10+ Best Guyanese Recipes You Need to Try Once

Guyanese food is an explosion of Caribbean and South American flavors, blending spices, textures, and cooking traditions from African, Indian, and Indigenous roots.

Whether it’s a hearty stew or a perfectly flaky pastry, every dish tells a story about Guyana’s rich culture and history.

In this list, we’re dishing out 11 irresistible Guyanese recipes that’ll bring a taste of Guyana right to your kitchen.

From spicy curries to savory street snacks, these recipes will have you craving seconds—maybe even thirds! Let’s dive into the world of Guyanese cuisine.

1. Guyanese Pepperpot

Pepperpot is a national treasure in Guyana. It’s a slow-cooked meat stew loaded.

With rich flavors from cassareep (a thick, flavorful syrup made from cassava), cinnamon, cloves, and hot peppers.

Traditionally, it’s cooked with beef, but you can also use chicken.

This hearty dish is known for its deep, caramel-like taste and spicy kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef (or chicken)
• 1 cup cassareep
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 2 wiri-wiri peppers (or any hot pepper)
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. In a large pot, brown the beef until it’s nicely seared.
2. Add the onions, garlic, cinnamon sticks, and ground cloves. Cook for 5 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the cassareep and enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Toss in the peppers and let it simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens.

Why did this make it to our list?

Pepperpot is a dish with serious depth. Its rich, slow-cooked flavor and cultural significance make it an essential part of any Guyanese food adventure.

2. Chicken Curry with Roti

No Guyanese meal is complete without curry, and chicken curry is a classic.

Paired with soft, flaky roti, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll want to eat every week.

The key to a perfect Guyanese curry is in the masala spices and fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 hot pepper (optional)
• 2 cups coconut milk
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat some oil in a pot and sauté the garlic and onions until golden.
2. Add the curry powder, garam masala, and turmeric. Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Toss in the chicken pieces, making sure they’re well-coated in the spices.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
5. Serve with warm roti and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Why did we choose it?

This curry brings the bold flavors of Guyana to life. The combination of spices and tender chicken wrapped in roti is pure perfection.

3. Guyanese Fried Rice

Guyanese fried rice is a must-have at any party.

Unlike the Chinese version, this one is spiced up with Caribbean seasonings and packed with veggies and meat.

It’s colorful, flavorful, and super easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 lb chicken or shrimp, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 hot pepper (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Sauté the chicken or shrimp in a pan until cooked through. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the onions, carrots, and peas. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the cooked rice, thyme, and soy sauce. Stir well.
4. Toss the chicken or shrimp back in and mix everything together.

Why we selected it:

Guyanese fried rice is a party favorite. Its bold seasoning and colorful veggies make it stand out from typical fried rice.

4. Guyanese Bake and Saltfish

Bake and saltfish is the ultimate Guyanese breakfast.

Think of bake as a soft, fried bread, and saltfish as a savory, flaked codfish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers. The combination is unbeatable.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup salted codfish
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 hot pepper, minced

How to Make It:

1. To make the bake, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add water to form a dough, then fry small balls until golden.
2. For the saltfish, boil the salted cod to remove excess salt, then flake it.
3. Sauté the onion, tomato, and pepper. Add the flaked cod and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Serve the saltfish inside the bake.

Why did we choose it?

This dish is the ultimate comfort breakfast. The fried dough paired with savory saltfish is the perfect way to start the day.

5. Guyanese Chow Mein

Guyanese chow mein is a crowd-pleaser with Chinese roots but a distinct Guyanese twist.

It’s made with flavorful noodles, lots of veggies, and your choice of chicken, beef, or shrimp.

The seasoning blend sets this dish apart from other versions of chow mein. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chow mein noodles
• 1 lb chicken or shrimp, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced

How to Make It:

1. Cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the chicken or shrimp in a large pan with garlic and ginger until cooked. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, cook the carrot, bell pepper, onion, and cabbage for 5-7 minutes until softened.
4. Add the noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix well and toss in the cooked chicken or shrimp.

Why did this make it to our list?

This dish is a full meal in itself! Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a go-to recipe for family dinners or gatherings.

