Fall in Love with Guyana Through its Food

There is nothing better for a foodie than to explore the country through the sense of taste. Guyana is a melting pot of cultures – embodying culinary cues from the Chinese, East Indians, Africans, Portuguese, Dutch, British and its Indigenous Peoples.

While the bigger towns like Georgetown and Lethem boast global cuisines in atmospheric restaurants and cafes, as you travel deeper into the interior, you get to taste the food that makes the country tick. Here are some quick tips for foodies keen on exploring Guyana’s rich culinary offerings.

Eating in Georgetown

Given that Georgetown sits by the Atlantic coast, fresh seafood is high on the list of dishes in the capital city. Pork, beef and chicken are popular as well, with rice as a common staple to accompany the succulent meat recipes. Fresh fruit and vegetables you’ve probably have never had are readily available as well. Here are some of our top picks that cater to the well-heeled expats, travelers and Guyanese city-dwellers:

Cara Lodge – Bottle Bar & Restaurant at this vintage hotel is one of the city’s premium dining options. Rice and curry combos and the modern rendition of the cassareep-based pepperpot from Guyana’s Indigenous culture are always recommended. Cara Lodge also features an open-air courtyard café and bar built around a Guyanese mango tree.

Grand Coastal Hotel – Not staying long in Georgetown but want to experience it all food-wise? Try the “Flavours of Guyana” night at the Grand Coastal Hotel on Wednesdays, where you can taste local favorites like eggplant dishes, channa curry, pepperpot, local fish, and farine inspired from the local kitchens of Guyana.

The Backyard Café – Ease yourself into the local culinary landscape at The Backyard Café, run by Chef Delven Adams (who recently featured on celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey’s new global cooking show). From shopping alongside him for ingredients in the markets to whipping up marvelous fusion cuisine in his cheery home-style café, Delven is a gracious host and the perfect person to introduce you to all the Guyanese flavors.

Herdmanston Lodge – Boasting a menu of both local and international specialties, the best part of the lodge’s inhouse restaurant is not only the food, but also the atmosphere. Choose a table in the semi-open area for a breezy meal in a relaxing atmosphere.

Guyana Marriott – The sea-facing Guyana Marriott offers international, American and seafood dishes at the Caribe Boardwalk Pool Bar & Grill, Great Room and Terra Mare Restaurant, respectively. “Fresh from the ocean” seafood is deliciously prepared at the Terra Mare and is undeniably one of the best picks of the city.