If you pay attention you’ll find Denver’s vibrant dining scene showcases cultural diversity in many ways, especially when it comes to Latin American cuisine. Through restaurants, food trucks, and private chefs we’re delving into the culinary traditions of Central America through six countries that serve as a physical bridge between North and South America.
Though these nations are small and geographically close, each has developed a distinctive culinary identity. They also share common threads through ingredients such as plantains, black beans, and flat corn breads. as serving vessels. Eat along as we uncover the unique flavors and traditions that make these cuisines so special.
Explore a Taste of Guatemala
Convivio Café
Located in the Highlands neighborhood, Convivio Café has quickly become a beloved spot for those seeking authentic Guatemalan cuisine and coffee. Conceptualized by Kristin Lacy and Vivi Lemus, the cafe showcases their shared love for hospitality and Guatemalan culture. Lemus, who is Guatemalan-born but has called Colorado home for over 20 years, honed her culinary skills as a cooking instructor at Re:Vision. This nonprofit is dedicated to community and food in the Westwood neighborhood, and is also the place the pair first connected.
In Guatemala a convivio means a welcoming get together where all can come together. Such is the vibe of Convivio Café, where guests can savor the rich flavors of a Café del Día. Or, sip on the soothing warmth of Té Caliente, featuring artisanal tea blends sourced from the highlands of Totonicapán, Guatemala.
Complement a drink with traditional vegan Champurrada cookies, or opt for something more substantial like the Frijoles con Plataninas plate. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Convivio Café invites you to experience the warmth and community spirit of Guatemala. 4935 W. 38th Ave., Denver, conviviocafe.com
La Guatemalteca
Located across town, La Guatemalteca serves as a one-stop destination for Guatemalan cuisine, baked goods, and groceries. The well-known establishment features a menu with traditional breakfast options, grilled and fried dishes, hearty soups, and special offerings like tamales and pupusas. Guatemalan food is notably meat-forward, and La Guatemalteca delivers with flavorful cuts prepared to perfection. You can also indulge in a sweet treat from the dessert selection.
If you’re hosting an event, La Guatemalteca offers catering, serving combo plates with meat options and sides. The eatery operatesMonday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 10329 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, laguatemaltecarestaurante.com
Sampling the Cuisine of El Salvador
El Chalate
A common thread among independently owned Latin American restaurants is the strong presence of family, and El Chalate is no exception. Marta Leon, along with most of her children, run the restaurant on East Colfax. El Chalate serves up four variations of El Salvador’s national dish, pupusas.
In addition to pupusas, the menu features other traditional delights such as Yuca Frita, a crispy fried root vegetable, and Carne Guisada, a hearty stewed steak dish served with potatoes, carrots, rice, and beans. El Chalate not only offers a satisfying meal but also won’t break the bank, making it the go-to spot for enjoying Salvadoran cuisine in Denver. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 8119 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, elchalate.com
El Lucero
With two locations, El Lucero brings the flavors of El Salvador to Littleton and Denver. The restaurant is the culmination of husband and wife team Rolando Guerra and Ana Dalila’s culture. Dalila, an immigrant from the small town of Chalatenango in El Salvador, learned her culinary skills from her mother, who owned a restaurant back home.
At El Lucero a variety of Salvadoran dishes grace the menu, starting with Camarones Salteados, a meal of pan-fried shrimp with bell peppers and onions. Also look for soups, tamales, and a selection of over 10 different pupusas. Each dish reflects the authentic taste of Ana’s heritage, bringing the warmth of Salvadoran hospitality to Colorado. 1500 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton and 2127 S. Sheridan Blvd. Denver, ellucerorestaurant.com
Hitting All the Senses of Honduras
Xatrucho
Chef-owner Edwin Sandoval hails from Honduras and relocated to Colorado at the age of 10. Through his food truck and catering business Xatrucho (pronounced Ka-trew-cho), his heritage and upbringing shines through. This venture pays tribute to his homeland and his mother, with a focus on authentic, clean nutrition. Originally aspiring to become a dentist, Sandoval discovered his true calling in the kitchen by the time he finished high school.
Sandoval’s deep connection to Honduras is evident in his cooking, and enlivened by trips back home. The latest adventure included a two-and-a-half month solo motorcycle journey through the country. The trip allowed him to reconnect with family and explore local kitchens and ingredients to help inspire his dishes.
Back in Denver, Sandoval offers private catering with a curated menu featuring Honduran specialties such as Pastelitos, Chicken with Negro Mole, and Carne Guisada, a dish featuring brisket braised in sofrito sauce, served on a potato purée, and topped with shaved cabbage slaw and lime-pickled red onions. xatruchoconcepts.com
El Tamarindo
El Tamarindo is a vibrant spot that serves a mix of Central American cuisines, but it holds a special place for those seeking Honduran flavors. The lively restaurant often has guests spilling out from the indoor dining room and bustling patio into the parking lot, adding a party vibe to go with the tasty dishes.
Aside from fun, the restaurant is known for friendly staff, delicious food, and reasonable prices. Look for Honduran staples including Baleada, a classic dish made of a thick, fluffy flour tortilla folded over refried red beans, crumbled cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream. Try the Pastelito too, a savory turnover filled with a mixture of seasoned ground meat, usually beef or chicken, combined with vegetables like potatoes or carrots. 7700 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, restauranteltamarindo.com
Eats From Nicaragua and Costa Rica
Gallo Pinto
This food truck offers healthy street food inspired by the vibrant flavors of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. With a focus on dietary health, including accommodations for allergies, restrictions, and health-conscious living, everyone can indulge in tasty Latin-Afro Caribbean meals. One standout dish is Gallo Pinto, a classic combination of rice and black beans, tossed with broths, mild spices, and the distinctive light brown Lizano sauce, a Costa Rican condiment created in 1920. Next savor Keto Kebabs, Maduros (sweet fried plantains), and Street Corn. gallopintolatinroots.com
Plates From Panama
DosMares.Co
Food trucks are a fantastic way to discover worldwide cuisine, as evidenced by the success of the food truck park outside of La Plaza in Aurora. It’s here you’ll find genuine Panamanian flavors thanks to DosMares.Co. The truck also hosts pop-ups at various events around town including the North Field Artisan Market and Tennyson Summer Festival. The menu consists of small plates, including empanadas and ceviche.
There’s also a catering side featuring items such as Arroz con Guandú y Carne Guisada, which is rice with pigeon peas and stewed beef. Also look for Mariscos Panameños, a dish of plantain cakes topped with shrimp. Finally, take a bite of the wild side and try Panameño Saou, also known as pickled pork feet. Pair the meal with a refreshing agua fresca. facebook.com/DosMares.CO
