Travelling throughout any part of the world will bring you a taste of local culture, people, perspective and, literally, of the local grub. Central American countries offer a huge breadth of choices when it comes to food, encouraging tourists from all around the globe to come visit.
Here are just a few suggestions of where to go to sample this region’s diverse spectrum of flavors:
When you’re planning your travels and booking your flights to Central America, stop first in the Spanish-influenced Costa Rica. Dishes here are savory yet not overly spicy and include ‘gallo pinto,’ a dish of beans and rice seasoned with onion, cilantro and Lizano sauce, a local condiment. The Chorotega Indian-influenced food in the north and the Caribbean-inspired cuisine, with creamy coconut milk, on the east coast is evidence of the diverse Costa Rican palate.
Panama
Panamanian dishes also welcome the use of coconut, as well as plenty of other fresh fruits and vegetables, including corn and yucca. For a country so small, the amount of diverse flavor there is may surprise you. You can taste the influence of Africa, Spain, America and the Caribbean when you dine in Panama. You’ll no doubt enjoy trying dishes such as arepas, a fried dough made from corn, empanadas, tamales, and the catch of the day – usually sea bass.
El Salvador
Though it is the smallest of the Central American nations, El Salvador has a wide variety of traditional dishes. With Spanish and indigenous influences, Salvadoran cuisine has developed into a taste all its own. Pupusa, a tortilla filled with cheese, ground pork and beans, is a must-try for any visitor. Tamales, rice and beans, and deep fried yucca are also popular. Friends and family enjoy meals immensely in El Salvador and, as a result, mealtimes can last a number of hours.
Belize
Finally, head to Belize and you can feast on cuisine with African, Caribbean, Mexican, Spanish and Mayan influences. With so much inspiration to draw from, it’s no wonder the food here is so varied. The bean or fish-filled fried corn patties are a delight and seafood, including lobster and shrimp, is fresh and plentiful.
Travelling throughout Central America is sure to give your taste buds a treat. The only question is, how long can you go for?
Images by jesjimher, roland, Nagyman and Reindertot, used under Creative Commons license.
