Donde Comer, 12/12 to 12/13: Las Vegas' El Shuko Truck is Delivering Guatemalan Hot Dogs to L.A. This Weekend

A Shuco with all the fixin's at Los Mismos del Liceo in Guatemala City

Great news my friends, the El Shuko Truck is setting up in Los Angeles this weekend which will give you a chance to try Guatemala's famous shucos (Guatemalan hot dogs) and mixtas (hot dog tacos) along with some tasty Guatemalan antojitos (little whims). 

I've been following the only shuco truck in the U.S closely and am happy to report that after the New Year, the El Shuko Truck will be permanently stationed in L.A. I was formally introduced to shucos a year and a half ago while touring Guatemala, and this truck run by Cristian Guzmán is representing this traditional hot dog with pride and flavor. Don't miss it. 

El Shuko Truck is planting it's flag in L.A.

Mixtas (hog dog tacos) on the grill at Los Mismos del Liceo in Guatemala City

El Shuko Truck, 1025 E. 54th St. , South Park, (702) 927-7625, Saturday, December 12 from 2pm to 10pm and Sunday, December 13 from noon to 8pm, Follow them on Twitter and Instagram @ElShukoTruck

Guatemala, the Pearl of the Mayan World is One of the Best Dining Destinations in Latin America

Guatemala is the Mayan Center of the World with a population of around 50% Maya

Guatemala had been on my mind in recent years, of all the Central American cuisine represented in Los Angeles, it’s cuisine showed the greatest potential. I had traveled to Honduras, Belize and El Salvador, and spent plenty of time in L.A. hunting down local Central-American eateries, but several visits to Rinconcito Guatemalteco (it has since changed owners and is no longer a destination) sparked a curiosity—I had to go visit Guatemala soon, and I just happened to hook up with Inguat at the end of this past summer for an unforgettable FAM that would lead me through 13 towns in just 8 days. 

My First Story For Dine LA--A Ceviche Lover's Guide to Los Angeles

Aguachile at Coniseafood


I have been on a ceviche terror this past summer from, devouring raw seafood from Ensenada's finest practitioners,  to the stands at Popotla; to the trucks, carts, and gastronomic palaces of Tijuana, to the streets and casual restaurants right here in Los Angeles. While we don't have the access to the fine seafood products of Baja California--especially at those prices--but LA has the most diverse Latino dining scene in the US, and that is good news for fans of ceviche.


Check out a recent story I did for Dine LA--it's a 10-stop pan-Latino tour through the tasty world of ceviches, aguachiles, and seafood cocktails. Here are 10 cool and refreshing reasons to come and visit Los Angeles.

Guatemalan Street Food,MacArthur Park,LA-Locals Hoof it on Over After Work for the $3.50 Special

Most street food on LA is Mexican, and Mexican-American, even with all the new trucks, but MacArthur Park is where Central-Americans hustle.Everything from clothes, to cell phone gear, to shady malls hidden from the casual pedestrian, to fake ID's, to street eats.

On 8th and Alvarado there's always a cluster of people huddled around a couple of shopping carts, that are actually mobile kitchens featuring Guatemalan cuisine. There are sometimes 3 vendors after 5:30PM during the week only, this is for the Central-American blue collar crowd, a bite before catching the bus homeward.


The plates go for $3.50, all-inclusive. The carne guisada, a stewed beef with squash, beans, carrots, and a tomato broth is a steal, store-bought corn tortillas and a side of rice are included.

It's a good version of a rather simple plate, hearty and well-seasoned.


Even better is the pacaya rellena, egg-battered bamboo shoots covered with a tomato sauce, accompanied by beans and rice with ample tortillas thrown in. This is the Guatemalan version of the chile relleno without that Mexican heat; they also offer ejotes rellenos, egg-battered green beans.



But the real prize here is the sopa de pata, beef hoof soup. It is $3.50 as well as all plates here, packed with green beans, carrots, cilantro, chayotes, cabbage and a flavorful beef broth made silky by fatty oils.


And yes there is actually some beautiful hoof to be had, you can chew the soft meat from the coarse bone with devious delight.

Monday through Friday, you can enjoy delicious meals out within the most tight of budgets, not an easy feet these days.

Guatemalan Street Food
8th/Alvarado
evenings after 5:30PM Mon-Fri.

Paseo Chapin

My carne adovada was simple but delicious!

El Mercadito-the combination plate of savories.

Another look at the enchilada, chile relieno, tamalito de chipillin, rellenito & frijoles.

El gallo!!


We visited Paseo Chapin back in the fall for a passport class. This place is one of my favorite Guatemalan restaurants and the staff is always so warm and friendly.

Many in our group went with the combinations Gaute-linda, named after the previous Guatemalan restaurant that occupied this address, or the El Mercadito.I had the adovada, a classic dish that is quite scrumptious here at PC. All the antojitos were full of flavor and beautifully assembled.And, being a fan of all things frijole, I really like the frijoles volteados here.I managed to fit in a tamalito de chipilin, the aromatic herb that is the star in this tender and flavorful tamale.

My gallos, the Guatemalan beer called Famosa, were cold and clean as always.

Some complain about this part of town, MacArthur Park, but I love this place and its homey vibe. It has become much safer in this neighborhood in recent years, the only nuisance being solicited by illegal ID vendors. Plus, it's easily accessible from the MacArthur Park station on the Redline. That calls for more Gallos!Needless to say, the class enjoyed this spot.

Paseo Chapin
2220 W 7th St.
Los Angeles 90057
213 385-7420