| Starting from: | $55per person |
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| Duration: | 3.5 - 4 hours |
| Languages: | English, Spanish |
| Starts at: | Casa Manderina |
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Come ready to grind by hand using the millenary pedernal stone, just as the Maya civilization did over 4,000 years ago. You’ll be the one crushing corn, seeds, and spices, experiencing this living tradition exactly as our communities still do today.
Our Mayan roots are alive in every aspect of our gastronomy, and there is no better way to immerse yourself into it than through our local families. We work with more than 10 families, and your host will take you by tuk-tuk or by chicken bus to one of the villages around Antigua. There, you will cook using traditional ingredients and utensils.
You will prepare and enjoy Guatemalan dishes such as Pepián, Jocón, Kak’ik or a Vegetarian option. Dishes may vary depending on the region of the country, but all are prepared to delight your creation with our communities, surrounded by an atmosphere rich in flavor and culture. Once you learn the technique, you will be able to recreate these dishes from your own kitchen at home. And when you do, please send us a picture of your creation!
Please inform us of your dietary restrictions in advance so we can accommodate you better.
| Departure |
Casa MandarinaCasa Mandarina 2da Calle Poniente 2 Office #8, Antigua Guatemala |
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| Dish 1 |
PepiánThis is the traditional Guatemala Meat Spicy Stew, which is considered by many Guatemalans to be the national dish, Pepíán is one of the oldest treasures of our culinary heritage, born from the fusión of Spanish and Mayan traditions. This meat and vegetable stew is prepared in a thick, rich sauce made from roasted spices such as pepitoria (ground pumpkin seeds), sesame seeds, and others, all blended with roasted tomato and squash. It always includes vegetables and fruits such as pear, squash, carrot, potato, and corn on the cob. The main secret of the dish is the love and the amount of chili (not tongue-numbing spicy) that we will add. |
| Dish 2 |
JocónJocón de pollo is a traditional dish from Huehuetenango, beloved among Guatemala's Mayan communities. Chicken is simmered in a tasty green sauce made with tomatillos and fresh cilantro, then thickened with ground sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and softened corn tortillas. The result is a flavorful, comforting dish that reflects the Depth of Guatemala's regional gastronomy. |
| Dish 3 |
Kak 'ikKak'ik comes from the Q'echi' Maya tradition, dating back to pre-Hispanic times. This rich soup features turkey as its star ingredient, simmered with a blend of species including achiote and Cobanero chile peppers. Women (who traditionally prepare the dish) use native turkeys, it also includes cilantro, tomatoes, and chiles. The vibrant red color comes from achiote, often called the "lipstick tree". The resulting broth is famed for its spiciness. Originating in Cobán, its name means "spicy" in the Q'eqchí Maya language, a hint at the warming, flavorful broth that awaits you. |
| Dish 4 |
VegetarianOne of the delights of Guatemalan cuisine is the incredible variety of herbs, vegetables, fruits, grains, edible flowers, corn, and beans. In our vegetarian option, we will prepare traditional dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farms, showcasing the richness and diversity of plant-based cooking in our culture. |
What You’ll Experience
| 3.5 - 4 hours | |
| English, Spanish | |
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.