If you’re trying to find something fresh and new to eat, I know just the thing.
Get ready to fire up your tastebuds with these amazing Guatemalan foods.
Bursting with a blend of Mayan and Spanish flavors, these 27 dishes are sure to be a hit.
From tasty tamales to refreshing ceviche, there’s something here for everyone!
1. Pollo en Pina
Pollo en pina means chicken and pineapple in the same dish. If you’ve had grilled chicken and pineapple together before, you know it’s going to be amazing.
Pineapple provides a flavor that’s both sweet and tart. A splash of sherry gives it a more complete flavor.
And then there’s the browned juicy chicken, which truly is the best component.
2. Pulique
Do you enjoy the taste of juicy chicken? Then you’ll definitely want to try this particular dish.
Pulique is a traditional meal that Guatemalans often enjoy at festivals and other rituals. It is a hearty stew that can be made with different kinds of meat.
This version relies on massive pieces of chicken and smothers them with spice and tomatillos. The dish also incorporates chayote, bell peppers, and green beans.
3. Pupusas
You can discover pupusas everywhere in Guatemala. But luckily, you won’t need to book a flight in order to experience this delicious flavor. You can make pupusas in your very own kitchen.
To start, you’ll make dough out of masa harina. Then, you’ll stuff the inside with a heaping mound of cheese.
Either curtido or chirmol makes an excellent topping. Curtido, a kind of slaw, adds an appealing contrast in texture.
Pupusas are a truly addictive and sensational dish, however you enjoy them.
4. Guatemalan Black Bean Soup
This black bean soup recipe manages to be both economical and yummy. The base for this soup only needs four ingredients, but I recommend adding some toppings.
I enjoy keeping it straightforward with queso, avocado, and cilantro. However, a bit of chirmol and a dollop of sour cream would be great, too.
5. Guatemalan Chiles Rellenos
Similar to enchiladas, Guatemalans put their own spin on chile rellenos. They make use of sweet peppers as opposed to spicy poblanos.
What goes inside? Only meat and veggies.
While you won’t get any cheese oozing out, these chile rellenos are just as wonderful. But for those who need some cheese, some queso fresco on the top will do the trick.
6. Guatemalan Tostadas
Guatemalan soups and stews do take some time, so why not try a quick dish like these tostadas? It’s quick and refreshing, which you can make in less than half an hour.
Get some pre-made tostadas and then pile on a black bean topping, fresh salsa, and guacamole.
7. Chojin Radish Salad
This recipe goes heavy on the veggies, unlike most traditional Guatemalan dishes. It has a vibrant flavor from a mix of minced radishes, onion, tomatoes, and citrus.
You can keep it meat-free by leaving out the chicharrones. However, while tasty, this pork product isn’t vegan.
8. Hilachas
Consider making hilachas when you’re in need of a bowl of comfort. This filling stew is prepared with shredded beef and cooked in a savory tomato sauce. It’s also packed with potatoes.
It’s the ideal meal for those chilly nights whenever you’re craving something heartwarming.
9. Enchiladas
These enchiladas stand apart from the types you find in Mexican cooking, even if it seems strange to see them in this list. These enchiladas are made by topping a crispy tortilla or tostada with escabeche instead of smothering stuffed tortillas in sauce.
There are various versions, but this escabeche has beef, beets, and carrots. Slices of cheese and hard-boiled egg are then used to complete the dish.
10. Caldo de Pollo
Caldo de pollo is sure to satisfy that craving for some brothy soup. Carrots, chicken, and potatoes form the base of this rustic dish.
Of course, true Guatemalan fashion calls for complexity. So, ingredients like bay leaf, guicoy (a kind of squash), and fresh herbs play supporting roles.
11. Guatemalan Pineapple Empanadas
Get ready to do a happy dance once you try these empanadas. While there are tons of hand pie recipes out there, this one’s perfect if you want a tasty dessert.
They are packed with yummy pineapple and finished with a sprinkle of confectioners sugar.
12. Guatemalan Atolillo
You’ll love atolillo, a special beverage featuring cinnamon and rice milk. It’s comparable to horchata, but you serve it warm.
You must allow the rice to sit overnight, so be sure to plan accordingly. Atolillo is a great treat on holidays or cold winter days.
