I’m going to be honest with you.
I found the food in Guatemala pretty…underwhelming.
Although I had the odd flavoursome treat (the snacks cooked by a Dona from my Spanish school in Xela come to mind), Guatemalan food is not like the food of neighbouring Mexico. It’s not spicy and is often doughy.
With one exception.
Fried chicken.
Guatemaltecos love their fried chicken. And during my time in the country, my fascination with the Guatemalan fast food restaraunt Pollo Campero bordered on obsession.
Similar to KFC (but tastier!), Pollo Campero started in Guatemala in the 1970s and today you can find restaurants all over the world – throughout Central America, the USA, Spain and even, oddly, India.
Apparently though, the most authentic Pollo Campero to be had is that in the what must be hundreds of restaraunts all over Guatemala. They even deliver.
So the story goes, flights from Guatemala to the USA have had to ban passengers from bringing Pollo Campero on board because of the smell of fried chicken permeating the cabin.
If you’re in Guatemala, eating at a Pollo Campero is a must.
Today you’ll usually find Pollo Campero next to a McDonalds, and they’re as ubiquitous in Guatemala as the golden arches are in the rest of the world.
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In May 2010 I left my job and Australia to travel the world indefinitely. This is the story of that trip and the others to come. Want to know 
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Not so sure if it´s a good thing having a fast food restaurant that home delivers
But I read on other travel blogs as well about Pollo Campero having really good fried chicken. Normally I rarely visit fast food restaurants like McDonalds, and I guess i´m one of the few people that never visited KFC before. But if I ever come across a Pollo Campero, I will definitely try the fried chicken 
Hey Tijmen! It’s not just Pollo Campero – my sister and I were really excited that McDonalds delivers in Hong Kong, too – although there is one every few hundred metres on Hong Kong Island so it’s not really necessary, but we did it for laughs!
I saw the Pollo Campero EVERYWHERE! I never tried it because I’m not a big fan of greasy, fried chicken. I much preferred the homemade tortillas and fresh avocados. But you are right…. this is the McDonalds of Guatemala.
But that’s what’s so great about Pollo Campero – it’s actually not very greasy! I mean, some of it is but the tasty snacks like the pechugitas (sp?!) aren’t. And yes, I agree the fresh avocados are A M A Z I N G.
Everybody seems to love Pollo Campero – travelers and locals alike! We are both vegetarians, so we never tried it, but I bet it must be good as it is always busy in there
Yeah, probably not the most vege-friendly restaurant
But they do pizza, too!
That looks pretty amazing!
It was indeed, Kris!
There are stores in the US?! Adding this to my US road trip list (in which I don’t think I’ll be doing ANYTHING but eating…eep! — OH…would love for you to join me! I have no idea when I’m doing it but I need partners!).
Haha yep and apparently they’re in random places – like St Paul, I think! Oh I would LOVE to do a US road trip and would do it in a heartbeat if I were in a position to. At the moment my funds are dwindling!
Who knows when I’ll have the funds…but it’s a dream O:-) Jut wanted to plant a seed…!
Um, awesome! I totally had this when I was in Guatemala a few years ago. Didn’t realize it was so popular. I was just so hungry and tired of walking around looking for a place to sit & eat
It’s legendary Adam, I can’t believe you didn’t realise ;D
Guess I was lucky to stumble on it then!
Nice. This is the second post in a short space of time who mentioned the chicken in Guatemala! Sounds like an experience not to miss
What was the other post, Jodi?
I should have specified
This is the second post ‘I’ve read’ in a short space of time who mentioned the chicken.
http://www.touncertaintyandbeyond.com/category/central-america/guatemala/
I love fried chicken…. if chick-fil-a was in California, I could live on that stuff!!
Then Jade you *must* try Pollo Campero!
Oh Yes. Gotta love Pollo Campero!! I actually had a salad there the other day (i know who orders a salad) but it was really good! I don’t care if it’s fast food or whatever, it’s yummy, it fills up my tummy and I like it!!!
I have to go back through San Jose here in Costa Rica (boo) but there is a Pollo Campero in the centre of town (yay!)