Gauterico Deli 526 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton  (609) 393-8410
(Directions)

Editor’s Pick for Best Value and Best Pupusa

Guaterico Deli is hard to find, even if you’re looking for it.  A friend of my wife’s insisted there was an incredible Guatemalan restaurant on this block, and for months, driving by perhaps 20 times, I couldn’t find it. Then, recently, driving by at peak lunch time, I saw a line out the door.  So I parked, and checked it out on foot.

From the name, Guaterico Deli, I had guessed this was a grocery store (which is why I hadn’t “found” it), but in fact it’s a fabulous Guatemalan take-out joint (with some tables if you need to eat in).  There’s no formal menu, just a whiteboard with no prices.  But don’t worry, this is Trenton.  You get huge amount of food for next to no money:  “platters”, tacos, tostadas, or pupusas.

The food is all home made, absolutely fresh, and expertly prepared.  Compared to other Guatemalan restaurants in town, the cooking uses fat and salt with a lighter touch, making it a place where you can eat often.

For example, check out these Al Pastor tostadas.  You can order them individually:  two like in the photo below will set you back about $4.00, and it’s more than enough for all but the heartiest eater.  Most items (tacos, pupusas, tostadas) are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.95.  So you can make up your own combination plate, if you’re so inclined.

The Al Pastor (marinated pork meat) was incredible…. it had a smoky barbeque flavor in addition to the tang of the marinade.  The crispy tortilla had a smear of spicy black bean paste under the toppings, and the lettuce and onions had a sprinkling of fresh cilantro.  Wow!  This is a level of care in preparation that you don’t expect in any take-out joint, much less one this cheap.  Personally, I’d probably ask them to hold back a little of the crema, but that’s a matter of taste.  The food is really, really good. Service was fast and friendly.

The pupusas are great.  The cheese and loroco (an edible flower that tastes something like broccoli) is incredibly flavorful, and comes with a wonderful homemade sauce.

With a convenient location near the corner of Hamilton Ave and South Clinton, Guaterico Deli is a place you may find yourself visiting again and again.  I know I have.

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