Guatemala Vegetarian Dishes: Top 5 Meatless Food to Try When You're in the Central American Country

Guatemala has a lot of foods that have become a part of the daily diet. With the onset of a pandemic, different diets and lifestyles, like being vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian, have emerged, intending to improve one's health.

And the only challenge is sticking to that lifestyle when flavorful foods become a temptation during travel, especially if you are in Guatemala.

Dishes in Guatemala reflect the country's evolution throughout the decades. The Central American country experienced being ruled by the Mayan empire, the Spanish empire, and of course, the modern republic, according to Food in Every Country.

Top 5 Vegetarian Dishes in Guatemala

Culture trip noted that meats usually take the lead role in many traditional Guatemalan dishes. However, vegetarians will not feel out of place when visiting this country, as Guatemala boasts flavorful meatless dishes in its arsenal.

If you're a vegetarian and you happen to visit this country, here are five must-try meatless dishes you should put on your list.

Chapin Breakfast

Who would refuse a good and hearty breakfast? Chapin breakfast is one of the meals that can start up a vegetarian's day.

According to Gamin Traveler, chapin features a variety of meatless options, as this breakfast highlights two scrambled eggs, boiled or grilled bananas, and seasonal fruit to make your meal starter fancy.

Chapin is also composed of homemade tortillas and a hearty serving of beans. This breakfast is also often accompanied by fresh cheese or, as they call it, "queso fresco."

Tostadas

Another addicting snack that can be found on the streets of Guatemala is the tostadas.

Tostadas can be a great option for vegetarian meals, as customers can pick what kind of toppings will be placed on a crispy flat tortilla, Culture Trip reported.

Most stalls selling tostadas offer a variety of toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and frijoles or beans.

Guatemalan Radish Salad

If you're looking for a quick side dish, Guatemalan radish salad may be the one for you. This salad is made with avocado, tomato sauce, and of course, radish. Beef is usually added, but people can remove the meat to stay vegetarian.

Tamales

A trip to Latin America is not complete without trying tamales. Eaten in Guatemala since the days of the ancient Maya, tamales in this country are usually served with cheese, chilies, and beans inside a corn dough.

The said dough is wrapped with either a banana leaf or corn husk before it is steamed. Tamales are usually eaten as a snack or for breakfast.

Banana Bread

Guatemala also serves sweet cuisines aside from savory dishes. If you are looking for a sweet treat that will make you feel full, why not try the banana bread.

According to Culture Trip, banana bread is a cultural staple for Guatemalan cuisine, as it is available in almost every panaderia or bakery.

These are only five of the vegetarian options in Guatemala. Other dishes that vegetarians could eat include soups, "elotes" or Mexican street corn, and even vegetarian empanadas.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Guatemalan Food 7 Traditional Dishes You MUST Taste - From Trending Head