Guyana, one of the four smallest countries in South America, is the only Nation State, part of the Commonwealth of Nations, on this continent, and the only English-speaking country in South America.

Its population is made up of native aborigines, Europeans (mostly English), Africans, Chinese, Indians….all this made up a fused nationality using the English or Creole language. The origin of the Creole name comes from the time when the Spanish began to call their descendants criollos or criollos, to give relevance to the fact that their children were born in the new continent. It actually includes all generations born on the continent, be they African, French or Indian.

This mestizo culture also influenced their food, and because of this, whether it is Chinese food or the spices used by the Indians, they are now part of the Guyanese cuisine. In this kitchen, green bell peppers, onions, and celery are a favorite!

Creole dishes have incorporated spicy sauces, fresh vegetables, fried meats, seafood. Creole food is the mixture created centuries ago, when the Spanish arrived in America and brought the Africans.

So we can say that the cuisine of Guyana, due to its roots, is recognized for its simplicity and freshness. Although it can be complicated in the preparations, the results will always seem simple and fresh.

Guyanese food is prepared very carefully with the right amount of spices, and maybe they also color the dishes to make them more elegant. They prepare vegetables in many different ways, and because of that diversity, if we add the large amount of cereals they have, we have their traditional dishes. As they also produce sugar and rum, the desserts are very rich in flavor and always very sweet and tasty.

They have inherited from India, their curries, for their meats, and chickens… from Africa different ways of cooking rice and chicken, from Portugal they got their love for pork (normally made for Christmas). Is it any wonder then that Guyanese love to eat, love their food?

When you are in Guyana, remember that trying their beer is almost a must… it is very good!