Cooking with the Guna: the traditional Dulemasi

Imagine stepping off a small wooden boat onto a sun-drenched island, greeted by the gentle sounds of waves and the warmth of the Guna people. For the Guna, a dulemasi, which means ‘our food’ in Guna, is more than just a meal: It’s culture, tradition, and a way to connect with the land and sea.

Inspired by the fresh, vibrant flavors of Guna Yala, and based on what they shared with us during our visit to Isla Tigre, here’s a dish that brings a taste of the islands into your kitchen.

Dulemasi – Coconut fish soup (Serves 4)

A light soup combining locally grown ingredients in a simple, wholesome way.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb whole fresh small fish or fish fillets

• Milk of 2 mature coconuts (or 1 can of coconut milk if you don’t have access to fresh coconuts)

• 8 Boiled plantains or yucca whole or roughly chopped

• 1–2 fresh chili peppers

• 4 limes

• Salt 

Instructions:

1. Grate the coconut meat and squeeze it in a liter of water until you have coconut milk, or if using a can, add a liter of water to dilute it. 

2. In a pot, pour in the coconut milk, plantains and yucca  and cook until soft. 

3. Add the fish and cook until the fish is fully cooked, then take the fish out. 

4. Serve the soup warm on a bowl and serve the fish on a separate dish*. 

5. Add lime, salt and chilli peppers to both the soup and fish to taste. 

* The fish is served separately because it’s normally cooked whole with head and bones and this way you to pick the bones out.  If you’re cooking boneless fillets, you can go ahead and leave the fish in the soup. 

This recipe of the dulemasi conveys the fresh, simple flavors we experienced on the islands, brought to life by the tropical ingredients, open-fire cooking techniques, and the sense of community that surrounds every meal in Gunayala. Cooking it is more than just making a dish: it’s a way to bring a little piece of the islands into your home, share the flavors with friends or family, and celebrate the vibrant culture of the Guna people. 

Curious to experience the real thing? We can take you to the home of our friends on the islands and let you be embraced by the warmth of the Guna and their welcoming cooking.