After spending the holidays with family, I arrived in Guatemala City with one goal in mind—immerse myself in the local culture, connect with small business owners, and uncover the hidden gems that locals have cherished for years. Unlike the typical tourist, I’m not one to rush around snapping photos at every landmark. Instead, I prefer to take my time, engage with the people, and experience a place through its food. My usual approach? I walk into a restaurant and ask, “What’s your most popular dish?” It’s a simple question, but it has led me to some of the best meals of my life.

That's exactly how I found myself at Dónde Alex, a humble food stand tucked away in the bustling expat-heavy Zone 10 of Guatemala City. This area is known for its Americanized restaurants—think Chili’s, McDonald's, and Burger King—so finding authentic local food can be a challenge. But Dónde Alex, located at 13 Calle 4, Cdad. de Guatemala 01010, is an exception. Open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM, Alex has been serving up his signature shucos for over 25 years, waking up at 3 AM every day to prepare fresh ingredients and get ready for his loyal customers.

I had already become a regular at Dónde Alex, slightly addicted to their carne shuco, which kept me coming back for more. On one of those visits, I had the pleasure of meeting Yanet, Alex’s daughter. Yanet works a corporate job, but she and her siblings—five brothers and one sister—have all played a role in helping their father run the business over the years. As we chatted, I could hear the pride in her voice as she spoke about her dad’s dedication and passion for his craft.

Yanet agreed to join me for an episode of my One Bite Foodie Podcast, and I returned the following Saturday to film a review and interview her about the family business. Naturally, I asked her which shuco I should try, and without hesitation, she recommended their most popular: the Chorizo Shuco.

My Take on the Chorizo Shuco

From the first bite, it was clear why the chorizo shuco is a fan favorite. The bun, toasted over an open briquet fire, had a crisp outer shell that gave way to a soft and airy inside—creating the perfect contrast in texture. The grilled chorizo sausage was juicy, with a satisfying snap in every bite, releasing a smoky, rich essence that blended effortlessly with the toppings.

The fresh guacamole added a smooth, creamy element, complementing the smoky chorizo, while the combination of ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise brought a tangy, savory-sweet balance that tied everything together beautifully. But what stood out the most was the grilled cabbage slaw—lightly seasoned and charred to perfection, giving the shuco an added layer of crunch and a hint of smokiness that lingered pleasantly.

In my book, the Chorizo Shuco earned an 8.7 out of 10. The combination of textures, the balance of smoky and savory flavors, and the passion behind every bite make it an absolute must-try.

Visit Dónde Alex

If you’re ever in Guatemala City and craving an authentic taste of local street food, make sure to visit Dónde Alex at: 13 Calle 4, Cdad. de Guatemala 01010, Guatemala

Trust me, grab a couple of shucos, and don’t forget to tell Alex that Joseph said, “Hola!”

Want to hear more about the story behind Dónde Alex? Watch my full video review at:

https://www.onebitefoodie.com/review/d%C3%B3nde-alex/0537cc00-1a0a-4210-bbd9-9054454d7cad

And listen to my podcast interview with Yanet on the One Bite Foodie Channel:

https://www.onebitefoodie.com/podcast-channel/bc3aede4-12f5-40e4-9232-ff0bc710bfbb

You’ll get an inside look at the heart and soul of this incredible family business.

Stay hungry and keep exploring hidden gems!