Guatemalan Cuisine

Guatemalan cuisine is rooted in the ancient traditions of the Maya, built around the sacred trinity of corn, beans and squash, and enriched by Spanish influence. Corn tortillas accompany every meal, and dishes range from the rich, spiced meat stews pepian and kak'ik to tamales wrapped in leaves, hearty black beans, fried plantains and the many regional specialities of the highland markets, all rounded off with the country's justly famous, high-quality coffee.

What you actually see

• Pepian - the rich, spiced meat-and-vegetable stew.
• Tamales - the corn dough steamed in leaves.
• Tortillas and black beans - the corn tortillas and beans of every meal.
• Guatemalan coffee - the famous highland coffee.

When to go

Year-round; the market comedores, or simple eateries, and the highland markets are the place for cheap, authentic home-style food, and the coffee regions around Antigua reward a plantation visit and tasting.

Honest expectations

Guatemalan food is hearty, corn-based and comforting rather than fiery or refined, so its appeal is honest home cooking and the fine coffee rather than bold flavour. Market and comedor food is cheap and good from busy spots, though take the usual care with water and salads. The coffee, especially from Antigua, is world-class and a highlight.

Nearby

The Antigua region for coffee; every highland market has its specialities.