When it comes to Central American cuisine, Guatemalan food is a true hidden gem.
It’s rich in history, loaded with vibrant flavors, and packed with comforting, home-cooked vibes.
Think fresh corn, beans, plantains, and some seriously bold spices coming together to create magic on a plate.
From hearty stews to sweet treats, Guatemalan dishes offer something for every palate.
If you’ve never explored this flavorful cuisine, you’re in for a treat. We’re diving into 11 must-try Guatemalan recipes that’ll transport you straight to the heart of Guatemala.
Get ready to fall in love with these traditional dishes that combine old-world flavors with a fresh twist. Let’s get cooking!
1. Pepián – Hearty Guatemalan Chicken Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 4 large tomatoes
- 2 tomatillos
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 dried chili peppers
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
First, toast the sesame and pumpkin seeds in a pan until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, roast the tomatoes, tomatillos, garlic, and chili peppers until charred. Blend them with the toasted seeds to create a rich, thick sauce.
In a large pot, brown the chicken pieces and set them aside. Sauté the onion, carrots, and potatoes until softened, then pour in the blended sauce and chicken broth.
Add the chicken back to the pot and let everything simmer for about 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful. Serve with fresh tortillas or rice.
Why did this make it to our list?
Pepián is a national treasure in Guatemala, loved for its bold flavors and hearty goodness. It’s the perfect dish when you’re craving something comforting and packed with history.
2. Kak’ik – Traditional Turkey Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs turkey legs or thighs
- 4 large tomatoes
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 2 dried chili peppers
- 1 tablespoon achiote (annatto) paste
- 2 cups turkey broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Start by boiling the turkey with a pinch of salt until it’s cooked through. Set the turkey aside and reserve the broth.
In a pan, roast the tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers until charred, then blend them with the achiote paste and some of the turkey broth to create a vibrant sauce.
In a large pot, sauté the onion and green bell pepper, then add the blended sauce, turkey broth, and cooked turkey pieces.
Let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve hot with fresh lime wedges and warm tortillas.
Why did we choose it?
Kak’ik is a festive, flavorful soup that’s deeply rooted in Guatemalan Mayan culture. Its zesty, rich broth will keep you coming back for more.
3. Tamales Colorados – Red Guatemalan Tamales
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs masa dough
- 1 lb chicken or beef, cooked and shredded
- 4 large tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup annatto paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Plantain leaves (for wrapping)
How to Make It:
Roast the tomatoes, bell pepper, and garlic, then blend them with the annatto paste and chicken broth to create a savory sauce.
Mix the sauce into the masa dough until it’s well incorporated.
Lay out the plantain leaves and spread a scoop of masa in the center. Add some shredded meat, then wrap it all up like a little package.
Steam the tamales for about 1.5 hours until the dough is firm and fully cooked.
Why we selected it:
Tamales Colorados are a special-occasion favorite in Guatemala. The rich red sauce and tender meat make them unforgettable.
4. Hilachas – Shredded Beef in Tomato-Tomatillo Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef flank or brisket
- 3 large tomatoes
- 2 tomatillos
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the beef until tender, then shred it into thin strips. In a pan, roast the tomatoes, tomatillos, and garlic.
Blend them into a sauce, then sauté with the onion and bell pepper.
Add the shredded beef and beef broth to the sauce and let it simmer for 20 minutes until thickened. Serve over rice or with warm tortillas.
Why did this make it to our list?
Hilachas is like Guatemala’s answer to shredded beef stew, with a tangy sauce that’s totally irresistible.
Glad you’re into it! Let’s keep this delicious journey rolling with more Guatemalan must-tries.
5. Jocon – Green Chicken Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 6 tomatillos
- 2 green bell peppers
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the chicken in salted water until it’s cooked and tender. While that’s simmering, roast the tomatillos and bell peppers until charred.
Blend them with the cilantro, green onions, and garlic to create a vibrant green sauce.
In a large pot, combine the sauce with chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
Add the cooked chicken pieces and let everything cook together for another 20 minutes. Serve with rice or fresh tortillas for soaking up all that green goodness.
Why did we choose it?
Jocon stands out for its unique green sauce made from fresh herbs and tomatillos. It’s a dish that feels healthy, hearty, and full of bright flavors.
6. Rellenitos de Plátano – Sweet Plantain Fritters
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe plantains
- 1 cup refried black beans (sweetened with a little sugar)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Boil the plantains until soft, then mash them into a smooth dough.
Take a small handful of mashed plantain, flatten it, and fill it with a spoonful of sweetened black beans. Seal it into a ball or oval shape.
Fry the rellenitos in hot oil until golden and crispy. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar while they’re still warm. Serve as a snack or dessert.
Why we selected it:
Rellenitos are a beloved Guatemalan treat, combining the sweetness of plantains with the earthy flavor of black beans. They’re addictive and totally worth trying.
7. Caldo de Res – Guatemalan Beef Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef shank
- 4 large carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 ears of corn, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 8 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
In a large pot, brown the beef shank, then add the onion, garlic, and beef broth. Let it simmer for about an hour.
Add the carrots, potatoes, and corn, cooking for another 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Why did this make it to our list?
Caldo de Res is comfort food at its best. It’s hearty, nutritious, and feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
8. Chiles Rellenos – Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 6 large green bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 2 potatoes, diced and boiled
- 1 carrot, diced and boiled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 4 eggs (separated)
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Roast the bell peppers until the skin is charred, then peel and remove the seeds.
Sauté the onion and garlic, then add the ground meat, potatoes, carrots, and tomato sauce. Stuff each pepper with this mixture.
Whip the egg whites until fluffy and fold in the yolks. Dip each stuffed pepper into the egg batter and fry until golden. Serve with tomato sauce and rice.
Why we chose it:
Chiles Rellenos are a staple in Guatemalan households. The crispy egg batter and savory filling make every bite unforgettable.
9. Fiambre – Guatemalan Cold Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken
- 1 lb cooked beef
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup beets, diced
- 1 cup pickled vegetables
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1 bunch lettuce leaves
- 1 cup vinegar dressing
How to Make It:
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl, tossing them gently with the vinegar dressing.
Serve the salad over a bed of lettuce. This colorful dish is packed with flavors and textures, making it a showstopper on the table.
Why did this make it to our list?
Fiambre is a celebration on a plate, loaded with a mix of meats, veggies, and pickled flavors. It’s unlike any salad you’ve ever had!
10. Atol de Elote – Sweet Corn Drink
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of fresh corn
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Blend the corn kernels with 2 cups of milk until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any solids.
In a pot, combine the strained corn milk with the remaining milk, sugar, and cinnamon.
Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add the vanilla and serve warm.
Why we selected it:
Atol de Elote is sweet, creamy, and comforting. It’s a cozy drink perfect for cool evenings or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
11. Pollo en Crema – Chicken in Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 green bell pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
Pour in the chicken broth and simmer until the chicken is tender.
Add the cream and bell pepper, cooking for another 10 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy. Serve with rice or fresh tortillas.
Why did this make it to our list?
Pollo en Crema is comfort food with a touch of luxury. The creamy sauce takes simple chicken to the next level.
Conclusion
Guatemalan cuisine is bursting with bold flavors, hearty stews, and sweet treats you won’t want to miss.
Each dish tells a story of tradition and family, offering a true taste of Guatemala’s rich culture.
Try these recipes once, and you’ll be hooked for life.