Most Guatemalan meals consist of meat, beans and rice. Typical meats are chicken, turkey and beef. They are usually served grilled, fried or roasted, according to Food By Country. Meats are often served in spicy stews called caldos. Sometimes entire chickens are stewed, the cooks leaving the feet attached. People living in coastal Guatemala also eat seafood, but it is rare in the country's inland. During special festivals, the indigenous Mayan population eats tobic, a soup made of beef and cabbage, and kilim, a tasty chicken stew served with potatoes and rice.
Like most Latin American countries, the bean is an important staple in Guatemala. The most commonly eaten bean in Guatemala is the black bean, according to Food By Country. They are served at almost every meal, though the form may vary. They can be served whole, mashed up or refried. Other commonly eaten produce includes yucca, radishes, cucumbers, plantains and carrots. Another popular dish is chile relleno, a chile pepper stuffed with meat and other vegetables and then roasted.
As in Mexico, the tortilla is an integral part of the Guatemalan diet. Made from ground corn, the tortilla is served warm and fresh. They are used to wrap up rice, meat and beans. According to Food By Country, many people consider Guatemalan coffee some of the best in the world. However, people in Guatemala prefer to drink coffee that is very weak and highly sweetened. Travelers will be able to find stronger coffee in centers that cater to tourists.
