The 10 most popular recipes in Guatemala

Here you have a list of the 10 most emblematic recipes of Guatemala, recognized for their exquisite flavor, their deep connection with culinary tradition, and the cultural richness they represent.

These dishes, passed down from generation to generation, combine local ingredients and ancestral techniques that reflect the diversity and the legacy of Guatemalan communities.

From the aromatic Pepian, a thick stew full of spices, to the delicious Corn, each recipe tells a story of identity and flavor.

The most viewed recipes on our site

Here is the list of the most popular recipes on our website. We hope you enjoy them and feel inspired to try them out.

1.

Guatemalan Braised Beef

Guatemalan Braised Beef

Guatemalan braised beef is one of Guatemala's most traditional recipes. It's a beef stew prepared with meat, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and spices cooked until it forms a thick sauce.

Main Course
1 hour
6 Servings
2.

Pork Backbone with Rice

Pork Backbone with Rice

It is a very delicious dish, the contribution of the pork bone extracts all the flavors, including the other elements make this dish an easy-to-make delicacy with great nutritional value.

Main Course
1 hour
6 Servings
3.

Chicken with Onions

Chicken with Onions

Chicken with onions is a traditional Guatemalan dish cooked slowly with plenty of onion. It’s a very simple and hearty recipe, perfect for any workday because it’s filling and quick to prepare.

Main Course
1 hour
4 Servings
4.

Ground Meat Patties

Ground Meat Patties

It's an easy-to-make recipe; we share the step-by-step. These patties are served accompanied by white rice and homemade tomato sauce. They are delicious meatballs seasoned with spices and aromatic herbs, fried in hot oil until golden and crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside.

Main Course
1 hour
fried
2 Servings
5.

Guatemalan Folded Pastries

Guatemalan Folded Pastries

A great idea for an appetizer are these Guatemalan folded pastries made from a delicious filling with the most traditional ingredients of the region.

Appetizers
1 hour
fried
10 Servings
6.

Pepian

Pepian

Pepian is one of the most popular and representative dishes of Guatemalan cuisine. It is ideal to surprise diners with this exclusive regional recipe.

Main Course
1 hour
6 Servings
7.

Guatemalan Beef Broth

Guatemalan Beef Broth

During the cold season, this is the dish that can't be missing in Guatemalan homes. It is very nutritious, an amalgamation of meat, vegetables, and legumes with an exquisite flavor.

Soups
1 hour
Boiled
6 Servings
8.

Banana Fritters

Banana Fritters

Banana fritters are a Guatemalan dessert made with ripe bananas, flour, and spices. They are considered a specialty of Livingston, Izabal, but are popular throughout the country, usually served with a cup of coffee.

Appetizers
1 hour
fried
8 Servings
9.

Kaq'ik

Kaq'ik

If you want to prepare a typical Guatemalan broth, this is your chance. Kaq'ik is a traditional soup from Guatemalan cuisine. In 2007, it was declared part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

Soups
1 hour
6 Servings
10.

Shredded Beef Stew

Shredded Beef Stew

Shredded beef stew is considered a balanced dish, originating from the Salamanca region, rich in various ingredients that are essential to the palate of many Guatemalans. It is excellent for lunch or dinner.

Main Course
1 hour
Boiled
6 Servings

Top 10 recipes

1.

Pepian

Pepian

Pepian is one of the most popular and representative dishes of Guatemalan cuisine. It is ideal to surprise diners with this exclusive regional recipe.

Main Course
1 hour
6 Servings
2.

Kaq'ik

Kaq'ik

If you want to prepare a typical Guatemalan broth, this is your chance. Kaq'ik is a traditional soup from Guatemalan cuisine. In 2007, it was declared part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

Soups
1 hour
6 Servings
3.

Chicken Stew

Chicken Stew

The Chicken Stew is a typical Guatemalan dish prepared with chicken, toasted pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, cilantro, and a blend of spices that make it unique and delicious.

Main Course
1 hour
Boiled
6 Servings
4.

Shredded Beef Stew

Shredded Beef Stew

Shredded beef stew is considered a balanced dish, originating from the Salamanca region, rich in various ingredients that are essential to the palate of many Guatemalans. It is excellent for lunch or dinner.

Main Course
1 hour
Boiled
6 Servings
5.

Cold Cut Platter

Cold Cut Platter

The cold cut platter is a perfect traditional dish for celebrating with many guests. It is varied and delicious, with a combination of flavors that captivate everyone who tries it. Don't forget to check out this recipe, you won't want to miss it!

Main Course
1 hour
12 Servings
6.

Tamales Torteados

Tamales Torteados

Tamales torteados are a delicious Mexican-style recipe that has won the hearts of Guatemalan cuisine. The dough is carefully torted, filled with succulent chicken, and wrapped in banana leaves before being steamed.

Appetizers
1 hour
Boiled
6 Servings
7.

Stuffed Chiles

Stuffed Chiles

Stuffed chiles, a very popular culinary delight in many countries, are prepared with a mixture of vegetables, meat, and cheese, all wrapped in a roasted poblano chile.

Appetizers
1 hour
5 Servings
8.

Plantain Rellenitos

Plantain Rellenitos

Plantain rellenitos are an exquisite Guatemalan dessert made from ripe Mexican plantains (larger than the usual) with low sugar content. In fact, the filling has variations; it can be made with beans or sweet spread (manjar).

Pastry
1 hour
10 Servings
9.

Tostadas

Tostadas

In Guatemala, toasts are a daily presence at the table. Their charm lies in being an exceptional accompaniment to meals, skillfully combined with traditional ingredients.

Appetizers
1 hour
12 Servings
10.

Corn Husked Elote Pudding

Corn Husked Elote Pudding

Elote pudding is a traditional beverage in some regions of Guatemala, made from fresh corn (tender corn) mixed with milk and sugar. It can be enjoyed cold or hot, with the latter being an ideal option during winter days.

Drinks
1 hour
6 Servings