The cuisine of Guatemala is heavily influenced by its ancient Mayan roots as well as the period of time when it was under Spanish rule. A typical Mayan diet consisted heavily of corn and black beans, and that tradition remains in modern-day Guatemala. Black beans are a staple of the country’s diet—as they are often eaten multiple times a day. The typical Guatemalan breakfast consists of eggs, tortillas, plantains, and yes, black beans; lunch is often centered around tortillas and refried beans; and for dinner, chicken or beef dishes are popular, again with elements of rice and beans! Tropical fruits like mangoes, bananas, papaya, and avocado are plentiful, and as such, are popular snacks and morning fare.

Food from Mexico, which borders Guatemala, is also quite common throughout the country. Tortillas, nachos, tacos, and guacamole are standards. Guatemala is also famous for its tamales—and there are reportedly hundreds of varieties to choose from! Unlike the kind of tamales many Americans are used to, which are wrapped in corn husks, Guatemalan tamales are typically wrapped in plantain leaves or maxan leaves. They are lovingly prepared with a variety of fillings and different types of masa, or dough. Often, the kinds of tamales prepared and served correspond to days of the week, holidays, or other special occasions, again reflecting the influence of culture on the country’s cuisine.

When you visit Guatemala, it’s easy to find authentic food prepared by local street vendors as you walk around the towns. You can also visit a variety of restaurants and eateries or even better, enjoy a private meal prepared by our in-house cooks, Carmen and Angela, when staying with us at La Casa Colibri! Wherever you decide to dine, just remember that cuisine in Guatemala is more than just food, it’s a taste