Yel Kaye – Travel Blog, Writing and Photography

In Canada, we are used to seeing food and drink from all over the world.

But in developed countries, people think it’s weird to see such a diverse, “globalized” selection of products.

“Why is there shawarma in Ouagadougou?”

“What’s the deal with all the Chinese restaurants in Panama City?”

“Isn’t it silly to go get Indian food in Quetzaltenango?”

But really, why shouldn’t there be all these choices in poorer countries? Why does it offend some people’s sensibilities to see “unauthentic” things in other countries?

The real question is: Is the stuff good, or is it gross?

And so, let me review some of the “foreign” food available here in Quetzaltenango (Xela):

Indian Food: Sabor de la India, unfortunately one of the most expensive restaurants in Xela (best for an occasional treat) is perhaps the city’s most delicious place to eat. Sure, it’s not exactly like it tastes back home, but the ingredients are fresh, the portions huge, and the flavours incredible.

Chinese food: know how Chinese food in North America is a greasy, fake approximation of real Chinese food? Well, Chinese food in Guatemala is a greasy, fake approximation of our greasy, fake approximation.

Bubble tea: One of my absolute favourite places to have a coffee or lunch in Quetzaltenango (which shall remain nameless) is now offering Bubble Tea. I have a feeling someone brought back a big box of the stuff on their last trip to the states, and now thought it would be a good idea to sell the stuff. Bad idea. I had to order bubble tea in Guatemala, just because it is one of my favourite things in the world. But seriously, a milky drink with black things floating at the bottom do not a good bubble tea make.

Now, don’t even get me started on the poutine I found in West Africa.

Next entry on Yelkaye.net:

“Aiding and Abetting Adultery in Guatemala.”