13. Guatemalan Rice Pilaf
Chicken stock, simple spices, and a mix of veggies are what make Guatemalan rice pilaf so unique. While different households have their own versions, this traditional recipe is wonderfully basic.
It is a fantastic side that pairs well with nearly any dish from Guatemala.
14. Guatemalan Torrejas
You’re in for another wonderful dessert with this recipe. This dish takes on a spin on French toast, and gets a topping of sugar, honey, and raisins.
It goes great with coffee in the morning, but it’s also excellent as a tasty dessert.
15. Jocon de Pollo
Are you craving a satisfying stew with a fresh, tangy flavor? This Guatemalan green chicken stew is packed with both history and flavor.
This traditional Guatemalan meal has a delightful green sauce that incorporates mint, fresh cilantro, tomatillos, and jalapeno. Serve it next to some white rice for a satisfying, hearty meal.
16. Guatemalan Fiambre Salad
This is one vibrant salad. It uses ingredients such as beets, hard-boiled eggs, salami, olives, and then makes them into a work of art.
It doesn’t stop there. There’s a ton of curing, pickling, and boiling to do.
Because time is precious, I wouldn’t blame you if you just picked up these goodies at your local deli counter.
17. Champurradas
Why not make yourself a cup of coffee, because champurradas are excellent for dunking. You’ll typically find these cookies served as an afternoon snack or for breakfast.
Made with masa flour, this sesame seed cookie has a lovely golden color as well as a satisfying crispness.
18. Guatemalan Paches
You’ll find that paches are quite similar to tamales. However, they differ in that you’ll make the outside with mashed potatoes.
This recipe adds fresh salsa, instant masa, and lard into the mashed potatoes. That will provide the outside with a ton of flavor, while the inside is packed with tasty pork.
Like with tamales, wrapping is essential to keep the paches together. You’ll want to use banana leaves, but corn husks can work if you don’t have any.
19. Guatemalan Tamales
Tamales are a must-have Christmas tradition in Guatemala. Because tamales involve a ton of effort, they’re extra special during the holidays.
They create both lasting memories and quality time with your family. It helps that they’re also seriously delicious.
Compared to Mexican tamales, Guatemalan ones are slightly thinner and feature fillings such as olives, raisins, or capers.
20. Tapado
Seafood lovers will adore this Guatemalan soup. It features white fish, shrimp, and lobster.
Coconut milk gives it a creamy base, which balances out the heat. Sweet plantains give it just the right amount of sweetness.
It’s a delicious mix of warm, hearty goodness, coconut milk, plantains, and seafood.
21. Chuchitos
You’ll find chuchitos sold as Guatemalan street food. This tasty treat has a corn dough that is stuffed with either pork or chicken in a tomato-based sauce.
They’re wrapped in corn husks, and steamed on low heat. These are generally enjoyed at special festivities or around the holidays.
However, you can enjoy them any time with this recipe.
22. Guatemalan Ceviche
I have a soft spot for ceviche that has a Guatemalan flair. With juicy shrimp and ripe avocado, it embodies what fresh flavors are all about.
What sets it apart is the marinade made with beer.
23. Guatemalan Chicken in Coconut Milk
Are you curious about what Guatemalans enjoy as comfort food? It’s this.
This particular recipe is a winner. With creamy coconut sauce, sauteed veggies, and adobo chicken over white rice, it’s got everything.
24. Shucos
Here’s a hot dog unlike any you’ve ever had. As a much-loved street food, shucos are difficult to say no to, like any street food.
Start by getting some jumbo hot dog buns and then stuff them with sausage, longanizas, and cabbage. Once you add some guacamole, ketchup, mustard, and mayo, you’ll be set.
In case you don’t know, longanizas are a variety of pork sausage seasoned with black pepper.
25. Pepian de Pollo
What better way to start your Guatemalan cooking journey than with pepian de pollo? Frequently hailed as the national dish, pepian de pollo has a wonderful spicy flavor.
It incorporates spices like achiote, Chile Pasa, and Chile Guaque. You can serve with tortillas, or even bread.
Whatever you choose, you’ll want something to soak up every last drop.
26. Guatemalan Green Chicken Stew
Stews and soups are extremely important to Guatemalan food. Though I think all of them are wonderful, this one is a personal favorite.
What’s so great about this stew is a wonderful blend of cilantro, green onion, jalapeno, and tomatillos. This is also what gives the meal its beautiful green hue!