Every bite of Guatemalan food narrates the story of its Mayan origins and cultural values. This Guatemala food guide will give you an idea of what the taste of steaming banana leaf wrapped tamales, stews, and delicacies available in the streets of Guatemala taste like. If you're wondering what to eat in Guatemala, this will help you discover the unique cuisine of this place. 

The National Food of Guatemala

Dive into the soul of Guatemala by exploring the nation’s cuisine, which is a fusion of the ancient Mayan culture along with the impact of the Spanish. The use of spices, preparation style, and indigenous ingredients defines traditional Guatemalan food and highlights some of the authentic Guatemalan dishes that are cherished all over the nation.

Pepian

Pepian is a popular traditional dish in Guatemala and one of the best foods to try in Guatemala. It is a delicious stew with roasted tomatoes, pepper, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and spices, making it a staple of local food in Guatemala. The dish is prepared either from chicken or beef. 

List of Ingredients Used for Cooking the Dish:

The Guatemalan traditional recipes for preparation of Pepian Stew:

• Pieces of chicken (beef) - 1 kg

• Tomatoes - 4

• Chili peppers (guajillo/pasilla peppers) - 2

• Onion - 1

• Garlic clove (halved) - 3

• Sesame seed - 2 tablespoons

• Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) - 2 tablespoons

• Cinnamon stick (bark) - 1

• Potatoes (cubed) - 2

• Carrots (sliced) - 2

• Chicken stock - 6 cups

• Seasoning with salt and pepper

• Garnish with fresh cilantro

Procedure of Preparing the Dish: 

• Roast the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chilies lightly until aromatic.

• In a dry pan, roast the sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cinnamon until golden and fragrant.

• Blend the roasted ingredients along with some broth into a smooth paste.

• Cook the chicken in the broth in a big pot for 20 minutes.

• Add the sauce that was blended earlier, along with potatoes and carrots. Add salt and pepper according to taste.

• Stir the dish at intervals for about 30 to 40 minutes, until vegetables turn tender and the dish thickens.

• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot along with rice or tortillas. 

How to Serve:

• Pepian, a hearty and aromatic Guatemalan dish, is best enjoyed directly out of the pot along with soft tortillas that allow you to enjoy each spoonful. 

Where to Eat: La Cuevita de Los Urquizu, Rinconcito Antigueno, El Criollo

Timings: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM (varies by restaurant) 

Cost Per Person: GTQ 45-90 ($6-12) 

Guatemala Food Guide to the Most Delicious and Authentic Local Foods   

The Guatemala food guide ranges from nutritious breakfast to signature dishes, delicious street foods, desserts, beverages, and meals, all of which make the most memorable culinary experiences you can find in the cuisine of the nation.

Breakfast

Start the day off on the right foot with the great flavors and vivid colors of the Guatemalan breakfasts, consisting of natural ingredients, hot tortillas, sweet bananas, and wholesome proteins. Such breakfasts belong to the must-try foods in Guatemala and provide an ideal introduction to the culinary traditions of the region.

1. Desayuno Tipico

This delicious breakfast meal from Guatemala contains light scrambled eggs, black beans, fried plantains, cheese, and tortillas. It is an exquisite combination of salty, sweet, and creamy dishes that make you ready to explore the entire day.

• Where to Eat: La Casa de las Mixtas, Madre Tierra, Los Tres Tiempos

• Timings: 6:00 AM - 11:00 AM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 25-60 ($3-8) 

2. Chirmol 

Chirmol is a fresh and tangy dish prepared from cooking tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice on an open fire. The grilled vegetables are chopped finely to blend together with lime juice in a delightful salsa.

• Where to Eat: Rinconcito Antigueno, El Porton Tipico, La Fonda de la Calle Real

• Timings: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 10-30 ($1-4) 

3. Tamales Dulces 

Wrapped in banana leaves and perfectly cooked by steaming, the tamales are made from corn masa along with cinnamon, raisins, sugar, and even prunes. Their sweet aroma and soft texture create a truly delightful culinary tradition.

• Where to Eat: Antigua Central Market, Local bakeries in Antigua Guatemala, Weekend food markets in Guatemala City

• Timings: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 10-25 ($1-3) 

Signature Dishes 

Such classic dishes indicate the culinary traditions of the country. Whether it is aromatic soups or Mayan dishes passed down from one generation to another, each dish gives you the taste of Guatemala and is a crucial ingredient for any Guatemalan cuisine guide.

1. Kak'ik

The striking red turkey soup is made with tomatoes, peppers, coriander, and indigenous spices. Slowly cooked to enhance its flavor, Kak’ik provides a warm and fragrant dish based on the traditional Mayan recipe.

• Where to Eat: Coban Central Market, Traditional restaurants in Alta Verapaz, Rinconcito Antigueno

• Timings: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 35-80 ($5-10) 

2. Jocon

Jocon is a delicious, bright green stew that combines the elements of tomatillos, cilantro, green onions, and peppers for a smooth sauce. The tender chicken infuses the herbs into the dish, making a truly delightful traditional dish of Guatemala.

• Where to Eat: La Cuevita de Los Urquizu, La Fonda de la Calle Real, Rinconcito Antigueno

• Timings: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 40-75 ($5-10) 

3. Hilachas

The name “Hilachas” means “ragged” or “rags” in Spanish and involves slowly cooking shredded meat in a tomato-based sauce with potatoes and peppers. It creates a delicious and succulent meal bursting with authentic flavors.

