The food culture in Central America has spread all over the world, but Guatemalan dishes are right up there with the best. Guatemalan cuisine is influenced by Mayan and Spanish cultures. The food also has influences from Africa and the Caribbean. Corn, beans, rice, pork, beef, chicken, cheese, and tortillas form the foundation of most Guatemalan food. Basically, you can expect hearty fare and comfort food dishes.
The dishes here are seriously tasty. You may not be able to travel there, but you can certainly start cooking!
We’re sharing some of the best classic recipes from Guatemala. These recipes aren’t just any recipes either, as they are by the world’s top food bloggers. The best of the best. Make sure to check out the other great dishes on their sites too.
Dive into the flavours of Central America with these Guatemalan dishes.
The Best Guatemalan Dishes
1. Jocón de Pollo (Guatemalan Chicken Stew)
Jocón (also known as Pollo en Jocón) is a recado, a style of meal that’s one of the foundations of traditional Guatemalan Mayan cuisine. This is typically a thick stew made with a sauce. It’s often cooked over an open fire in an outdoor stove in the highlands of Guatemala.
Recipe created by Michele.
2. Guatemalan Black Bean Soup
This authentic Guatemalan Black Bean Soup is healthy, filling and easy to make. Hearty and delicious, this soup makes a wonderful side dish or an entire meal by itself.
Recipe created by Sam.
3. Sopa de Albondigas
This hearty meatball soup — sopa de albóndigas — is popular as a midday meal in Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador and with everyone who tastes it! Made with lean ground beef and fresh vegetables in a beefy broth, this satisfying one-pot meal is an easy-to-make comfort food that’s both healthy and delicious!
Recipe created by Michele.
4. Avocado Salad
A perfect salad to serve up with grilled meats or fish and especially with something like Pollo en Jocon. It is quick, simple and super tasty.
Recipe created by Nourish Evolution.
5. Nuégados Guatemaltecos
You can find variations of Nuégados throughout Central America. In Guatemala, they are balls of orange-scented (sometimes anise), flour-based dough that are fried and coated in a sugar glaze. Neighbouring countries often make Nuégados using yucca or corn.
Recipe created by Tara.
6. Guatemalan Stew
Guatemalan stew is a hearty stew with a rich and tangy tomatillo sauce. You don’t have to be from Central America to appreciate this meal,
Recipe created by Niki.
7. Guatemalan Enchiladas
Made with flavourful ground beef and piled high with veggies, this is a wonderfully authentic Guatemalan dish.
Recipe created by Paula.
Planning to spend time in the country? Check out The 7 Most Instagrammable Spots In Guatemala.
