Needing a break from our exhausting power-shopping binge and not being able to hear over our grumbling tummies, we decided it was breakfast time. A quick look around the market showed many food vendors, but all had long lines and few had chairs. Wanting to satiate our appetites AND rest our feet, we chose to head into the Santo Tomás Market on the north side of the plaza. Here there are permanent vendors and a handful of eating establishments. On the second floor overlooking the market is La Fonda Del Tzijolaj.
As soon as we entered, we spotted a table in the sunshine on the balcony. This was perfect; we could thaw as well as rest our chilled aching bones. The waiter brought the menu, gave us some suggestions, took our drink orders, and left us to bask in the sun.
The restaurant is clean and simple, with maybe 10 booths indoors and 15 or so wooden tables and benches on the balcony, all covered in cheerful tablecloths. The menu is also simple but quite varied. The breakfast section is very short, with the usual suspects. During lunch and dinner, complete meals, ranging from chiles rellenos to filet mignon, are served. There are 18 to choose from and they are served with soup, pasta, salad, bread or tortillas, and a nonalcoholic drink. They range in price from 20Q for the vegetarian plate to 45Q for the fish fillet. There are also many á la carte items to choose from, including soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, and a pretty thorough offering of regional specialties.
After letting us relax for a few minutes, the waiter came to take our order. I ordered the eggs, beans, and bananas for 20Q. Libby asked for an omelet at 25Q. Both included coffee. Breakfast was quickly served and everything was quite good. The fried bananas were great, although I must admit; I was never served a mediocre banana in Guatemala. We had one other pleasant surprise. We had been in the country for 10 days, and although we knew the corn tortilla was a staple in Guatemala, we had yet to be served one! Frankly, we were going through withdrawal. Here our breakfast came with fresh handmade tortillas. They were exquisite and we were in heaven.
The waiter, who had been very helpful and informative, brought us our bill and told us which stalls in the market offered the best quilts. Well rested and fed, we sped off to shop, shop, shop.
Restaurant Tzijolaj opens early, around 6am, and closes around 8pm, but hours seem to fluctuate. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard are accepted. Delivery is offered.