Guam's Food & Culture
Photo Credit: scienceofsreep.blogspot.com

Guam's Food & Culture

Martin Howard May 23, 2016 View all blog articles

Summer and Christmas are two of the most awaited seasons of the year. Annual family get-togethers, out of town or out of the country trips and vacations with workmates as well as adventures and celebrations with friends are delicately planned. At times, people actually invest more for such occasions to escape from hassles and hustles in the city and enjoy being free the metro and urban responsibilities even for just a few days and nights.

Usually, vacationists wish to spend more time out on the beach, or closer to the nature, preferably somewhere where they can breathe fresh air on rare moments alone or with their loved ones.

Did you know that Guam can be compared to Hawaii's pure and exemplary beauty and Bahamas' wealthy serene beaches? And above all these, the island offers genuine and culturally rich getaway you may have not yet considered visiting.

Guam is almost one-third of London's size and has a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. Almost one million Japanese tourists come and go to the island due to its very likeable weather and crystal-clear beaches. They flock along theme-park designed hotel pools, beach fronts and luxury shopping malls. All these positive distractions make way for high spirited days away from reality, but don't miss out on what Guam can offer. The island is not just about tourist spots. The real deal happens to be with their local food and culture!

  • Food

    Guam is a mix of Chamorro people that is roughly about 40% of the total population and with the rest being a combination of Filipino blood, Asians, Pacific islanders and whites. For more than 200 years of falling under the Spanish colony, being a current American territory with blended Western-Pacific customs, you can taste and experience how diversified their local dishes have become over time. Try their Chorizo Breakfast Bowl, a deliciously blended spicy Chorizo sausage, diced potatoes and rice, grilled onions and sunny side up egg on top, to taste this medley food.

    If you are down to find where exactly you can spot the best breakfast and island staples for an absolute Guam-biance (Guam ambiance) experience, you have got to go to King's Restaurant. Although it may look like a regular American diner, once the meal is served, the waiter will greet you "Hafa Adai" which means hello in Chamorro.

    For a lunch treat, you can come by Jamaican Grill where burgers and curries are served. Fill your stomachs. You can specifically try their Jerk Burger, a two one-quarter pound beef patties stuffed with all the right amount of grilled onions, tomatoes and cheese. The curry mayo gives more flavor of spice and sweetness to this special snack pack.

    As mentioned earlier, Guam is almost always crowded by Japanese tourists, so you can also strike Japanese restaurants such as Niji in the island. Get an ultimate buffet feast by the beach with a scene of the ocean waves.

    Finally, the ever famous Chamorro Village in Higatna to complete your day's food trip. Chamorro village, which opens every Wednesday night, consists of food stalls that bid authentic Chamorro dishes such as the famous kelaguen. For over four acres, vendors also provide original souvenirs and memorabilia to the tourists. Its popularity among the locals due to the festive and celebratory atmosphere of music and traditional dances reached the tourists like wild fire.

    The upbeat vibe can be complemented with one serving or more of Guam-style barbeque. Their unique mix of soy sauce, vinegar and onions give it a strong flavor of salty and sour bites. A local smoky side dish known as red rice is perfect with barbeque and the Philippine-inspired sweet dessert, banana lumpia, which is made with brown-sugar and hard wrap cover.

    Now that we've got your meals for the whole day all planned out, it's best to introduce you to the culture of Guam.

    CulturePhoto Credit: guampdn.com

  • Culture

    Guam is a relatively small island, and a drive around its southern tip, without stopping, can be accomplished within 40 minutes. And once you've reached the area, you'll have a great view of the island's scenic overlooks – the old Spanish bridges and waterfalls.

    There are a number of tiny villages in Guam which are rich in historical claims. Umatac, particularly, is believed by many to be where the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed back in 1521 during his circumnavigation. Four decades after, another explorer, Spaniard Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, set foot in the village, formally claiming the island under his country Spain.

    If your curiosity extends further and past the era of colonialism, you may head to Fouha Bay. This is where a rock on the northern tip extends to up to 150 feet in the air. The locals deem this as the cradle of civilization, the last resting place for their goddess who created the world.

    Less fictionalized but no less interesting would be the latte stones which are multiplied all over the Mariana Islands. These are used by the indigenous people during the Spanish settlement in elevating constructions and buildings.

    There is more to know about Guam's great food and culture. For other trivia, facts and tips about the island, read on https://www.guamrentals.com/blog.