Food & Drink

Chilango Hot Sauce

A few months ago a friend of ours introduced us to Chilango® hot sauce. We love this stuff, but unfortunately it’s not available for purchase here in San Juan del Sur.

Earlier this week we managed to complete another successful border run. While cruising the aisles of the Duty Free shop in search of  inexpensive wine we were delightfully surprised to see Chilango on the shelf. Without hesitation we grabbed one of the only two remaining variety packs that was left in the store.

WHY WE LOVE CHILANGO

Each sauce has a perfect amount of tang with just the right amount of heat. At $12 USD for 4 – 150 ml bottles it’s reasonably priced.

What’s even better?

It’s made right here in Nicaragua!

The Pepperoncino Piccante was the perfect accompaniment to the scrambled egg wraps we enjoyed for breakfast this morning. 

If you dig hot sauces and happen to find yourself at a La Colonia or a La Unión grocery store (or the Duty Free shop in Peñas Blancas) you might want to pick up a bottle or two … or three!

6 Comments

  2. Thanks for the post. On the subject of foodstuff, I notice that in discussing the cost of living in San Juan Del Sur, under groceries you omit to itemize “fish.” Logically, this should be a source of protein that is reasonably priced since it is local. I have read of expats who prefer to buy fish at a commercial market. Why? A discussion of the availability of fish would be worthwhile, comparing sources and prices and any sanitary concerns.

    Under the same heading, why would one buy produce at a store rather than off the trucks? Surely the trucks must offer their wares at lower prices.

    An interesting article could be done on renewing debit cards issued by U.S. banks. My understanding is that the Nicaraguan mail is completely unreliable. Fedex charges $120 for delivery that is not guaranteed. The bank customarily charges $60 for sending by Fedex. So a sum of $180 is not a bright prospect – especially when viewed as a habit.. Then there is the question of whether or not to have the bank charge at the time of dispatch, or have it sent C.O.D. The latter option seems better. Then you don’t run the risk of paying for something that never arrives. Your views?????

    On the other hand, are there alternatives to this scenario that we don’t know about? American banks are not at liberty to make electronic transfers to Nicaragua. This whole issue of money transfer is the kind of thing that is crying for discussion.

    I see your photos of parties on the beach, in which men are dressed in knit (?) shirts in 90 + weather. In the South Pacific men are not afraid of showing bare flesh. It is a way of life. In SJDS are local customs so stringent, or are expats unnecessarily bound by convention?

    These are questions that have come to mind in considering relocation. My words are not intended to be critical, but helpful.

    Tom Ryals (Win Stuart)

    1. Hi Tom

      Fish:
      We didn’t post pricing for fish only because we don’t buy it very often. Most other protein sources are less expensive than seafood and are also local. When we do buy fish we go to the cooperatives that buy directly from the local fisherman. Fresh fish comes in throughout the day as the boats return. This is where everyone I know buys there fish. I guess you could buy directly from the fisherman but you would have to just sit at the gate to the port and wait around. Then when a fisherman came he might not even have what you are looking for and certainly won’t have a variety of choices. Dorado is $3 – $3.50 USD per pound. Lobster is about $7.50 USD per pound and shrimp is about $5.50 USD per pound.

      Fruit and Vegetables:
      The price of produce on the trucks and at the mercado are comparable. Some products are actually cheaper at the supermarket, but this is rare. The fruit trucks can be convenient if they happen to pass by your house at a time you are in need, but they do not run on a schedule and do not travel to every neighbourhood. Usually the mercado is more convenient and the same price as the trucks.

      Banking:
      We have a Nicaraguan bank account and have no problem wiring money here. We also have a post office box and have had many renewed credit cards and bank cards sent to us through regular mail at no charge. Banking in Nicaragua is a non-issue. Western Union and Xoom are also available to send and receive money.

      Clothing and Customs:
      The pictures you see of us with friends at the beach are often taken at one of the nice restaurants on the beach in town so people are dressed for a social get together. We often go for sunset happy hour. $1 USD for rum drinks, beer and appies. At the surf beaches most people walk around in board shorts and bikinis. People at the bay in SJdS that are playing volleyball or soccer or swimming are dressed accordingly.

      In general Nicaraguans wear long pants with shoes. This is especially true when you are in towns away from the beach. Most Nicaraguans only wear beach wear at the beach. I am usually underdressed compared to Nicaraguans in any given situation.

      If you have any other questions you can just send us an email.

      Cheers,
      Gordon

      In Nica Now

  4. Thanks for the earnest reply. You can’t imagine how useful this information is for one considering a move to SJDS. Banking is a non-issue only if one knows the ins-and-outs. Thanks to you, now I have the scoop!

    And the same for so many other questions. You guys want to be outgoing and helpful, and you succeed admirably. I now have a detailed understanding of procuring groceries, as well as habits of dress.

    Thanks for the donative attitude. It speaks well of your generation, and of the community of which you speak. You are ambassadors, and at this post you give to SJDS an inviting quality not found elsewhere. Appreciate.

    Best,

    Tom

    Tom Ryals (Win Stuart)

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