Ep 8. Nicaragua

In Bizarre Foods season 4 episode 8, the host, Andrew Zimmern, travels to the Central American country of Nicaragua to explore the diverse and unique cuisine of this stunningly beautiful nation. Nicaragua is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food, and Andrew is excited to delve deeper into this country's culinary traditions.

The episode starts with Andrew visiting a local market in the colonial town of Granada, where he is introduced to a variety of exotic fruits and vegetables, including giant avocados, sour sop, and pitahaya. He also discovers a popular street food called "tostones," which are fried plantains, and learns how to make them from a local vendor.

Andrew then travels to the small fishing village of San Juan del Sur, where he meets up with a local fisherman and goes on a boat ride to catch some fresh seafood. He learns about the different varieties of fish found in the waters surrounding Nicaragua and helps the fisherman pull in a large catch of red snapper. Andrew then heads to the beach with the fisherman and his family to cook up a traditional seafood feast, which includes grilled fish, shrimp ceviche, and fried plantains.

Next, Andrew explores the coffee plantations and learns about the process of growing and roasting coffee beans. He meets with a local coffee farmer who shows him how to roast the beans over an open fire and prepares a cup of freshly brewed coffee for him to try.

The episode then takes a turn towards the more unusual dishes found in Nicaragua, starting with a visit to a restaurant in Managua that serves iguana meat. Andrew meets with the owner, who happily explains how they prepare the dish and why it's such a popular food in Nicaragua. Andrew tries it for himself and gives his honest opinion.

Andrew also visits a traditional Nicaraguan market where he samples a variety of street foods, including cow eye soup, fried cow intestines, and a dish made from cow's stomach. He even tries an adventurous dish involving fried ants!

The episode concludes with Andrew visiting a family-owned pig farm in the countryside, where he learns about the process of raising and butchering pigs and tries some of the pork-based dishes that are popular in Nicaragua, such as chicharrones (fried pork rinds) and nacatamales (a type of tamale filled with pork, vegetables, and rice).

Overall, Bizarre Foods season 4 episode 8 provides a fascinating look at the cuisine of Nicaragua, from the fresh seafood caught off the coast to the more unusual dishes made from cow and iguana. Andrew Zimmern brings his trademark enthusiasm and curiosity to every dish he tries, making this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the diverse world of food.