Enjoying an Enchilada (fried tortilla topped with lettuce, beets and mixed veggies) for lunch
Strap yourself in for a magical ride through the kitchens and roadside stands of Guatemala, as I take you on a visual tour of all the (edible) things I put in my mouth on a daily basis while living here in Sololá.
Guatemalan food is economic, delicious and made up of many Latin American staples, such as rice, beans, tortillas and fried everythings.
The first few days of living in Guatemala, my diet consisted, almost entirely, of mystery- meat-filled tacos from the street carts in my neighborhood. Since then, I’ve explored the culinary space of this country a bit more and discovered a whole world of cuisine that I’ve never introduced to my tongue before.
Speaking of tongue, I tried what I think was cow tongue for the first time last week, and I will not be adding that dish to this tantalizing taste bud tour. It was the first and last time I’ll ever allow a foreign tongue that far down my throat without buying it a few drinks first.
Aside from that little menu del dia miss, here are a bunch of delectable Guatemalan dishes that you should try on your next trip.
WARNING: Do not try licking your computer screen.
The Ultimate Guide to Guatemalan Cuisine
Pastor Tacos with Jamaica (Hibiscus tea) and Tamarindo Juice in Panajachel, Guatemala
Like many villages in Latin America, the best (and most economic) food come from the markets and street stalls across town. Sololá in particular, has a very limited number of restaurants to choose from and the supermarket doesn’t compare to the variety offered at the central market.
The popular Chile Rellano (stuffed sweet chiles), which can be a real hit or miss, depending on where you buy them.Tostadas (fried tortilla) topped with Chicken Salad here (or they can be topped with beans, tuna or veggies)Grabbing a Tamalito de Elote (Corn Tamale) on a walk through townPan con Pollo (Chicken Salad Sandwich) & warm Arroz con Leche (Milk with rice) special vanilla/chocolate mixChuchitos - wrapped in dried maize husk, with tomato-based sauce, a tiny piece of pork or chicken and chipilÃÂn, a green plant with a very special flavor and aroma.Atol Blanco - A cornstarch-based thick hot drink/soup that is mixed with lime, salt and these crunchy bitsJuan Carlos ordering some ceviche from our local ceviche cartCeviche - Raw seafood salad (everything is fresh except the fake crab meat)Preparing a delightful drink called the Michelada, a Mexican bloody mary with beer instead of vodkaTapado - A traditional Guatemalan fish stew popular in Livingston, GuatemalaTraditional Guatemalan graduation food (guisado de res), pork and rice with tomato sauce and tamalitosA traditional Guatemalan salad called Fiambre, packed with all sorts of goodies and served on holidaysGuatemalans LOVE their sweets. Ice cream, candy and all sorts of cakes (including this little carrot cake)Fresh squeezed orange juice and fruit cups can be found around every turn in GuatemalaPollo Campero is the bawse of slinging fried chicken and Guatemalans can't get enough fried chicken!
Okay, that’s enough, go get yourself a snack. In the meantime, here are a few more traditional Guatemalan dishes that you can hunt down on your next trip to the Mayan heartland (if there’s time).
More Guatemalan food… Tamales, Kakic, Pepian, Caldo de Res/Pollo, Tamales de Pache, Concon, Chicharrones, Chocobananos/Chocofrutas, Pupusa and Mole (my favorite dish on this planet)… all served of course, with corn tortillas!
My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!
The Guatemalan Ceviche looks a lot different to the Peruvian ones that I’m used to. I’m sure they’re equally as tasty though 😉 Nico recently posted..How a Volcano Almost Ruined my Holiday
Most definitely Christine… although, they sometimes hide some mystery meat in “veggie dishes”. Haha, they don’t always get the concept of “vegetarian” here.
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10 Responses
The Guatemalan Ceviche looks a lot different to the Peruvian ones that I’m used to. I’m sure they’re equally as tasty though 😉
Nico recently posted..How a Volcano Almost Ruined my Holiday
While I like the tomato-base sauce of Guatemalan Ceviche, Peruvian Ceviche is second to none in my book!
Looks awesome, Gareth ! We could probably eat pretty well as vegetarians there. Lots of fruit and veggies.
Most definitely Christine… although, they sometimes hide some mystery meat in “veggie dishes”. Haha, they don’t always get the concept of “vegetarian” here.
Your photo of Pollo Campero cracks me up. I wonder how many of those exist in the country. They seem to be EVERYWHERE.
Absolutely Steph! Pollo Campero is a true Guatemalan staple.
Love pollo campero! We even found one in Bilbao, Spain
I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about Guatemalan food before, but it looks incredible! Those pastor tacos have my mouth watering.
I LOVE Pollo Campero!! Couldn’t get enough fried chicken when I was in Costa Rica….
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