iBestTravel

Your Gateway to the Best Travel Experiences

Essential Guatemalan Dishes to Savor

John Doe05 mins

Discover the Culinary Delights of Antigua, Guatemala

Start your culinary journey in Antigua, a city renowned for its rich culture and vibrant food scene. Located in the highlands of Guatemala, Antigua offers a wide array of traditional dishes and local favorites that reflect the country’s diverse flavors.

Sweet Treats in Antigua

Sweet stuff: A woman ponders the vast selection of sweets at a stall in the square adjacent to the Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo church in Antigua.
Sweet stuff: A woman ponders the vast selection of sweets at a stall in the square adjacent to the Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo church in Antigua.

Traditional Dishes to Savor

Guatemala’s culinary scene is filled with rustic and traditional flavors. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Chorizo: A spicy sausage that is a popular choice in many local dishes.
  • Pupusas: Corn tortillas stuffed with various ingredients, notably cheese and beans.
  • Rellenitos: Plantains stuffed with black beans, providing a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
  • Guatemalan tacos: Corn tortillas filled with potatoes, offering a unique twist on the traditional taco.
Traditional dishes: Chorizo, pupusas, rellenitos (plantain stuffed with black beans) and the Guatemalan version of a taco (corn tortillas stuffed with potato) are among many traditional staples.
Traditional dishes: Chorizo, pupusas, rellenitos (plantain stuffed with black beans) and the Guatemalan version of a taco (corn tortillas stuffed with potato) are among many traditional staples.

Unique Local Specialties

Among the unique offerings in Antigua, one popular dish is “divorced eggs.” This consists of two fried eggs, each drizzled with different sauces, showcasing the region’s flair for combining flavors.

Divorced eggs: Two fried eggs, each covered in a different sauce. This Guatemalan version of 'divorced eggs,' a traditional Mexican dish, is served up at the restaurant at the Selina lodge in Antigua.
Divorced eggs: Two fried eggs, each covered in a different sauce. This Guatemalan version of “divorced eggs,” a traditional Mexican dish, is served up at the restaurant at the Selina lodge in Antigua.

Affordable Meals at El Mercado

El Mercado is a must-visit for anyone seeking affordable yet delicious meals in Antigua. With prices as low as $1, you can enjoy a satisfying lunch amidst the bustling atmosphere. The market is not only a local favorite but also attracts visitors looking for authentic Guatemalan cuisine.

The day's offerings: A poster advertises the menu of the day at the covered section of Antigua's El Mercado. A meal can be had for as little as $1.
The day’s offerings: A poster advertises the menu of the day at the covered section of Antigua’s El Mercado. A meal can be had for as little as $1.
Affordable eats: Although El Mercado is best known for its dizzying number of stall-lined alleyways, the covered food market is also a popular destination for workers looking for a cheap lunch.
Affordable eats: Although El Mercado is best known for its dizzying number of stall-lined alleyways, the covered food market is also a popular destination for workers looking for a cheap lunch.

Local Street Food Experiences

No trip to Antigua is complete without indulging in street food. From freshly grilled chorizo to handmade corn tortillas, the culinary experience here is both delightful and memorable. Street food vendors offer an array of options that are both delicious and wallet-friendly.

Sizzling meat: A shop owner checks on his chorizo as it grills on one of Antigua's cobbled street corners.
Sizzling meat: A shop owner checks on his chorizo as it grills on one of Antigua’s cobbled street corners.
Tortillas: Handmade corn tortillas are a staple in Guatemala.
Tortillas: Handmade corn tortillas are a staple in Guatemala.
Mealtime: A local woman watches over a food stall where she's selling a number of dishes, including pepián, plantain and caldo de res (beef broth).
Mealtime: A local woman watches over a food stall where she’s selling a number of dishes, including pepián, plantain and caldo de res (beef broth).

In conclusion, the food culture in Antigua, Guatemala, is a vibrant blend of tradition and flavor. With its unique dishes, affordable eating options, and lively street food scene, Antigua offers a culinary experience that should not be missed.

Related Posts

Back To Top