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Country Guide > Central America > Nicaragua | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Restaurants, particularly in Managua, serve a variety of cooking styles including Chinese, French, Italian, Latin American and Spanish. Local dishes include gallopinto (fried rice and pinto beans) and mondongo (tripe soup). Plantain is used in many dishes. Other specialities include nacatamal, indio viejo, quesillo, vigorón and roquillas. Food is often scooped up in tortillas instead of using cutlery. Roast corn on the cob is sold on the streets. Seafood is also available. There are a number of cheap but good restaurants/bars (coreders) where beer, often the cheap local brand, is available. Imported beverages are available but shortages may occur in some areas. Multicoloured fruit drinks made from fresh tropical fruit are superior to bottled soft drinks. At the other end of the scale, the few plush hotels have sophisticated restaurant/bars with a choice of international cuisine and beverages. Nightlife Managua has several nightclubs, some offering live music. There are also cinemas with English, French and Spanish films. Other cities, such as Granada, Léon, Masaya, Matagalpa and Rivas, also offer nightlife entertainment. Shopping Local items include goldwork, embroidery, shoes and paintings. Traditional crafts are available, particularly in Masaya, at the handicrafts market. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1800. Special Events For a full list of events taking place in 2005, contact the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events celebrated annually in Nicaragua: Feb Music & Youth Festival, Managua. Mar Folklore, Gastronomy & Handicraft Festival, Granada. May ‘Palo de Mayo’ Festival, Bluefields. Sep Fishing Fair, San Carlos; Polkas, Mazarcas & Jamaquellos, Matagalpa. Oct Music Festival in Jinotega. Nov 3-5 Equestrian Rally, Ometepe; Folkloric Festival, Masaya. Social Conventions Dress is informal. Photography: Avoid photographing military sites or personnel. Tipping: 10 per cent of the bill is customary in hotels and restaurants. No tip is necessary for taxi drivers but porters expect a small tip. |