Guatemala, nestled in Central America, boasts a rich blend of cultural influences that are vividly reflected in its diverse cuisine. From bustling market stalls to humble home kitchens, the Guatemalan culinary landscape offers a plethora of tempting flavors, aromas and textures waiting to be explored. One quintessential taste of Guatemala can be found at its iconic street food vendors, where master chefs prepare quick eats that surpass even high-end restaurants. For visitors, partaking in Guatemala’s culinary diversity is a must.
While sharing borders and culinary ideas with neighboring countries, Guatemalan cooks put their own unique stamp on popular regional dishes. Chile rellenos, a well-known Mexican specialty, gets reinvented with Guatemalan flair. This cross-pollination across borders gives each Central American country its own one-of-a-kind food identity that adventurous eaters will relish discovering.
With this rich culinary fusion in mind, we highlight 10 iconic Guatemalan dishes that provide an edible tour of incredible flavors. From market stalls to family tables, Guatemalan cuisine offers an authentic taste of this diverse country’s incomparable culinary heritage and culture.
Mixtas
Mixtas is a beloved Guatemalan street food staple that marries various flavors and textures in a single dish. Mixtas are sandwiches typically filled with ingredients like avocado, sausage, ham, cheese and a medley of sauces, creating a plethora of taste in each and every single bite.
Kak’ik
Kak’ik, a traditional Mayan turkey soup, is a testament to Guatemala’s ancestral culinary traditions. This hearty, spicy soup is infused with achiote, cilantro, tomatoes and other indigenous spices. It is an essential dish in showcasing the country’s vibrant flavors and the depth of its culinary heritage.
Guatemalan Chile Rellenos
Guatemala’s take on chile rellenos offers a unique twist. Stuffed with minced meat, vegetables and sometimes fruits like plums or raisins, these roasted or fried peppers deliver a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors. The dish is usually served with tomato sauce as well.
Chuchitos
Chuchitos, similar to tamales, are corn dough parcels filled with savory ingredients like meat, vegetables and spices, wrapped in a maize husk and steamed to perfection. These portable delights are a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. If you are wondering what is the most popular street food in Guatemala, chuchitos is definitely one of the answers.
Shucos
Shucos, which are Guatemala’s more interesting take on hotdogs, are indulgent street eats featuring a sausage nestled in a warm bun, topped with cabbage, avocado, guacamole and an array of sauces that elevate this simple dish to a flavor-packed sensation. The word shuco in Guatemalan Spanish means “dirty.” It is a fitting name for this dish, not because of the quality, but because of the (delightful) mess it can make as it’s topped with ingredients.
Tapado
Tapado, a sumptuous seafood stew, represents the coastal flavors of Guatemala. Laden with coconut milk, plantains, yuca and an assortment of fresh seafood like shrimp, fish and crab, tapado offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes. Tapado is a traditional dish to the Afro-Caribbean region of Guatemala.
Chicharron Stew
Chicharron stew is a hearty and robust stew featuring chunks of pork belly or pork rinds cooked with tomatoes, peppers and spices until tender. This dish embodies the country’s love for rich, comforting flavors. This is the perfect meal for when you have worked up an appetite and want a dish that feels home-made on a trip to Guatemala.
Garnachas
Garnachas, similar to small crispy tortillas, are topped with seasoned ground beef, cabbage, salsa and a sprinkle of cheese. These flavorful snacks are ubiquitous at local eateries and capture the essence of Guatemala’s street food culture. It’s a simple staple that you are likely to fall in love with.
Revolcado
A dish deeply rooted in Guatemalan tradition, revolcado is a pork-based stew cooked with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and various spices. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a dish that’s rich, hearty and bursting with taste. It is a dish that can fill you up while exposing you to the essential flavors of foods in the country.
Pepián
At the top of the list of dishes to try in Guatemala is pepián, which is considered Guatemala’s national dish. This robust stew combines a medley of meats, including chicken, beef or pork, with a tantalizing blend of roasted vegetables, seeds and spices. All of these ingredients and flavors come together, creating a symphony of flavors that represent the country’s culinary diversity.