Restaurants, particularly in Managua, serve a variety of cooking styles including Chinese, French, Italian, Latin American and Spanish.
Things to know: There are a number of cheap but good restaurants/bars (coreders) where beer, often the cheap local brand, is available. At the other end of the scale, the few plush hotels have sophisticated restaurant/bars with a choice of international cuisine and beverages.
National specialities:
• Gallopinto (fried rice and pinto beans).
• Mondongo (tripe soup).
• Plantain is used in many dishes.
• Picadillo (shredded beef dish).
• Ajiaco (pork and tortilla dish).
• Nacatamal.
• Indio viejo.
• Quesillo.
• Vigorσn.
• Rosquillas (a type of cheese and cornmeal biscuit).
• Food is often scooped up in tortillas instead of using cutlery.
• Roast corn on the cob is sold on the streets.
• Seafood.
National drinks:
• Fresh tropical fruit juice.
• Chicha de maνz and de jengibre (fermented corn or ginger drink).
• Tiste (corn and cocoa drink).
Tipping: 10 to 15 per cent of the bill is customary in hotels and restaurants.

Managua has several nightclubs, some offering live music. There are also cinemas with English, French and Spanish films. Other cities, such as Granada, Lιon, Masaya, Matagalpa and Rivas, also offer nightlife entertainment.

Local items include goldwork, hand-carved wood, embroidery, shoes and paintings. Traditional crafts are available, particularly in Masaya, at the handicrafts market. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 0900-1800.