I’ve been in Guatemala now for over 2 weeks and have had plenty of opportunity to sample the local cuisine. The food in Guatemala is most certainly cheap by Western standards. When eating out, a meal need not cost more than a few dollars, depending on where you eat. Off the tourist trail, you will of course, spend far less. As part of my Spanish course at Cooperative School San Pedro, I’ve had the opportunity to stay with a local family. My Guatemalan mother, Maria, loves to cook and so cook she does. From the traditional beans and eggs to fried plantains and yes, plenty of corn tortillas to keep the hunger pangs at bay for days; there’s certainly no shortage of carbs here. Whilst this isn’t a comprehensive list of everything on the menu in regards to Guatemalam food, it will give you a glimpse into what’s on offer. The best part being of course, is that the food for the most part is as local as one can get. The eggs are unquestionable from someone in the village, the corn is grown locally and the vegetables and fruits are available in abundance everywhere. Welcome to the local cuisine of Guatemala!
Empanadillas
Essentially an empanada, just smaller. Don’t let the convenient ‘snack size’ fool you though. No sooner will you find yourself tucking away several that you’ll then realise you’ve maybe indulged just a tad too much. Commonly stuffed with vegetables or beans, they do pack a filling punch with all their doughy, fried, crispy goodness. I think I’ll keep them as a once off.
Chuchitos
These little guys, whilst resembling the humble tamale, are quite different, as a local was sure to drill into me. They’re a bit smaller and the preparation is different. It involves mixing the corn masa and forming a dough-like consistency before being stuffed with a tomato salsa and maybe a bit of local salty white cheese and meat, and then wrapping in corn husks to serve.
Frijolles and Huevos
The staple star of the Guatemalan plate, or so it would seem. I’ve certainly grown to like their beans here (that’s coming from a former bean-hater), although I’d prefer eating them only every second day (or third or forth). I love eggs though so yes, more please.
Tortillas de Maiz
A meal really isn’t a complete meal here in Guatemala without a side of corn tortillas. You know when someone is making them as you wander down the street because a familiar ‘slap slap’ can be heard echoing from the kitchen as the mother flattens the dough in her hands. It really is a fun process to watch. They are then laid on top of the fireplace to cook and served warm. I can totally understand how the locals have grown fond of this ritual and why it’s so tightly entwined with their kitchen culture.
Aroz con Leche
Rice milk but not unlike what you can buy back home at the supermarket. This stuff is home made and something that I’ve surprisingly, grown quite fond of, so long as it only comes one cup at a time. Any more than that and I’m out.
Sopa de Pollo
Chicken soup really is good for the soul and there’s something so ever humbling about this simple dish that brings me comfort with each spoon full. It’s certainly one of the more ‘nourishing’ dishes on offer at the traditional dinner table because yes, by chance, you may even get a serving of vegetables in it.
Fried Plantains
Whilst I prefer not to think about the oil the plantains are fried in because I’d rather graciously accept and eat the meal cooked for me, they are freaking delicious and a breakfast staple that my homestay mother cooks up for me (having persuaded her not to feed me plain bread for breakfast). I don’t mind the boiled variety either which brings about a sweet and rich ‘banana’ flavour to the dish.
Have you sampled Guatemalan cuisine? What are some of your favourite dishes?
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- Cristy Cabrera