Culture

There is no sincere love than the love of food said George Bernard Shaw. He is absolutely right don’t you think?

Food brings people together no matter what background or origin and it is a feast for all senses. Traveling to a new place, learning as well as savoring the local food is definitely an experience to be had.

I’ve been fortunate to have visited different destinations around the world, gone on many culinary adventures.

Now I naturally have an inclination towards Latin American dishes since it’s part of my story.

Allow me to share with you 6 Delicious Central American meals worth trying.

*Warning: You may be hungry after seeing these images ;)*

El Salvador

Pupusas

I believe it is no secret that I have a healthy addiction to one of my home country’s most famous culinary creation.

The main ingredients consist of corn flour (masa), fillings go from the basic cheese, pork, beans or combined (revuelta). It is then formed into a small circle and put on the grill for approximately 5 minutes on each side until brown and crispy.

It is always accompanied by fresh salsa and pickled shredded coleslaw, carrots, onions sprinkled with oregano (curtido). For drinks you can have it with a soda, coffee or traditional drinks such as horchata (calabash tree gourd seeds), cebada (barley meal) or tamarind drink, the choice is yours 🙂

Costa Rica

Gallo Pinto

There is no better way to start your day than enjoying Tiquicia’s most popular morning dish!

This hearty meal consists of black beans, rice, fried plantains, scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese, thin tortillas and of course it is always accompanied by freshly ground, mountain-grown café! Breakfast of champions and fuel for the day? Yes please, si or favor! Pura Vida 🙂

Nicaragua

Nacatamal

Photo credit: Luisfi

Made with a mix of corn flour (masa), lard, achiote (annatto) for coloring, a pinch of salt, chicken or beef or pork, topped with potatoes, olives, hard-boiled eggs and dried raisins, it is then spread on a banana leaf, rolled into a rectangular shape, tied with strings or banana remains and boiled for several hours until it is well cooked and firm.

In Central America there are several varieties and simply called tamales. It is comfort food that can be eaten any time of day along with a cup of coffee.

Panama

Ropa vieja con patacones

Photo credit: Infrogmation

This typical Panamanian meal consists of shredded beef (ropa vieja means shredded clothes into thin strips), comes with yellow rice, black beans, fried plantains with crema fresco (fresh cream) and a side of salad is included.

If you are looking for a hearty and healthy lunch that will leave you both full and happy, then this is IT 🙂

Honduras

Sopa de Olla

Photo credit: Juancbg2015

A typical soup cooked and served in Honduras is Sopa de Olla or Sopa de Res which is heart-warming, filling and nutritious.

Loaded with beef broth, beef ribs, large chunks of squash (or halves), cassava (yucca), corn cut in pieces, white rice, potatoes, carrots, green plantains and topped with cilantro and avocado quarters once it’s ready to be served.

This is not your regular meal, it is a feast and will sure make your heart and belly happy!

Belize

Boil up

Photo credit: Bernt Rostad

A Belizean boil up is a staple food and one of the most loved meals in this Central American nation.

As the name states, all the ingredients are boiled and is quite a healthy option. It consists of fish, cassava, potatoes, carrots, eggs, plantains and served with a side of tomato sauce. It is normally accompanied by a cold beer or fresh juice.

Savoring this national dish, created by the Kriols, one of the ethnic groups in the country, reminds you of how important it is to immerse yourself and learn as much as you can about the history, culture and taste its gastronomy. The memories will stay with you for a long time!

So there you have 6 Delicious Dishes from Central America.