Guam, a jewel in the Mariana Islands, offers more than just stunning beaches and turquoise waters. For the adventurous traveler, exploring Guam through its food is an absolute must. Guam Food, deeply rooted in the traditions of the indigenous Chamorro people, is a vibrant tapestry of flavors woven from Spanish, Mexican, American, Japanese, and Filipino influences. This unique culinary heritage has resulted in a captivating array of both savory and sweet dishes that promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Let’s dive into the heart of Chamorro cuisine and uncover the top dishes you simply have to try when visiting Guam.
Exploring the Richness of Chamorro Cuisine
Chamorro cuisine is a fascinating reflection of Guam’s history and cultural exchanges. The indigenous Chamorro people have inhabited the Mariana Islands for thousands of years, developing a unique food culture based on local ingredients. The arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century brought significant changes, introducing new ingredients and cooking techniques from Spain and Mexico. This Spanish influence is evident in dishes like Escabeche, showcasing the use of vinegar and pickling methods.
Further culinary layers were added through interactions with American, Japanese, and Filipino cultures, especially in the 20th century. American staples and Japanese and Filipino culinary nuances have been seamlessly integrated into Chamorro cooking, creating a truly global yet distinctly local cuisine. This fusion is what makes Guam food so special – a delicious embodiment of cultural exchange and adaptation.
Top Guam Dishes You Need to Try
To truly experience Guam food, you must venture beyond the familiar and sample the local specialties. Here are ten must-try Chamorro dishes that will guide you on a flavorful journey:
1. Chicken Kelaguen: Guam’s Zesty Ceviche
Chicken Kelaguen is a deceptively simple yet incredibly flavorful dish, often considered a cornerstone of Guam food. Inspired by Filipino and Latin American culinary traditions, Kelaguen is essentially a Chamorro-style ceviche. Shredded or diced chicken is marinated in a vibrant mixture of lemon juice, grated coconut, chopped onions, and chili peppers. The citrus “cooks” the chicken, resulting in a tangy, slightly spicy, and refreshing dish.
Beyond chicken, Kelaguen can also be made with shrimp, fish, or even beef. The zesty marinade remains the star, providing a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the protein. Traditionally, Kelaguen is served with titiyas, thin, island-style tortillas made from coconut flour, adding a subtle sweetness and textural contrast. Chicken Kelaguen is a perfect representation of Guam food’s ability to blend simple ingredients into a complex and satisfying culinary experience.
2. Escabeche: Spanish-Influenced Fish Dish
Escabeche is another prominent dish in Guam food, clearly showcasing Spanish culinary influence. Fish, typically white fish, is poached or fried and then bathed in a flavorful vinegar-based sauce. This is not just any vinegar sauce; it’s enriched with vegetables like eggplant, cabbage, carrots, and green bell peppers, creating a colorful and texturally diverse dish.
Escabeche is often prepared for special occasions and weekend family meals, highlighting its place in traditional Chamorro celebrations. Turmeric and ginger are sometimes added to the sauce, lending a beautiful golden hue and an extra layer of aromatic complexity. The tangy vinegar perfectly balances the richness of the fish and vegetables, making Escabeche a delightful example of Guam food’s Spanish-Chamorro fusion.
3. Finadenne: The Essential Guam Condiment
Finadenne isn’t a dish in itself, but it is arguably the most essential component of any Guam food experience. This ubiquitous dipping sauce is found on virtually every table in Guam, taking the place of ketchup or mayonnaise in other cuisines. Finadenne is a perfectly balanced condiment, hitting all the right notes: sour, salty, and spicy.
The base of Finadenne is soy sauce and vinegar, providing the salty and sour foundation. Finely diced onions, green onions, and donne’ sali (local chili peppers) are added for spice and aromatic depth. Variations can include lemon juice, or even cherry tomatoes for a milder version. Finadenne is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic drizzled over steamed rice, as a marinade for meats, or as a dipping sauce for dishes like lumpia (Chamorro spring rolls). No exploration of Guam food is complete without experiencing the magic of Finadenne.
4. BBQ Short Ribs: Sunset Grill Perfection
Barbecues are a way of life in Guam, and BBQ short ribs are a star attraction. Imagine sinking your teeth into sticky, sweet, and savory short ribs, glazed to amber perfection, all while watching a stunning Guam sunset – pure paradise! Chamorro Island BBQ restaurants, scattered along the coast, are the go-to places for experiencing the best BBQ ribs Guam has to offer.
The marinade for Guam BBQ ribs is typically sweet and savory, often incorporating soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and local spices. The ribs are slow-cooked to tender perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and create a truly unforgettable Guam food experience. Paired with a cold local beer and a simple side salad, BBQ short ribs are the quintessential end to a perfect day in Guam.
