Street Meat:

 

Near any of Xela’s Markets, you’ll find a variety of options for food to eat both on the go, and on the cheap. Between Parque Central and Mercado Municipal, as the outdoor market vendors begin to pack up for the evening, the street food starts to multiply. Here, in front of the Museum are churros, tacos (3×10), pizza, pupusas, tostadas, and more.

Also heading between the museum and the market are a few more stands, and it’s here that you’ll find one of our favorites, the papas fritas. But come early, if that’s your craving.

Here nearby, you can cut back to your right as you are walking between the Market and Museum, and there are two small comedors, almost hidden from view, where hearty meals are served throughout the day for around Q10-Q20. There is a tiny plaza with an amphitheater next to the comedors. It’s a top choice for eating on the cheap, and staying full for a while.

Also on the bottom floor of the market are several more comedors, where rice, beans, meats, soups and more are offered, again for around Q10-Q25.

Home Cookin’:

Xela is a big town, with a least four produce markets, no matter where you are in town it should be easy to get shopping done for cooking your own meals.

El Mercados:

If you were dropped off in Xela at the main bus terminal, you were close to the Minerva Market.You’ll find just about everything here, but it is also the furthest distance from Parque Central. The walk isn’t bad, maybe ½ and hour from the park. But it’s also a Q1-Q2 ride in a busito (micro-bus… the intercity public transport.) You’ll want to catch the bus headed to Terminal, or ask if they are headed toward Minerva.

At Parque Central, you’ll find the Mercado Municipal just across the street, offering handicrafts and household goods on the top floors and produce and comedors in the basement. The vendors seem to pack up early here, so try to visit in the morning for the best shopping. And if you walk outside of the market, this is where you’ll find most of the fruits, and toritillas.

La Democracia is a large market, spanning four blocks, but still closer than the Minerva Market. If you’re walking away from the park, away from the Cathedral, you can cut down Calle 15, and it’s about 7 blocks away. The Market stretches from the 15^th to the 17^th Avenidas. It is one block past the larger Calle Rodolfo Robles. So if heading North from Parque Central, walk to Rodolfo Robles, and make your way to the 15-17 Avenidas from there.

Also closer to Casa Argentina, Mercado Las Flores is a dimly lit market that offers all the essentials that you would want, including queso fresco, which is amazing. I’m sure you can find it at all markets, but Mercado Las Flores has been recommended. The woman selling it is just inside the entrance.

You can also grab lunch to go inside Las Flores, during the week for Q10.

And, if gifts are what you’re looking for, the markets here aren’t as tourist-centered as in other towns. However, on the first Sunday of every month, Parque Central has an artisan market where you’ll find all the typical items, as well as warm sweaters and blankets. But be careful, as it’s not hard to walk away with way more than you could hope to fit in your pack.

La Despensa Familiar:

One block from Central Park, La Despensa is a mid-sized (and Wal-Mart owned) supermarket where you’ll find produce, dairy, dry foods, canned foods, junk foods, and even some booze. There’s not a large meat selection, but it has all other bases covered. In the far back left, you can fins some smaller bags of things like rice, beans, and oatmeal, that seem to be the ideal size for a week long stay.

Also, there are two ATMS inside the Despensa.

From the park, head West (away from the Cathedral) for two blocks on 7th Calle.

Out and About: Restaurants in Xela

Xela is not lacking in restaurant options, especially in Zona 1. Indian, Thai, Chinese, we’ve also heard rumors of sushi, are all available. And if like myself, after five weeks away from home you start to crave bagels, then you will be happy to find yourself in Xela.

El Cuartito

13 Avenida 7-09 Zona 1

This Cafe has two rooms of seating, and an appealing atmosphere for the extranjeros of Xela. It is an inviting option for a coffee or drink after Spanish classes, or for a light breakfast, lunch, or dinner. We were excited to see hummus on the menu, and of course to find bagels as well.

Cuartitos is caddy-corner from the Despensa, but the sign isn’t large and it can be easy to walk past. If you are leaving the Despensa, and walk diagonal away from the park, you’re there. Cuartitos is a popular place to study or work, but if neither of those are on your agenda, it’s also a popular spot in the evenings, serving beer and mixed drinks. You’ll also find live music almost every night.

 

La Chatia Artesana

 

7ma Calle 15-18 Zona 1

Located just past the arch, if you are walking away from the park, past the Despensa on 7 Calle, La Chatia has an awesome selection of artisan breads, bagels, and baked goods. The restaurant also offers a variety of breakfast or lunch sandwiches, on your choice of bread. And granola is available here, in bags to go, for Q30. It’s more expensive than what you would buy in the supermarket, but it’s also really good.

 

Blue Angel

Located across the street from La Chatia, Blue Angel is mostly known for its movie selection. For Q10 a person, you can rent out one of the living rooms in house, and choose from a great selection of movies. A great option for when you feel like “staying in”, or need to recover from a night out.

The restaurant at Blue Angel offers soups, burritos, salads, beers ad mixed drinks. The burritos were simple but satisfying, and the price is good.

Sabor de la India

15 Avenida and 2 Calle

Located next to our favorite bookstore in town (Vrisas Books,) Sabor de la India has amazing dishes. The plates start at around Q65 ($8 USD), but if you’ve been missing the taste of India on your travels here, it’s absolutely worth a visit. It’s pricey for a $20/day budget, but the portions are huge and the food is delicious. And the restaurant also sells some of the best homemade yogurt that we’ve had, anywhere. A half liter is Q12 ($1.50 USD) and a liter is just Q21 ($2.70 USD). You can stop by anytime the restaurant is open to purchase it to go.

 

 

GETTING // GOING          •          SLEEPING          •          EATING          •         DOING

Take me back to GUATEMALA // Take me back HOME