Guatemalan cuisine reflects its Mayan heritage. Start with “Quisiera pedir…” (I’d like to order…). Must-try dishes include pepián (meat stew) and kak’ik (turkey soup). For tortillas, specify “De maíz” (corn) or “De harina” (flour). Try atol, a hot corn-based drink. “Desayuno chapín” refers to a traditional Guatemalan breakfast. Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants. “La…
Equatoguinean cuisine blends African, Spanish, and Portuguese influences. Begin with “Me gustaría probar…” (I’d like to try…). Must-try dishes include pepesup (spicy fish soup) and succotash (corn and lima bean stew). For plantains, specify “Maduro” (sweet) or “Verde” (savory). Try malamba, a sugar cane alcohol. “Picante” means spicy, “Suave” means mild. Tipping isn’t customary but…
Salvadoran cuisine is hearty and corn-based. Start with “Me puede servir…” (Can you serve me…). Must-try dishes include pupusas (stuffed corn tortillas) and yuca frita (fried cassava). For pupusa fillings, try “Revueltas” (mixed) or “Queso con loroco” (cheese with loroco flower). “Rigua” is a sweet corn pancake. Try horchata, a popular rice drink. Tipping isn’t…
Ecuadorian cuisine varies from coast to mountains. Begin with “Quisiera ordenar…” (I’d like to order…). Must-try dishes include ceviche (seafood in citrus) and locro de papa (potato soup). For soup toppings, say “Con ají” for hot sauce or “Con aguacate” for avocado. Try chicha, a traditional fermented drink. “Corvina” refers to sea bass, a popular…
Dominican cuisine is a flavorful mix of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. Start with “Me gustaría pedir…” (I’d like to order…). Must-try dishes include mangu (mashed plantains) and sancocho (seven-meat stew). For rum, the national spirit, try “Mamajuana”. “Provecho” wishes others a good meal. “Dame un chin” asks for a small amount. Tipping 10% is…
Cuban cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Begin with “Quisiera…” (I would like…). Must-try dishes include ropa vieja (shredded beef) and moros y cristianos (rice and beans). For rum cocktails, try “Cuba Libre” or “Mojito”. “Hay…?” asks if a dish is available. State “Sin hielo” for drinks without ice. Tipping isn’t customary for locals…
In Argentina, dining is a social affair. Start with “Quisiera hacer una reserva” to make a reservation. When ordering, say “Para mí…” (For me…). Must-try dishes include asado (barbecue) and locro (stew). For steak doneness, use “Jugoso” (rare), “A punto” (medium), or “Bien cocido” (well-done). Don’t forget to try mate, the national drink. Tipping isn’t…
Costa Rican cuisine, or “comida típica,” is hearty and flavorful. Start with “Me puede traer…” (Can you bring me…). Must-try dishes include gallo pinto (rice and beans) and casado (mixed plate). For coffee, Costa Rica’s pride, specify “Chorreado” for traditional drip. Try refrescos naturales, fresh fruit drinks. “Pura vida” is a common phrase meaning “it’s…
Colombian cuisine varies by region. Begin with “Quisiera probar…” (I’d like to try…). Must-try dishes include bandeja paisa (mixed platter) and ajiaco (chicken and potato soup). For coffee, specify “Tinto” (black) or “Con leche” (with milk). Try aguardiente, the anise-flavored national spirit. “Ñapa” means a little extra, often given free. Tipping is usually included as…
Chilean cuisine is diverse and delicious. Start with “Me gustaría…” (I would like…). Must-try dishes include pastel de choclo (corn pie) and curanto (seafood stew). For seafood freshness, ask “¿Es del día?” (Is it today’s catch?). Don’t miss trying pisco sour, the national cocktail. “Al gusto” means “to taste” for customizable dishes. Tipping 10% is…