country Essentials · 12 foods
Guatemala Essentials
A considered first route through Guatemala: the foods that carry its everyday habits, celebrations, ingredients, and memory.
Explore all Guatemala foods →THE
ESSENTIALS
The complete shortlist
12 foods to know.
Each selection includes the reason it belongs here—so this is a guide, not just a pile of names.
Guatemala
Fiambre
A cold composed salad of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and pickles eaten around November 1.
Guatemala
Tamales Colorados
Red tamales with masa, chicken, and spiced sauce wrapped in corn husks—eaten at celebrations and holidays.
Cobán, Guatemala
Kak'ik
Q'eqchi' turkey soup with spices and herbs associated with Cobán and Alta Verapaz.
Guatemala
Pepián
Rich meat stew in a seed-based sauce with spices, a substantial Guatemalan table dish.
Guatemala
Hilachas
Shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce, served over tortillas or rice for festive occasions.
Guatemala
Chiles Rellenos
Guatemalan stuffed peppers with meat, egg batter, and tomato sauce; do not assume poblano peppers.
Guatemala
Jocón
Chicken in a vibrant green sauce made with tomatillos, pepitas, and aromatic herbs.
Guatemala
Hot Chocolate (Guatemalan)
Chocolate
A thick stone-ground cacao drink with Maya and Guatemalan preparation context, cinnamon warmth, and sugar.
Guatemala
Rellenitos de Plátano
Mashed plantain cakes filled with black beans and sugar, fried until golden—a dessert.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Shucos
A Guatemala City loaded hot dog with guacamol, cabbage or kraut, and sauces.
Guatemala
Gallo en Chicha
Rooster stewed in a dark sauce with spices and chicha—a ceremonial dish for special feasts.
Costa Rica
Corn Drink
Atol de elote
Sweet corn porridge drink made with masa, cinnamon, and milk, a staple breakfast throughout Guatemala.