hotel restaurant not far from the theatre. It is looks out over a volcanic lagoon and has great food and better ambience.

Rivas has several fine restaurants which make for a great evening out. If you want to enjoy some music, there is a local disco. For something calmer, you might try seeing a movie at the cinema but check first to see what language the films are being shown in. If you’re really looking for entertainment, it might be a good idea to visit Nicaragua during one of the major festivals when the towns come alive.