Experiencing Guatemalan Cuisine | A Fusion of History, Culture, and Tradition

By Aliisa Oake

Guatemalan tortillas being made on a comal (round, flat griddle)

Food is at the heart of Guatemala’s culture, and where food is served, flavors and stories are tied to memories. Every dish has a deeper meaning or relevance - whether it has a cultural significance, creates a memorable connection in flavors and aromas, or carries traditions through generations. Influenced by authentic food from ancient Mayan heritage and Spanish colonial flavors, dishes portray a story of resilience and culture. Experiencing Guatemalan cuisine is a journey through the country’s history - connecting the past with the present while engaging in a connection with people and traditions.

The Language of Food

With cuisine being relevant to Guatemala’s roots and heritage in so many ways, meals are often shared with each other and have more relevance than simply providing nourishment. Mealtimes provide an opportunity for connection, where friends and family gather to share conversation, laughter, and valuable time with each other. This embodies the core values of Guatemala’s culture - reinforcing a sense of togetherness, fostering community and hospitality, and preserving the country’s tradition and heritage. 

Guatemalan tamales wrapped in banana leaves

Unlike many fast-paced cultures where meals are often rushed, Guatemalans take a more deliberate approach to dining, taking the time to slow down from their busy day and truly enjoy their food. This unhurried approach promotes a better sense of well-being, encourages meaningful conversations, and strengthens relationships. Additionally, cooking traditional Guatemalan food requires timely preparation and patience, so appreciation for the rich flavors of each dish are recognized during mealtimes.

Hospitality is a fundamental part of Guatemala’s culture, so sharing food is a sign of warmth and respect. When guests are welcomed into homes and provided with meals, it’s seen as an act of generosity - further strengthening family bonds, friendships, and community ties. Mealtimes go beyond the act of eating, they are social experiences that deepen connections and celebrate cherished traditions.

The History of Guatemalan Cuisine

Exploring Guatemalan cuisine is a journey through history, with each dish showcasing the country’s rich culture and history of ancient civilizations. The cultural fusion of indigenous and Spanish influencers are evident in the diverse flavors and traditional cooking techniques. Local dishes are typically mildly spicy and are often paired with maize, or corn-based sides, emphasizing the long-lasting significance of this staple ingredient. Recipes are passed down through generations and represent a direct connection between modern Guatemalan culture and its ancestors. 

Dating back to ancient Mayan civilization, in the pre-Columbian era, local and traditional ingredients are still in much of the cuisine enjoyed today. Having Mayan influence in agricultural practices, many people were farmers and cultivated maize (corn), beans, squash, and chili peppers - staples that continue to define Guatemala’s gastronomy.

Corn was considered a sacred ingredient and remains a fundamental aspect of Guatemalan cuisine, featured in tortillas, tamales, and atoles - a warm corn-based drink. The Maya also cultivated cacao and used it to create a chocolate drink, often served during religious ceremonies and special gatherings. The Maya incorporated a variety of herbs and spices, including chile peppers, cilantro (coriander), achiote (annatto), and tomatillos (husk tomatoes). These ingredients remain prominent in Guatemalan cooking today, continuing to shape the country’s culinary identity.

During the Spanish colonial period, starting in 1524 and ending in 1821, Spanish cuisine made its way into the Guatemalan food culture, featuring dishes like enchiladas, guacamole, and tamales. With these culinary influences, new ingredients like rice, wheat, pork, beef, and dairy products were introduced, as well as European cooking techniques. 

This period marked the start of a fusion between indigenous and European flavors, shaping Guatemalan cuisine into the rich and diverse dishes that remain today. Over time, influences continued to evolve, blending with local ingredients and methods, although many traditional methods and ingredients are preserved, being passed down through generations. 

Guatemala’s history is preserved through its culinary landscape, setting Guatemala apart from typical cuisine enjoyed by other countries in Central America with its distinct flavors. Guatemalan cuisine is not only rich and diverse, but carries a vibrant, unique, and authentic culinary experience in every bite. 

The Fusion of Local Guatemalan Ingredients

Guatemalan cuisine continues to evolve while incorporating global influences, though still maintaining traditional ingredients and recipes. While many people may associate Central American cuisine with spicy flavors, although some dishes feature spiciness, many dishes often offer fresh, earthy, and complex tastes that vary depending on the region.

