Table Talk: El Bohio

El Bohio
14 Carr 3 Pozuelo
Guayama, PR 00784
787-866-1408

If you ever find yourself in the small town of Guayama, PR (also known as El Pueblo de los Brujos), you must check out this little local jewel. This has been a go-to place for me and my family ever since I was a child. Every year we go back and each indulge in our very fave criolla dishes.

My signature dish is the fried whole snapper, which is served with a tomato-based, pepper and onion sauce—a traditional Puerto Rican preparation that could probably feed a couple of people, but I'm greedy and keep it all to myself. My mom likes the carne de cerdo frito (fried pork chunks), which are more tender and juicy than regular pork chops. My sis craves their mofongo (smashed fried green plantain). She always gets it with a sauteed shrimp filling, but you can choose from a seemingly endless list of local seafood. Most of the dishes come with either rice and beans or tostones, along with a side order of "the itis"—because after all of this good down-home cooking, you’ll be ready for a nice long nap. Sure, it's off the beaten path in PR and it isn't the fanciest of dining establishments, but the food and the small town vibe make it more than worth your while to stop by for a great and authentic boricua meal.