Where I’m Eating: Para Hita

A Taste of Guam

I have never been to Guam but when I tasted a yam doughnut I had to know more about the source. This delicious dessert is crafted by Chef Manny of Para Hita.

Para Hita is a Veteran owned business based in the DC area. Classically trained, Chef Manny came up in the world of fine dining. When we sat down with the Chef he recalled his days of training at a local culinary institution, and some of his early cooking experiences, developing unique, and beautifully plated dishes.

Today Chef Manny owns and operates Para Hita. Para Hita is becoming well known around the DC area, with their popups at local breweries and farmer’s markets. I caught up with Chef Manny at Right Proper Brewing. I was so excited for my mouth to meet that delicious Guam doughnut again, but with the full menu at my finger tips, I had to take advantage.

I tried the Beef Lumpia with a Sweet Chili Sauce. These lumpia are filled with beef, sliced vegetables, surrounded by a flaky crust. The Chicken Empanadas served up with a Spicy Ranch, I now feel there is no better way to eat empanadas. The spicy ranch somehow how disappeared into my mouth before I had the chance to snap a photo but make a special request for that ranch when you stop by Para Hita. The wings, and I almost don’t want to call these wings they are so delicious. Chef Manny grills up his wings, marinates them for 24 hours, and bastes them with Honey and Finadenne hot sauce. The perfect accompaniment for the wings, the Red Rice. A Guam staple, Red Rice is served at every celebration.

What is so great about this tasty Guam cuisine is you can enjoy it at home! Finadenne, a soy sauce based hot sauce, is available on Amazon.com. Chef Manny also packaged his Red Rice, but guess what, it SOLD OUT! Para Hita is in the process of restocking online and adding more offerings to their menu that customers can enjoy in the comfort of their own homes. New products will include a line of new sauces and wings. Of course I had to end my meal with the delicacy that first mesmerized my taste buds, the yam doughnut. This dessert that rounds out the menu is inspired by a Guam dessert called “Bunelos Dagu”, and is not to be missed.

Chef Manny’s mission is to make Guam cuisine more recognizable and he is doing just that. Check out Para Hita popping up near you at Right Proper Brewing Company Brookland Production House & Tasting Room, DC Brau, or Monroe Street Farmers Market. Follow Chef Manny and Para Hita on Instagram and try a plate of Guam cuisine.

Keep an eye for Para Hita coming to a shelf near you.

“When in doubt, keep it island.”