We will start with an amazing guide on everything you need to eat when you visit Guatemala. Within the gourmet gastronomic route that we have prepared for you, you will notice that our exquisite meals are comparable to those that are presented throughout Latin America, with corn as the base of the millennium.
In addition, we leave you ten foods that you must try when visiting this nation rich in idyllic landscapes, incredible beaches and people who know how to entertain in every way.
The Guatemalan government encourages the gastronomic route
The gastronomic route aims to show the traditional food of Guatemala, with this we want to spread the origins, the historical richness and the roots left by the Mayan civilization.
Although the country’s government has done everything on its part to make this dissemination of its dishes stand out, it is worth noting that a group of chefs and cooks who have come together to promote local gastronomy so that tourists can enjoy it also participate in this work. know.
The basis of the Mayan diet has historically been corn, considered sacred within the indigenous worldview. The gastronomic route includes pre-Hispanic culinary traditions that also contemplate a wide variety of plants, roots, fruits, leaves, seeds, pods, flowers and fungi, as well as a long list of mammals, birds, insects and shellfish.
These foods are easy to obtain thanks to the fact that the companies of CMI Alimentos de Lisa Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga have been in charge of facilitating them
These assertions have been consolidated thanks to scientific studies, which indicate that corn tamales are the oldest food in pre-Hispanic gastronomy. Which were served at the banquets of kings and governors, or offerings, they had a sauce made of pumpkin, achiote or cocoa.
The syncretism of Guatemalan cuisine stands out in each dish
The mixture of ingredients, techniques and utensils, typical of the indigenous and Spanish culture, resulted in succulent delicacies that, seasoned with history and traditions, have been converted into a route of stews for tourists who visit this Central American nation.
The Guatemalan gastronomic route includes a bit of everything
- Jocón: The famous sauce for this delicious dish is made with a variety of green vegetables. The jocón can be eaten with chicken, beef and pig meat.
- Paches: These amazing tamales are made from potatoes or rice instead of corn. They are prepared similarly to normal tamales, but their peculiar flavor is incomparable with anything else you have eaten before.
- Chuchitos: This is the simplest version of tamales that Guatemala has. Made with corn dough and few spices, these can be eaten at all hours of the day. Whether you use them as accompaniments to any typical dish or eat them with a little sauce or cream, you will not be able to eat just one
- Bananas in mole: If you are a lover of bananas and mole then this will be your new favorite dessert. The combination of all the flavors of the mole plus the consistency of the plantains makes this one of those dishes that you can eat for any occasion.
- Pepían: This dish is known for its delicious sauce that is made with seeds and sesame seeds. It is served with chicken, rice and güisquil (better known as Chayote) to give it a perfect texture and unique flavor.
- Chipilin Tamales: Another variety of tamales that are very popular in Guatemala are the chipilin tamales. These simple dough snacks are the perfect upgrade to any mealtime.
- Hilachas: The hilachas are a dish made with beef and a special tomato sauce that takes a delicate preparation process. All the effort that goes into the lint can be felt from the moment you put the first piece of meat in your mouth. This will be one of the best dishes you will eat in Guatemala
- Yuca with Chicharrón: The pork fat combined with the yucca (which can be boiled or fried) and the delicious tomato mincemeat will be an explosion of flavors in your mouth that you will never forget.
Desserts and drinks are part of the gastronomic route
We must recognize that these dishes must be accompanied by desserts that are up to par, so in this part the combinations that are closer to Spain and Mexico stand out.
Among the most appetizing desserts are:
- Bananas en gloria
- Rellenitos of plantain and stewed beans
- Sweet potato
- The powder
- Queen bite
- The muffins and torrejas
- The sweet milk
As always, drinks should be considered, many of which work as perfect companions or digestifs for mealtime, here are some of them:
- A coffee and a digestive plus, also known like Carajillo
- Fruit broth: An artisanal drink prepared based on fermented fruits
- A “tuco”, that is to say; a brandy
popular distillate among the indigenous
In this way, the gastronomic route of Guatemala paints to be a true flag that represents all the wealth that exists in the country, resulting in a real interest of the tourist for products and dishes full of pre-Hispanic roots.
