Part of a country's idiosyncrasy and identity is present in its food, and also, in its streets.
Street Food
If both elements connect, we are witnessing a phenomenon that reflects the life and personality of a people.
The streets of Guatemala are a cluster of sensory experiences at every step, presenting a myriad of opportunities to satisfy one's appetite at any time of the day.
Very popular in Guatemalan neighborhoods are the 'shucos' stands, named so because of these delicious bites very similar to hot dogs that they specialize in selling.
The 'shucos' consist of two buns between which an interesting array of ingredients are contained like sausages, chorizo, avocado, pieces of meat, cilantro, and jalapenos.
All of this is commonly garnished with ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and chimichurri. A true explosion of flavors. It is also common in these stores to sell the famous Guatemalan 'mixtos', toasted tortillas with chimichurri that are accompanied by meat, beans, pastes, and different sauces.
Delicious Carnitas
Other common foods that can be found are 'carnitas' - fried pork meat accompanied by avocado, pork rinds, chili, onion, lemon, and spicy sauce-, corn tortillas -usually accompanying all the other foods-, tacos in their different types, and toasts.
One of the main stars of Guatemalan street gastronomy are the 'chuchitos', an emblematic dish similar to 'tamalitos', made from corn that can be mixed with a sauce or tomato salsa and is added with grated cheese and spices.
Chuchitos are generally served with a portion of guacamole.
About the beverages
Among the most sought-after beverages in Guatemala is 'atol de elote'. It is an ancestral drink made from ground corn that is ideally recommended to be consumed on intensely cold days due to its high calorie content.
In Guatemalan streets, as well as in countries like Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, among others, a fun version of corn called 'crazy corn' is eaten.
This consists of corn seasoned with tomato sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, and hard Guatemalan cheese are some of the colorful additions that are contributed.\u00a0
A healthy option to eat on the streets and markets of Guatemala is to stock up on some fresh fruits that are offered.
There is a great variety of them, and the original and exquisite 'chocofrutas' stand out, which consist of these same fresh fruits bathed in chocolate or white chocolate and peanuts or colored sprinkles are added.
A tempting dessert that is also chosen in daily life by Guatemalans is 'bunuelos', a wheat flour dough that includes eggs, baking soda, anise, and water.
Historically, 'bunuelos' were for humble or low-income citizens, but today they have transcended all social class barriers.\u00a0
'Rellenitos'
It is also common to find among the stalls that sell desserts 'rellenitos' of plantain. This delight is a traditional Guatemalan dessert prepared with ripe plantain -larger than common plantains- that is usually filled with 'manjar' (a type of milk caramel) or beans.
It is important that it is cooked before consuming, as raw, it is a very hard-to-digest food. Its flavor is quite neutral, not as sweet as it seems, as it contains very few sugars.
Both local residents and tourists visiting Guatemala have the opportunity to access traditional foods at very good prices and with an enviable variety of culinary elements.
Appetizers, main courses, quick meals, desserts, and drinks for all tastes make Guatemalan street food a delightful journey for the palate.
