Quesillo
A thick tortilla that’s topped with cheese and grilled before pickled onion, salt and sour cream are added. Ask for chilli if you want yours spicy.
Tajadas
Often sold by street vendors, these thin strips of fried plaintain are a good way to fill a hole on long journeys. They aren’t the most flavoursome thing ever, but they serve a purpose.
Vigorón
This unique salad-esque dish is made from fried pork skin, mashed yuca and pickled cabbage. It tastes better than it sounds.
Tamal
While these corn dough bundles aren’t unique to Nicaragua, you will find them everywhere in the country. Dense corn dough and various ingredients are wrapped in a banana leaf and boiled, making for a simple and filling meal.
Nacatamal
The national dish of Nicaragua is a large tamal made with pork. It is usually eaten on Sunday mornings with a steaming cup of coffee, and eating it is a big social occasion for family and friends.
Buñuelos
You will find buñuelos throughout Latin America, with the fried dough balls dipped in syrup a popular dessert or street snack. Nicaraguan buñuelos have the distinction of being made from yuca flour, eggs and cheese.
Pinolillo
This tasty drink is almost a meal, made from ground corn and cocoa powder mixed with water or milk. The corn gives it a strange texture, but it’s strangely satisfying.
Güirila
A kind of salty, kind of sweet pancake served with cheese and cream, güirilas are common in northern Nicaragua.
Chicharrones
These deep-fried pork rinds won’t be to everyone’s taste, but they are great as a roadside snack if you aren’t worried about healthy eating.