7 Caldos, Antigua, Guatemala

7 Caldos found fame thanks to its first branches in Guatemala City and Puerto San Jose, and its fans will be glad to hear a new restaurant recently opened in Antigua.

In Guatemala, caldo refers to soup and therein lies a clue as to the specialty of the restaurant. Soups of all kinds fill the menu, with the most interesting being traditional Guatemalan versions.

The pepian, a meaty spicy soup sometimes called the national dish of Guatemala, is wonderfully seasoned. We also tried the sancocho, a chicken and beef stew which certainly did not disappoint.

The Antigua location is set in a spectacular colonial house across two levels, with the upper terrace affording great views of the surrounding volcanoes on a clear day. 7 Caldos has become something of a Guatemalan institution, and it’s not hard to see why.

Traditional dishes provide comfort food for locals and a window into Guatemalan cuisine for visitors. The restaurant is well-presented and is a great venue for those travelers wary of street food to try local cuisine in a clean environment without breaking the bank.

If you’re not in the mood for soup, there are a number of lighter dishes available, including a range of sandwiches. An ample drinks menu offers the chance to sample local fruit drinks and a number of national beers such as Gallo and Cabro.

Overall, 7 Caldos comes highly recommended as an affordable way of sampling Guatemalan food in pleasant surroundings. The bill came to just under $30 for two soups and drinks.

7 Caldos

3a Calle Oriente

Antigua, Guatemala 02001

24914420 / 21 Zona 16