5. BBQ Chicken: A Flavorful Island Staple
Following the barbecue theme, BBQ chicken is another incredibly popular Guam food dish. Chamorro BBQ chicken shares a similar marinade profile with the short ribs, emphasizing the sweet and savory notes. However, it often includes a touch of chili or hot peppers to add a balancing hint of spice, cutting through the sweetness.
The chicken is grilled to crispy-skinned, juicy perfection, making it incredibly addictive. Red rice, another Chamorro staple, is the perfect accompaniment to BBQ chicken. Like the ribs, each Guam BBQ restaurant often boasts its own secret marinade recipe, adding subtle variations and depth of flavor to this beloved Guam food classic.
6. Hotnon Babui: The Festive Roasted Pig
Hotnon Babui, or roasted pig, is the centerpiece of grand Chamorro celebrations and luaus. This extravagant and indulgent dish is designed to feed large gatherings, embodying the communal spirit of Guam food culture. Preparing Hotnon Babui is a labor of love, requiring hours of slow roasting as a whole pig is turned on a spit, patiently basted to ensure moist and flavorful meat throughout.
The result is incredibly tender and succulent pork with crispy skin, infused with smoky flavors from the roasting process. And what’s the perfect pairing for this feast? Finadenne, of course! The tangy, spicy dipping sauce cuts through the richness of the pork, creating a harmonious balance of Chamorro flavors. If you have the opportunity to experience Hotnon Babui at a Guam celebration, don’t miss it – it’s a true taste of Guam food tradition.
7. Red Rice: The Colorful Chamorro Side Dish
Red rice, or hineksa’ aga’ga’, is a foundational element of Guam food and Chamorro cuisine. You’ll find this vibrantly colored rice dish at every buffet, fiesta, and Guam restaurant across the island. The key ingredient that gives red rice its distinctive hue and subtle flavor is achiote seeds (annatto seeds) or powder.
Achiote imparts a beautiful golden-red color and a mild, slightly peppery flavor to the rice. While the flavor is subtle, achiote is primarily used as a natural food coloring, making red rice visually appealing and instantly recognizable as a Guam food staple. Red rice is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, stews, and kelaguen, completing the Chamorro dining experience.
8. Bunelos Aga (Banana Donuts): Sweet Banana Goodness
For those with a sweet tooth, Bunelos Aga, or banana donuts, are a delightful Guam food treat. These soft, warm, and sweet donuts are made with local bananas, deep-fried to golden perfection, and dusted with sugar. They are often enjoyed dipped in maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Variations of Bunelos Aga sometimes incorporate canned peaches into the batter, adding another layer of fruity flavor and sweetness. These banana donuts are simple yet incredibly satisfying, embodying the comforting sweetness of Guam food desserts.
9. Gollai Appan Lenmai (Breadfruit in Coconut Milk): A Vegan Delight
Gollai Appan Lenmai showcases the versatility of breadfruit, a staple ingredient in Guam food thanks to the island’s perfect growing climate. Lenmai (breadfruit) is prepared in a variety of ways in Chamorro cuisine, but Gollai Appan Lenmai highlights its creamy texture and mild flavor.
In this vegan dish, breadfruit is baked in rich coconut milk until tender and infused with the coconut’s subtle sweetness. Sometimes, a sprinkle of sugar is added to enhance the sweetness. Gollai Appan Lenmai offers a comforting, potato-like texture and a mild, naturally sweet flavor, demonstrating the plant-based side of Guam food.
10. Latiya: The Crown Jewel of Chamorro Desserts
Saving the best for last, Latiya is often considered the crown jewel of Guam food desserts. This yummy and fluffy dessert is a vanilla custard spongecake, generously topped with cinnamon and sugar. Latiya is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, reminiscent of both creme caramel and bread pudding.
Its creamy custard base, light spongecake layers, and warm cinnamon topping make it a truly irresistible treat. Latiya is a must-try for anyone exploring the sweet side of Guam food, offering a perfect ending to any Chamorro meal.
Where to Experience Authentic Guam Food
To fully immerse yourself in the world of Guam food, a visit to the Chamorro Village Market is highly recommended. Open daily until late, this vibrant market is a food lover’s paradise, especially on Wednesday nights when it comes alive with even more vendors and stays open until midnight.
At the Chamorro Village Market, you can sample a wide array of Guam food, from BBQ ribs and chicken with red rice to Chicken Kelaguen and shrimp Kelaguen. Don’t forget to indulge in a refreshing coconut juice and a fried banana donut for dessert. Beyond the market, numerous local restaurants throughout Guam offer authentic Chamorro cuisine, allowing you to explore the diverse flavors of Guam food across the island.
For any recommendations on dining and sightseeing in Guam, feel free to Contact us at Crowne Plaza Resort Guam. Our Concierge team is always happy to assist you in discovering the best of Guam!
