Hafa adai,
This time, I’d like to introduce a very local spot, Chode Mart. It’s a place where you can catch a glimpse of the daily lives of the people of Guam, which is why it’s located in a place that's hard to reach without a car.
Here’s Chode Mart. It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Tumon. After passing Hagatna, drive along the coast, and when you turn left at the corner of the Mobil gas station, you’ll spot this small sign on the right. The store is always bustling with locals, so it can be hard to find a parking spot due to the many cars in front, but be sure to look up!
Inside, it looks like this. It’s a very small shop, and what the people of Guam come for are the delicious prepared dishes and sandwiches lined up near the entrance and cash register.
From empanadas and kelaguen to chara-kilis and titiyas, there are items that might be hard to imagine for first-timers, as well as Guam-style sushi rolls, spam musubi, and sandwiches. The prices are reasonable, so definitely try something new!
These empanadas are filled with ingredients wrapped in a tortilla and fried. They have a crispy and crunchy tortilla with plenty of hearty fillings like chicken.
Rice is a staple for the people of Guam, so there are various rice dishes as well. The sushi cake made with crab sticks is a popular item, showcasing the unique culinary creativity of the locals. It’s quite delicious!
Unfortunately, since I arrived late, there weren’t many items left in the refrigerator. Usually, it’s stocked with plenty of kelaguen (chicken or seafood seasoned with lemon juice and salt and pepper) and salads.
Here are Chode Mart’s special pumpkin cookies. Seasonal sweets are also available!
This shop, especially during morning rush hours, gets really crowded. Watching the products fly off the shelves gives you a real sense of Guam’s food culture. If you have the time, be sure to stop by.
Chode Mart
Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday only until 3:00 PM
