A Guam Thanksgiving

Image : All rights and credits to:www.annieschamorrokitchen.com

Although the guest of honor (so to speak) at a Thanksgiving dinner table would undoubtedly be the turkey, in one part of US, that may not be the case – at a Guam Thanksgiving. In this tiny island paradise, which is part of the US, it is impossible to label one dish as a must have at a Thanksgiving dinner.

So here’s looking at a list of traditional Chomorro dishes from Guam that usually make it to their Thanksgiving dinner table.

Reyenu (ree-ZHEN-yu):

This is a labor-intensive stuffing with ten ingredients or more. Quite versatile, this popular dish has several variations in each family.

Lechon:

This is a whole roasted pig cooked over a period of several hours. Lechon’s popularity lies with its succulent pull-apart meat and the crisp fatty skin with a salty taste.

Kelaguen (KELA-gwin):

This is a ceviche like appetizer and is often considered to be one of Guam’s signature dishes.

Bonelos dagu (boh-NYELOS DAH-goo):

This is Guam’s most popular holiday dish. This simple deep-fried yam fritter has managed to hold its own against more popular western dishes and still finds its way to the table of any holiday feast.

These fritters are made from raw grated yam, which gives a starchy, stretchy and thick batter to which flour and sugar are added. Cooking this the right way takes skill and years of practice. Bonelos dagu is best eaten fresh and is usually served as part of the dessert table, where they are dipped in simple syrup or tuba syrup made from reduced coconut nectar. Nowadays maple syrup is also a popular dipping choice.

Other regional Thanksgiving dishes include Carjack, persimmon pudding, chicken and dumplings and cranberry salsa.

When you stay with us at Days Inn, the most popular Guam hotel, we would be happy to answer any queries about a Guam Thanksgiving and the wonderful dishes served!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!