• Where to Eat: El Criollo, El Porton Tipico, La Fonda de la Calle Real

• Timings: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 40-70 ($5-9)  

Street Food & Snacks

Taste the enticing aromas from the busy squares and streets. Crispy, delicious, smoky, and flavorful, the street food of Guatemala is sure to provide you with some delicious tastes, Guatemala street foods will surely make your mouth water and is one of the best ways to discover the popular food in Guatemala. 

1. Chuchitos 

These delicious snacks are made using corn dough and are stuffed with meat and tomato sauce. They are then wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.

• Where to Eat: Antigua Market food stalls, Guatemala City street vendors, Weekend food fairs

• Timings: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 5-15 ($1-2) 

2. Tostadas con Chirmol

The crunchy tortillas are layered with Chirmol that is smoky, beans that are creamy, cheese that is fresh, and herbs. This perfect fusion of texture and flavor makes it impossible to stop indulging.

• Where to Eat: Antigua Central Market, Mercado Central Guatemala City, Local street-food stalls

• Timings: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 5-20 ($1-3)

3. Shucos

Shucos, which can be considered Guatemala’s version of the hot dog, are sausages grilled and then placed inside toasted buns with lots of guacamole, cabbage, mayonnaise, mustard, and sauces. They are messy but delicious.

• Where to Eat: Street carts around Guatemala City, Mercado Central food stalls, Night food markets

• Timings: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 15-35 ($2-5) 

4. Enchiladas

In contrast to its Mexican equivalent, the ingredients of a Guatemalan enchiladas include crispy tortillas, which come topped with spicy beef, pickled vegetables, beets, cheese, and eggs. Each layer brings its own unique flavor profile.

• Where to Eat: Rinconcito Antigueno, La Cuevita de Los Urquizu, El Porton Tipico

• Timings: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 15-35 ($2-5) 

Sweets & Beverages 

Desserts and cool drinks allow you to experience the sweetness of Guatemala. Enjoy a wide variety of dessert choices including yummy corn-based beverages and chocolates, all of which add another layer to this Guatemala food guide. 

1. Rellenitas de Platano

The mashed up sweet plantains are rolled into dough and stuffed with sweetened black beans before being fried to a golden color. The outer layer, once caramelized, leads to an inner layer of rich creaminess.

• Where to Eat: Local bakeries in Antigua, Traditional dessert shops, Market food vendors

• Timings: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 10-25 ($1-3)

2. Atol de Elote

This creamy drink, made from corn, is made by mixing fresh corn kernels along with milk, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, then simmered for a while. The creamy concoction, which is very aromatic and naturally sweet, makes one feel as if they are drinking a dessert.

• Where to Eat: Local cafes, Antigua markets, Street beverage stalls

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 5-15 ($1-2) 

3. Cacao Drinks

Derived from the freshly crushed cocoa beans blended with water, milk, spices, or sugar, these classic drinks are a celebration of Guatemala’s long and glorious chocolate heritage with their deep flavors and silky texture.

• Where to Eat: Chocolate museums and cafés in Antigua, Artisan cacao shops, Traditional beverage houses

• Timings: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 15-40 ($2-5) 

4. Horchata

A cool beverage made up of rice, milk, sugar, and spices including cinnamon and vanilla, Horchata is sweet and spicy, providing an escape from the heat during those warm days.

• Where to Eat: Local cafes, Traditional restaurants, Street beverage vendors

• Timings: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 10-25 ($1-3) 

Dinner

When the sun goes down, Guatemalan kitchens start buzzing with nutritious evening meals. The broth, stew, seafood, and home-cooked meals serve as a great end to the day’s journey through the country and highlight more authentic Guatemalan dishes. 

1. Chiles Rellenos

Larger peppers are filled with spiced meat and vegetable filling and then coated in an egg batter to be deep-fried to perfection. These are served with tomato sauce, providing an excellent combination of taste and texture.

• Where to Eat: La Fonda de la Calle Real, La Cuevita de Los Urquizu, El Criollo

• Timings: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 40-80 ($5-10) 

2. Tapado 

Tapado is a delicious stew made up of various types of seafood along with spices. The dish, when prepared slowly with its broth, provides a Caribbean flavor with the use of plantains and other ingredients.

• Where to Eat: Seafood dining at Livingston, Coastal dining on the Caribbean, Garifuna restaurants of locals

• Timings: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM 

• Cost Per Person: GTQ 70-150 ($9-20) 

Experiencing the Tastes of Guatemala

The cuisine of Guatemala does not only serve as food but it is a tribute to the heritage of the land. From soups to street foods, beverages to desserts, each mouth-watering meal reveals something new about this fascinating place. The Guatemala food guide features all the local food in Guatemala as well as helping travelers to know the best foods to try in Guatemala.

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FAQ’s

What is the national food of Guatemala? 

Pepian is the national dish of Guatemala. Pepian is a stew that consists of ingredients such as roasted vegetables, herbs, seeds, and meat.

What are the most popular traditional foods in Guatemala? 

Among the most common traditional dishes from Guatemala are: Pepian, Kak’ik, Jocon, Hilachas, Tamales Dulces, Chuchitos, and Chiles Rellenos.

What is a typical Guatemalan breakfast? 

The typical breakfast in Guatemala is known as “Desayuno Típico”. Some of the key ingredients used are eggs, black beans, fried plantain, cheese, and tortillas.

What are some of the street food items in Guatemala?

Some popular items that can be found on the streets of Guatemala are Shucos, Chuchitos, Tostadas con Chirmol, and Guatemalan Enchiladas. These dishes are both delicious and economical.

What are some of the best traditional beverages in Guatemala?

The best traditional beverages in Guatemala include Atol de Elote, Horchata, and Cacao Drinks that are enjoyed by many people.