Patín is a Tz’utujil dish from Lake Atitlán most people outside Guatemala have never heard of, small fish and a thick tomato-chile recado wrapped in maxán leaves. Here’s the traditional recipe, its history in Santiago Atitlán, and where to try it today.
Guatemalan drinks are some of the most diverse, deeply rooted, and least-known traditional beverages in all of Latin America — from fermented frescos served at Semana Santa processions to thick, spiced atoles ladled out before sunrise at highland markets. Some of them go back to the Maya. Some arrived with the Spanish. Most of them … Read more
This fresco de tiste recipe is one of the oldest traditional Guatemalan drinks you can make at home — a cold, dark, slightly thick cacao drink made from toasted cacao seeds and toasted corn, ground together with cinnamon and cloves and stirred into cold water. It’s been around since the Mayan people were drinking it … Read more
This fresco de pepita recipe is one of those traditional Guatemalan drinks that most people outside the country have never heard of, even though it’s been a staple in Zacapa and Chiquimula forever. It’s made from toasted squash seeds — pepita de ayote — blended with water and sweetened to taste, served cold over ice. … Read more
This fresco de suchiles recipe is one of the most iconic and culturally significant traditional Guatemalan drinks you’ll ever make. This lightly fermented, deeply aromatic Semana Santa drink that’s been poured in Guatemala City’s Zona 1 for generations. This is a unique traditional Guatemalan drink that almost nobody outside Guatemala has ever heard of. If … Read more
This fresco de chinchivir recipe is my version of one of Guatemala’s most distinctive and least-talked-about traditional drinks — a sharp, spiced lemon and ginger fresco that originated in the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala and has been quenching the thirst of Guatemalans during the hottest part of the year for generations. I tried chinchivir … Read more
This fresco de chilacayote recipe is one of those traditional Guatemalan drinks that’s been on Semana Santa tables for generations but somehow never makes it into the conversation outside of Guatemala. It’s made by simmering chilacayote squash with panela, cinnamon, cloves, fresh ginger, and allspice until the water turns a beautiful golden amber — then … Read more
If you are looking for a comforting, traditional drink, this Guatemalan atol de plátano recipe is a wonderful place to start. Also known as plantain atole, atol de plátano is one of those warm drinks you see everywhere in Guatemala, especially on cooler days. It is simple, filling, and deeply rooted in everyday Guatemalan food … Read more
If you’re looking for a traditional Guatemalan punch recipe to enjoy this holiday you are sure to love this easy recipe for caliente de piña, this variation of the traditional fruit punch gives Christmas a tropical and warm flavor. Every December, my family looks forward to warm holiday drinks, and this year we added something … Read more
If you’re wondering what people eat during Semana Santa in Guatemala, this guide will walk you through the most delicious and meaningful dishes of the season. I’ll be sharing the most traditional Guatemalan Semana Santa foods, the cultural stories behind them, and recipes you can try at home. From torrejas and bacalao to empanadas de … Read more