6. Metemgee

Metemgee is a rich and hearty stew made with root vegetables like cassava, sweet potatoes, and plantains, simmered in a coconut milk broth and flavored with herbs and spices.

It’s traditionally served with dumplings, making it a true comfort dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cassava, peeled and chopped
• 1 lb sweet potatoes, chopped
• 3 plantains, sliced
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Dumplings (optional but recommended)

How to Make It:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the cassava, sweet potatoes, and plantains. Pour in the coconut milk and enough water to cover the vegetables.
3. Add thyme and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Serve with dumplings for a filling meal.

Why we selected it:

Metemgee is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and full of flavor, perfect for a cozy night in.

7. Guyanese Chicken Curry

Guyanese chicken curry is a mouthwatering dish bursting with spices and herbs.

While it’s influenced by Indian cuisine, this version has its own unique Caribbean twist.

The curry is rich, thick, and pairs perfectly with rice or roti. The combination of garlic, ginger, and fresh green seasoning elevates it from your usual curry fare.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 large potatoes, cubed
• 2 cups coconut milk (optional but recommended)
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole for flavor)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices bloom.
3. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the spice mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
4. Toss in the potatoes and pour in the coconut milk (or water). Add the scotch bonnet pepper for heat.
5. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Remove the scotch bonnet before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Why did this make it to our list?

Guyanese chicken curry is pure comfort in a bowl.

Its bold spices and creamy texture make it a dish you’ll want to cook again and again. Pair it with roti or rice for a truly satisfying meal.

8. Pine Tart

A staple in Guyanese bakeries, pine tart is a sweet pastry filled with spiced pineapple jam and baked to golden perfection.

It’s buttery, flaky, and just the right amount of sweet.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup butter, chilled
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg (for brushing)

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the pineapple filling by cooking the diced pineapple with sugar and cinnamon until it thickens. Let it cool.
2. Make the pastry by cutting butter into the flour until crumbly. Add water and form a dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into triangles. Add a spoonful of pineapple filling and fold the edges.
4. Brush with beaten egg and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Why we chose it:

Pine tart is a bite-sized piece of joy. Its buttery crust and sweet-tart filling make it a must-try for dessert lovers.

9. Cook-Up Rice

Cook-up rice is a one-pot wonder that combines rice, beans, and meat into a flavorful dish.

It’s the kind of meal you make when you want something hearty and satisfying without too much fuss.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 1 lb chicken or beef, diced
• 1 cup black-eyed peas or red beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 can coconut milk

How to Make It:

1. In a large pot, sauté the meat with onions and garlic until browned.
2. Add the beans, rice, thyme, and coconut milk. Pour in enough water to cover everything.
3. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Why we selected it:

Cook-up rice is comfort food at its best. The combination of coconut milk and spices makes it creamy, rich, and irresistible.

10. Guyanese Black Cake (without Rum)

This holiday favorite is typically made with rum-soaked fruit, but we’re keeping it family-friendly here.

It’s a rich, dense fruitcake packed with warm spices and dried fruits.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried fruits (raisins, currants, prunes)
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 4 eggs

How to Make It:

1. Soak the dried fruits in orange juice overnight.
2. Cream the butter and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time.
3. Mix in the flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fold in the soaked fruits.
4. Bake at 300°F for 2 hours until the cake is firm.

Why did this make it to our list?

This black cake is rich, fruity, and full of warm spices. It’s perfect for special occasions or just because you’re craving something sweet.

11. Pholourie

Pholourie is a popular Guyanese street food made of fried split pea dough balls served with tamarind sauce.

They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups split pea flour
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Water (to form a batter)
• Oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Mix the split pea flour, turmeric, cumin, and baking powder. Add water until it forms a thick batter.
2. Heat oil and drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown.
3. Serve with tamarind sauce or your favorite chutney.

Why we selected it:

Pholourie is the ultimate snack. It’s crispy, savory, and just plain addictive.

Conclusion

Guyanese cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, spices, and comfort.

Whether you’re making pepperpot for the first time or indulging in a fresh batch of pine tarts, every bite is a culinary adventure.