Table of Contents

Guyanese Cuisine

Pepperpot

Pepperpot is a traditional Guyanese stew made with meat (usually beef, pork, or sometimes chicken) cooked in a rich and spicy sauce flavored with cassareep (a thick, dark sauce made from cassava), cinnamon, cloves, and other aromatic spices. It's often served at special occasions, such as Christmas. 1)

Cook-up Rice

Cook-up rice is a one-pot dish made with rice, peas (typically black-eyed peas or pigeon peas), and various meats such as chicken, pork, or salted beef, flavored with coconut milk, herbs, and spices. It's a popular comfort food in Guyana, often served with fried plantains. 2)

Metemgee

Metemgee is a hearty Guyanese soup/stew made with a combination of root vegetables (such as cassava, sweet potatoes, and eddoes), plantains, dumplings, and meats (such as chicken, beef, or fish), cooked in coconut milk and flavored with garlic, onions, and pepper. 3)

Roti

Roti is a type of Indian flatbread that's popular in Guyana, often served with various curries or stews. It's made from wheat flour dough, rolled thin, and cooked on a hot griddle or tawa. There are different types of roti, including dhalpuri (roti stuffed with seasoned split peas) and paratha (flaky roti). 4)

Curry

Curry dishes are widely enjoyed in Guyana, reflecting the country's Indian heritage. Popular curries include chicken curry, beef curry, and shrimp curry, typically served with rice or roti and accompanied by various condiments like mango chutney, cucumber salad, and pepper sauce. 5)

Bake and Saltfish

Bake and saltfish is a classic Guyanese breakfast dish made with salted codfish (saltfish) sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and peppers, served with fried dough (bake) or fried plantains. It's a flavorful and filling dish. 6)

Egg Ball

Egg ball is a popular Guyanese snack made by wrapping hard-boiled eggs in seasoned ground meat mixture, dipping them in beaten egg and breadcrumbs, then deep-frying until golden brown. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 7)

Pepperpot Soup

Pepperpot soup is a variation of the traditional pepperpot stew, but served in soup form. It's made with the same flavorful broth but with additional vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and okra, creating a hearty and comforting soup. 8)

Cassava Bread

Cassava bread is a traditional Indigenous food in Guyana, made from cassava root (also known as yuca or manioc). The cassava is grated, pressed to remove excess liquid, and then baked into thin, crispy flatbreads. It's often served with butter or cheese. 9)

Guyanese Chow Mein

Guyanese chow mein is a stir-fried noodle dish made with egg noodles, mixed vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers), and your choice of protein (such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu), seasoned with soy sauce and other spices. 10)

Black Cake

Black cake is a dense and rich fruitcake that's a staple dessert during Christmas and other special occasions in Guyana. It's made with dried fruits (such as raisins, prunes, and currants) soaked in rum or wine, mixed with spices, and baked until dark and moist. 11)

Salara

Salara, also known as coconut roll or red cake, is a sweet treat made with grated coconut, sugar, and spices rolled up in dough, then baked until golden brown. It's often coated in a syrup made from brown sugar and water for extra sweetness. 12)

Pholourie

Pholourie is a popular Indo-Guyanese snack made from seasoned split pea flour batter, deep-fried into small, round fritters. They're often served with a tangy tamarind chutney or mango sour, making for a delicious and addictive appetizer. 13)

Mauby

Mauby is a traditional Guyanese beverage made from the bark of the mauby tree, boiled with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, sweetened with sugar, and served chilled over ice. It has a unique bittersweet flavor and is believed to have various health benefits. 14)

Pumpkin and Cassava Pone

Pone is a traditional Guyanese dessert made with grated pumpkin and cassava (yuca) mixed with coconut milk, sugar, spices, and sometimes raisins, then baked until firm and golden brown. It's moist, sweet, and fragrant, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. 15)