October 3rd 2018
It can be confusing, maybe even mysterious, but make sure you dig into some great-tasting street food during your small group adventure trip to Guatemala.
As you and your travel buddies trek through remote villages, hang out in colonial-era central squares, or pass through church plazas, you’ll see hard-working señoras dishing out delicious, traditional food (comida típica), including thick, hot drinks and sweet treats.
While some vendors hit the street pretty much every day with their rustic grills, boiling kettles, and overflowing straw baskets, their presence multiplies on holidays and special events, especially during Lent and Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua Guatemala as processions and vigils take place.
Our street food tour guide, Juan Carlos Orellana, who also owns the Saberico restaurant in Antigua, explains that the traditional food scene has a special role during Semana Santa:
“Even the restaurants know that during Semana Santa, the locals prefer comida típica as part of the tradition. The vendors set up around parks and outside the churches to prepare and sell food. Other times of year, the locals would go to their favorite comedor (rustic diner), but during Semana Santa, they stay with comida típica from the vendors, who rent space from the church.
“The best time to find comida típica in Antigua is in the evening when churches have their velaciones (holy vigils). After the services, people stop at their favorite food stall to share a meal and maybe do a little celebrating — things often get lively! You’ll find the most vendors at two churches, San Bartolomé Becerra and La Merced. It’s so good, and there’s so much variety, that people drive from Guatemala City just to enjoy the food and atmosphere!”
Whether it’s Semana Santa, a holiday, festival, or an ordinary weekend or weekday, here’s the rundown from Juan Carlos on the most common street food items:
MAIN DISHES
SWEET TREATS
For more information on Guatemala check out our articles on the great festivals for Semana Santa (Easter) and Guatemala’s unique Day of the Dead Kite Festival. Also find out about Inspirit’s unique Uaxactun eco community experience in the northern jungles of Guatemala within the Maya Archaeology complex and community at Uaxactun – something really not to be missed and is included in our “Guatemala Incredible” package and our “Guatemala Total” vacation.
October 3rd 2018
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