CubaPLUS Magazine

By definition, street food is ready-to-eat or quick cooked food or drink sold by a vendor. If one were to use that definition as reference, there would be no doubting the fact that Guyana can proudly boast having a wide, delicious assortment. What makes it even more unique is that Guyanese street food is reflective of our six peoples.

Often times from just one vendor a visitor can enjoy food inspired by our people’s diverse heritage including: mouthwatering curries wrapped in fragrant roti inspired by our Indian ancestry, carefully prepared ground provision and cassava pone from our African ancestry, sweet cassava bread quinches from our indigenous people, appetizing flaky meat, fruit or cheesy pastries inspired by our European ancestors, delectable black bean cakes (Chinese cakes) from the Chinese, and flavorful pancakes from the Portuguese. With this kind of variety, even the most finicky of eaters is sure to find something that will tantalize their tastebuds.

Still don’t believe me? Let me take you on a &street food tour". Here’s the itinerary: Commence with a morning excursion to any of Guyana’s many markets (come hungry). Guyana’s largest market, Stabroek, has an entire section for foodies. You nose will guide you as you walk. Many older Aunties will try to talk you into buying their &just made" Baigan (eggplant) Choka and Saltfish and bakes. Although almost impossible, if you don’t find anything that entices you there, head over to the street side stalls at Bourda Market for some fried fish and bread, Baiganee or bara with hot pepper sauce and some ice cold cane juice or Mauby to wash it all down.

If you are on the East Coast check out Mon Repos Market on the East Coast. Sunny and Sweeties, a mom and pop- owned shop, offers lots of &grab and go grub" ranging from the familiar: dhal puri (a warm lentil filled flatbread) and fishcakes served with spicy mango &sour" or hot chicken curry, to the not so familar, bunjal kreketa (snails) with sada roti.

Central Georgetown is a heaven for street food lovers. Beacon cafe, Shanta’s and Hot and spicy creole corner all serve up staple street food favs such as Eggball, potato ball, Cassava Ball, Pholouri and Channa. For those craving something more, qik serv on Main Street offers black and white pudding, patties and Salara (coconut roll), all made fresh daily.

Of course you will want to try something sweet and maggies snackette is just the place! Their pine tarts are a MUST TRY! NEXT stop: the GT seawall. IF you’re looking for the real &Cooked in front of your face food" this is the place. Sample grillmaster Simon’s kebabs based with his secret sauce and grilled to tasty perfection. But that’s just the start, along the &wall" you can sample fish and chips, hotdogs and burgers, plantain chips and snow cones topped with luscious condensed milk.

But wait...what’s that ? That, my friend, is &Gun oil", it’s seasoned boil corn and as the seller will tell you &It gon build up yuh back and mek yuh strong."

Feeling full? This tour isn’t over yet! Meet me back this evening at the grill shack on Water st. While we chill on the pave with a cold beer, Chef Rondae Hawlker will whip us up some pasta on the grill (yes, you heard me right) paired with your choice of jerk chicken or BBQ pork. Take home his signature stuffed burger for later