Quesillos Guiliguiste

There’s something to be said about a place that specializes in one thing, and Quesillos Guiliguiste is a perfect example of this. They specialize in their namesake, the quesillo. This popular Nicaraguan snack consists of a braid of homemade, squeaky uncultured cheese similar to fresh mozzarella, but a little firmer. It gets wrapped in a thick Nicaraguan-style corn tortilla, loaded up with a tangy onion salsa, placed into a small plastic sandwich bag, and then drowned in a torrent of housemade cultured cream. Eating this can get a little messy, and many Nicaraguans have their own unique way of enjoying this snack while avoiding spills. If you’re unsure of how to gracefully eat a quesillo—we have some tips below. Or, you could just ask the owner, who’s more than happy to explain the dish and how to eat it without half of it ending up on your shirt.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Tasty Planet

Quesillo

Let us explain how the wonderfully messy quesillo works, in case it’s your first time: A warm, thick Nicaraguan-style corn tortilla gets a spoonful of tart onion relish. Then the quesillo slinger (who you get to watch in action) lays down a braid of fresh cheese that tastes like a denser mozzarella. It gets a sprinkle of salt before getting rolled up and put into a baggy. The final touch is a ladle of cultured cream that completely drenches everything. Finally, the baggy gets tied up and you’re sent on your merry way. Give it a few minutes before enjoying it so that the crema has time to soften the tortilla. Now, tear open a hole in the corner of the baggy with your teeth and suck out all the cream—there are few things that feel as sinfully satisfying in Miami (at least involving food).

photo credit: Tasty Planet

Tiste

This is the traditional beverage accompaniment to a quesillo, and (if it’s your first time trying this) it’s worth a taste (just order a small cup). This drink is made with cacao but uses water instead of milk along with fine cornmeal as a thickener. It has a deep cocoa taste with a bit of toasty corn flavor. It can be an acquired taste, but we it's a refreshing contrast to the creamy quesillo and not as filling as the milk-based cacao drink (which is also a great option).