Antigua, Guatemala
I am just back from grazing. Except on Sundays, three meals a day are included with my immersion Spanish homestay. So today, on my first full day here, and a Sunday, I did get a bit hungry before I was finally ready to wander out to find food. Just down the hill from here yesterday, I had seen a ceviche stand set up by a nearby park. Today I had the chance to try it.
I’ve had ceviche home prepared many times, but it was nothing – nothing – compared to this! Simply fantastic, subtle and perfect spicing. I had taken the option of mixto with both prawns and fish. I asked whether this was just a weekend thing, but no, they are here at lunchtime daily. Fairly expensive, but easy to see why. Totally, simply totally, worth it.
In other food exploration today, I’d have had a local ice cream, but the vendor disappeared into the crowd and I got distracted so didn’t bother to follow. Funny how the ice cream cart vendors always and everywhere announce themselves by ringing a bell as they roll along.
The favorite quick snack here is a tostado spread with avocado with a little cheese, parsley, onion and tomato sauce. I had two – one on my way farther into town and one on my way home.
And then I just have to tell you about Pollo Campero. This Guatemalan chain is literally everywhere in this country and is slowly spreading to other locations as well. It is a fantastic success – Guatemala’s answer to KFC, but the chicken is reputedly less greasy and a bit more spicy. KFC, you’d better be watching your back!
I needed a little something to bring back with me to my room. I had located the restaurant most highly recommended in town for really good Guatemalan food but didn’t have enough appetite to justify it tonight. So I stopped in at Pollo Campero to pick up something light, and ended up with a chicken sandwich.
Well, it was a big sandwich with a slab of breast filet, and it is nearly gone now. I was too full to finish it. I absolutely can see why Guatemalans who fly to the states leave with their carry-on luggage full of this chicken, stinking up planes, and making anyone else who has tried it hunger crazed. The stuff tastes amazing. Really.
After this ceviche and the Pollo Campero, I have a whole new respect for the Guatemalan palate. I am also in one of those states where I feel so full I naively imagine I will never want to eat again.
Food goes to the back burner tomorrow. What ever my homestay family prepares I will eat. Tomorrow I get down to work to reactivate my very dormant Spanish.
Guatemalan Food part 2, Changes over Time
Guatemala 2012, Overview
yum, local foods are always great, what the population supports. enjoy t