EAT IN ASIA / Destinations / Other destinations / Central america / Guatemala
What is a Guatemalan breakfast AKA Desayuno Chapín
Start your day as a real, indigenous Guatemalan guy! Enjoy natural and valuable ingredients and get energy for the rest of the day!
Most Guatemalans have a traditional breakfast that usually contains red beans, eggs, platans, cream or fresh cheese and, of course, tortillas. The form of serving all of them may be different in different eateries and what is even more surprising, different within the same place. Yes, even if you ask for the same breakfast every day, do not be surprised if you get something else. Well, more or less it is the same, however variations are very, very common.
Desayuno Guatemalteco AKA Desayuno Chapín
So, if you opt for a meal like that, head to a local eatery and just ask for a traditional breakfast. Although it is listed in the menu list, it might not be obvious to you, which item is the one you would like to have. Actually, this traditional Guatemalan breakfast is called Desayuno Chapín. Are you surprised?
What does the word ‘chapín’ mean in Guatemala?
This word is a very popular one in Guatemala and commonly used by Guatemalans who feel very proud of being part of that nation. Although it is a slang word it has a very positive meaning and is almost a synonym of being one of the bests.
A short history of the term ‘chapín’
So how did this word appear in the language? Where did it come from? Does this word have any other meaning? Well, the history starts in the fifteenth century when a special kind of shoes – chapín, was very popular among nobles in Spain. And as it is with almost all trendy things, they were extremely uncomfortable. However, that did not discourage Spanish nobles to wear them. Chapíns’ had a wooden soil, had tall platforms and a nicely lined interior. However, while walking, this hard soil was making a lot of noise. From a long distance, one could hear a noble guy walking on a cobblestone road. This sound was similar to a ‘chap chap’, what in consequence, was the origin of the shoes’ name – ‘chapín’.
When Spanish settlers arrived to Guatemala, that was a must for them to wear chapíns there too. No matter whether they were nobles or not, that kind of shoes made them feel someone special and outstanding the rest of the society. Apart from that, due to the fact that these shoes could have such high platforms as even 50 centimeters, they were additionally elevating the possessor. In consequence, the person that was wearing them was outstanding in the height the rest of the population and was automatically placed higher in the whole society.
However, that is one of the theories, and as it is in many cases like that, a lot of hypothesis appear and are created by researchers.
So, after a short introduction, let’s come back to the ‘desayuno chapín’ and let’s see how does it look like.
Desayuno Chapín with eggs, red beans, platans, cream or fresh cheese and tortillas
A traditional Guatemalan breakfast cannot go without eggs, red beans, platans and tortillas. Different forms of serving them are possible, but these components are a ‘must’. Apart from that, a fresh cheese slice or cream can be added too. That all depends both on the day and the local bar or restaurant. Remember, even though you order the same set every day in the same place, you might get something else.
Sometimes beans will be denser, sometimes looser. Once your eggs will be topped with salsa, sometimes not.
Sometimes platans might be deep fried, and sometimes just boiled.
Some days, your breakfast will come with sour cream, and other days with a slice of a fresh cheese. Even sometimes you might get both of them.
Nothing is repeatable and nothing has any special rule that should be followed. The only, and the main rule is to serve red beans with platans, eggs and tortillas.
A traditional Guatemalan breakfast with eggs
Eggs in a Guatemalan breakfast are obligatory and crucial. However, the type of served egg is not strictly defined and in consequence, these eggs are prepared according to your preferences. That means, that not only the form off the egg can be selected, but also the preparation method. What does it exactly mean? Basically, you can get what you like.
You might choose scrambled eggs, fried eggs or even an omelet. Apart from that, you will be probably asked about egg’s yolk and white consistence. That said, you can have them served softer or harder depending on your current taste.
In a regular Guatemalan ‘desayuno chapín’ usually two eggs in either form are served. Even if you opt for an omelet, it will be prepared from two eggs. Probably you can ask for more of them, however that would be probably at an extra cost.
Red beans in a Guatemalan ‘desayuno chapín’
As it is in other countries in that region, for example in Mexico, Costa Rica or in the Dominican Republic, red beans are not only obligatory but also very liked by local people. Beans are also a very good source of vegetable proteins and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
And here comes again a long list of serving ways. Beans might be cooked in a slight and minimal brine just with a dash of salt. They can be served almost as a beans’ soup, what means with a lot of brine, or they can be mashed and served as puree.
Usually no animal fats are added to it and these Guatemalan red beans, generally speaking, are not prepared in an animal broth. But, to be sure, it is always better to ask about it.
Platans in a Guatemalan ‘desayuno chapín’
Platans are a MUST too. Deep-fried, fried or boiled, no matter in which form, they have to be served and added. Platans are known for their health benefits, nutritional richness and their energetical values.
For me the best are these just boiled, but most people prefer these fried, because thanks to the frying process, these platans get a softer and sweeter taste.
Apart from that, deep-fried or fried platans are heavier for your stomach. They are more oily and more soaked in it, what make them less healthy and more difficult to digest.
But if only you had an option to try both types, do it and then choose your prefered style.
Fresh cheese, cream and obligatory tortillas
A small amount of cream or fresh cheese is very often added too. Sometimes both of them come and sometimes just only of them.
The cream is not a very sour one. I would even say it is a sweet one, however sweet from its natural sweetness and not from any additional sweetener.
The cheese is usually very salty and has a delicate texture. It is creamy and if I had to compare it to any other kind of cheese, I would say it is like a cow-milk curd.
Desayuno Chapín cannot exist without tortillas. These so loved corn, small, round ‘Tortillas los tres tiempos’ are obligatory.
What does the term ‘Tortillas los tres tiempos’ mean?
Actually, their name – ‘Tortillas los tres tiempos’ describes the frequency of eating them by Guatemalan people. They serve as a base for a breakfast, lunch and dinner. No meal can go without them.
Tortillas are freshly prepared every day and many times a day, they are sold from baskets and made at home. These Guatemalan tortillas are made from a corn flower and baked, or better to say, grilled on an ironed plate.
They are delicate, relatively light and have little, if at all, fat. These tortillas replace our western-style bread and toasts.
‘Desayno Chapín’ with a cup of a Guatemalan coffee
Finally, the breakfast cannot go without a cup of coffee (Read more about coffees in Mexico: The best Mexican coffee, and in the Dominican Republic: What is 'café dominicano' and where to buy it?). Yes, that is something that is really nice. A mug or a cup of a Guatemalan coffee with or without milk is something worth trying too.
Do not expect any sophisticated form of serving it. No cappuccino, no caffe latte, just a simple filtered coffee served mainly with no milk. Sometimes it is possible to get a cup of a white coffee – more like an americano with milk, but that is usually served with a powdered milk and not with a fresh one. So up to you whether it is a good option for you or not.
I would recommend choosing a black coffee, not only because it is healthier, but also because the Guatemalan coffee is good and when prepared in a coffee filter machine it gets an even richer aroma.
Apart from that, this will let you distinguish different sublime notes in coffee beans from different Guatemalan coffee areas.
A Guatemalan ‘desayuno chapín’ – is it worth trying it?
Yes, definitively it is. Especially when you are in cooler areas or when you need a rich meal. Apart from that, this meals gives you a lot valuable, well-balanced nutrients and give you energy for a long time.
Finally, what is really nice, eating with Guatemalan people in their bars is the best way of indulging in their culture and their society. They are eager to chat with you, learn something about you, your country and your plans. It is also a very good way of widening your horizons and learning something more.
Apart from that, this ‘desayuno chapín’ is something unique and allowing you to taste a really typical Guatemalan meal.
