Small selection of Guatemalan snacks and goods
Guatemalan cuisine isn’t well-known. It’s vaguely Mexican and doesn’t have many distinctive dishes compared to its neighbouring countries. It doesn’t help that there aren’t many Guatemalan restaurants outside of Guatemala. In Toronto, there’s just one: El Quetzal Panaderia y Restaurante.
Also known as El Quetzal Bakery in English, this tiny establishment sells snacks and imported goods from Guatemala and the region.
The food
Hot foods are limited. The entirety of the menu is:
- Tamales (leaf-wrapped corn flour dumplings with various fillings)
- Pupusas (stuffed corn flour cakes, of Salvadoran origin)
- Tacos
- Sopas (soups)
- Carne asada (griled meats)
Their tamal is wrapped in aluminum foil. This was highly unusual as the tamales I’ve eaten were packaged in corn or banana leaves.
Perhaps it was originally wrapped in leaves. The smooth surface of the tamal hinted at this. And there was a band of banana leaf around it.
Although the tamal was small, it was packed with meat. It was also well-seasoned. A piquant mix of tomatoes and spices. The smell of the masa (corn flour) came through. Perfect for a light snack. 8/10.
Guatemalan tacos aren’t tacos at all. They’re better known as flautas or taquitos outside of Guatemala. Essentially, a rolled-up tortilla, deep-fried, then stuffed with various ingredients. The version at El Quetzal Bakery has Salvadoran influences like a heap of curtido (pickled slaw) on it.
Like the tamales, the tacos were filled with meat. However, the taste was one-dimensional. Just tomatoes, salt, pepper, and vinegar from the curtido. The tortilla was crispy though a bit greasy. The parmesan cheese was an odd addition. It clashed with the other flavours. I would have preferred a semi-soft cheese like queso fresco. 6/10.
The place
The small space is equally divided into a dining area, takeout counter, and grocery section. There is perhaps space for 10 diners, so it’s not a bad idea to order takeout. If you do dine in, you can admire the Guatemalan trinkets scattered around the area.
Various confections and beverages from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico are displayed at the counter.
Opposite the counter are 4 shelves with goods from around the region. Overall, it has a neighbourhood corner store feel.
Verdict
Tiny range of Guatemalan snacks, with decent quality. 7.5/10.
Practical information
- Name
- El Quetzal Bakery and Restaurant
- Rating
- 7/10
- Recommended dishes
- Tamal de cerdo
- Prices (including tax)
- Tamal de cerdo: $3.50
Tacos (flautas) de pollo: $5.00 - Address
- 2011 Lawrence Avenue West, Unit 9
- Hours
- Tuesday to Saturday 1100h – 1900h
Sunday 1100h – 1800h - Date of visit
- June 2021, November 2021