Top 10 must try traditional food in Guatemala

Food is an essential part of culture. One of the most exciting parts about traveling to a new destination is to try the widely different cuisine and new flavors available. Guatemala has many influences culinary influences, some from Spain, Mayan descendants, Mexico and the Caribbean to mention a few. Here are some of our favorite picks for traditional food in Guatemala:

Pepian

This traditional chicken stew comes from the central region of Guatemala and comes served with veggies and rice . Brownish-red in color, this stew is made out of various types of chilies(Ex.Paprika) and spices and served with a piece of chicken, baked potatoes, veggies and rice. Always served with traditional corn flour tortillas.

Learn how to prepare it here.

Rellenitos

This food is served as a dessert. Rellenitos are balls of fried plantain pudding filled with black beans ,chocolate and cinnamon. A perfect on the go food or something to finish your meals.

Tostadas

This list could not be complete without the mighty tostada! This fried tortilla is usually topped with guacamole, salsa or black bean paste and topped with cheese , cilantro and onions. A simple but delicious .

Arroz en leche

Although also found in other Latina American Countries, arroz en leche is a delicious beverage that resembles a rice pudding flavor. Garnished with cinnamon.

Enchilada

This is not your Mexican Enchilada, but rather a tostada on steroids! This tasty snack (or full meal?) is topped of with beats, hard boiled sliced eggs,lettuce, onions, cheese, lots of other veggies and towers with magnificent taste.

Champurradas

If you ever had coffee at a Guatamalan’s house you were probably offered one of these. The champurradas are like big cookies with a biscotti type of flavor. A must have for coffee time!

Gallo en Chicha

This is quite literally a rooster! A rooster prepared in a sweet and sour stew that softens the meat until perfection. Not available everywhere, but one of our favorites.

Tapado

A delicatessen of the Caribbean, Tapado is a savory stew mixing coconut milk and coconut oil with crabs, plantain, rice, fish, shrimp and sometimes octopus.

Learn how to prepare it here

Chuchitos

A very common street food is Chuchitos, which is corn dough lumped in to ball filled with tomato sauce and chicken ,and boiled to perfection. Chuchitos come wrapped in corn stock leaves , keeping them ready for consumption.

Tamal

The big brother of the Chuchitos, a tamal is mostly made around christmas but are available year round. The tamal is made of viscous corn dough with various types of meat and tomato sauce, what makes it different it’s the plantain leaf wrapping which gives it a distinct taste and texture.