Guatemalan cooking - traditional stove and cooking methods

Guatemala is recognized for its regional diversity, with variations in dishes reflecting the country’s varied landscapes, local resources, and customs. Regional dishes are shaped by the availability of ingredients. For instance, in the Caribbean region of Guatemala, the use of coconut milk and seafood are present in dishes - showcasing Afro-Caribbean traditions. Coastal regions and lowland areas have many tropical fruits, seafood, and plantains. In contrast, the highlands of Guatemala preserve many ancient Mayan culinary traditions, with hearty dishes being made from locally grown, abundant crops. These areas tend to have agricultural diversity, growing lots of corn, beans, tomatoes, and potatoes. 

Comidas Típicas de Guatemala - Typical Food of Guatemala

Guatemalan pepián (left) and mole de plátano (right)

Pepián - national dish of Guatemala

Pepian is a traditional smokey, flavorful meat-based stew (can also be served vegetarian), widely viewed as Guatemala’s national dish. Being one of the oldest Guatemalan dishes, it was created from Spanish and Mayan fusion. The sauce, or recado, is the most important part of the dish, made from toasted sesame and pumpkin seeds, roasted dried chili peppers, and blended with tomatoes, tomatillos, onions, and garlic, which create the smoky and robust flavor. 

Ingredients for traditional Guatemalan dish cooking on comal

Kaq’ik - turkey soup

Kaq’ik, a traditional Mayan dish, is a flavorful, slightly spicy turkey soup, with its name directly translating to “red and spicy.” The ingredients sometimes vary depending on the region, but normally includes turkey, tomatoes, and chiles, giving the dish its red color.

Pollo en Jocón - traditional Guatemalan chicken & tomatillo stew

Different typical Guatemalan recados (sauces)

Jocón is a hearty chicken stew typically from the highlands of Guatemala, and holds a cultural significance rooted in ancient Mayan traditions. Over time, the dish evolved with Spanish influences, particularly with the inclusion of chicken. The dish is known for its vibrant green sauce, made from tomatillos and cilantro, which adds a fresh and tangy flavor. 

Hilachas - shredded beef stew

This traditional stew includes shredded pieces of beef (or chicken), potatoes, and carrots in a flavorful tomato-based broth. In Spanish, the name directly translates to “rags”, which likely refers to the way the meat falls apart into tender pieces after slow cooking.

Benefits Beyond the Plate

When Guatemala’s culinary traditions are shared with visitors, what may initially seem like a simple, local experience is actually transformed into a global culinary journey. Tourists not only taste and enjoy traditional dishes, but also gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Guatemala’s culture, history, and people. Food is a universal language, transcending borders and connecting people, making it a powerful outlet for sharing stories and traditions. The act of sharing food across cultures not only brings people together, but fosters mutual respect and understanding, making the world feel a little smaller. In this way, culinary experiences create a special, long-lasting bond.

By working closely with coffee-producing families, De La Gente has developed initiatives to create alternative sources of income, in this case by organizing cooking classes. The wives and daughters of coffee producers lead cooking classes and take tourists on an immersive culinary experience. They guide visitors through the preparation of traditional Guatemalan food by using local ingredients, sharing the significance of each ingredient and the dish, and explaining the cooking techniques that have been passed down by the women before them. This experience offers more than just a shared meal - it provides an authentic insight on Guatemala’s heritage and culture through cuisine.  

Reviews From Our Visitors

“Amazing cooking experience! We did the cooking class together with chef Veronica. She welcomed us into her home like we were family. Ingredients were local and fresh. The dessert was easily in my top 5 of all time!”

~ Tripadvisor - Martijns - November 8, 2024

“We joined a cooking class at a locals home and it was the best immersive experience to learn about the local food and culture. The whole experience was very well organized. Rosi, the host and teacher, was very warm and welcoming. We learned how to make traditional Pepian chicken, rice, tortillas, and mole with sweet plantain for desert from scratch on her wood fire stove. Everything was super delicious and fun to make. Angela, the interpreter, was essential and did a great job translating and sharing her experience with us. We highly recommend this experience! The coffee from Rosi’s husband’s micro-farm was so delicious! Do pick up some high quality coffee from them when visiting Antigua. Thank you again Rosi and Angela for sharing your world with us.” - Chia & Yiming

~ Tripadvisor - Hon Low - December 27, 2024

Group of women who facilitate De La Gente’s cooking classes

Whether you’re participating in a Cooking Class with De La Gente or simply exploring the delicious flavors of Guatemalan cuisine, take the time to savor each bite and embrace the culture that brings people together. Buen provecho! Enjoy your meal!

For more information about De La Gente’s cooking classes, click here!