Gordon Ramsay Uncharted Guyana: Fusion cuisine creates unique dishes

Rewa, Guyana - Gordon Ramsay (standing right) and chef Delven Adams (standing left) receive feedback on their dishes during the big cook. (Credit: National Geographic/Justin Mandel)
Rewa, Guyana - Gordon Ramsay (standing right) and chef Delven Adams (standing left) receive feedback on their dishes during the big cook. (Credit: National Geographic/Justin Mandel) /
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In Gordon Ramsay Uncharted Guyana, a fusion cuisine needs to be discovered.

While some people might not be able to find Guyana on a map, Gordon Ramsay Uncharted Guyana brings the fusion cuisine to the front of the food conversation. While the Nat Geo remote jungle cooking is outside of most home cook’s comfort zones, the lessons learned from this episode apply to any cook.

Located in South America, Guyana cuisine is influenced by different areas. From Caribbean to India to indigenous people, the flavors are both varied and nuanced. While some dishes’ concepts might sound familiar, the jungle grocery store offers a bounty that is unique to Guyana.

As seen in every Gordon Ramsay Uncharted episode, there is always a signature dish. Considered one of the national dishes of Guyana, the pepper pot is part of the finale dinner focus. While Gordon creates a Chicken Pepper Pot recipe, the basis of this dish can use a variety of proteins.

Thinking about this particular dish, it tends to show a trend with this season of Gordon Ramsay Uncharted. Many of the dishes combine  resourcefulness as well as a dish that takes time to create.

Whether it is Beef Randang or the rue from Cajun cuisine, these dishes cannot be rushed. In some ways, these dishes and recipes can encourage home cooks to learn to appreciate the flavors that thoughtful cooking creates.

While each Gordon Ramsay Uncharted episode is a culinary adventure, many people will focus on those “moments.” In this episode, Gordon eats a spider, fishes for pirahna and explores the jungle. Sure, it is amusing to see the fiery chef in uncomfortable situations. Still, it was perplexing that he could eat that spider but not durian.

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One interesting note from Gordon Ramsay Uncharted Guyana happened during the final dinner. Local expert chef, Chef Delven Adams used his plating to visually represent his country. He mentioned that he always finds a way to add the colors of the flag into his dishes.

Chef Adams seems to have a connection with his dishes and the food. While not trying to teach a lesson about the history and culture, he wanted people to taste the experience. All the ingredients tell a story on his plate. That level of care is impressive.

Since this episode is about Guyana and its culture. It made sense that Chef Ramsay made a pepper pot. Often considered one of the national dishes, this stewed meat is rich yet has layers of flavor. In a way, that dish celebrates not only a special occasion but also the person who made it.

Looking at the final dishes, the pepper pot is almost out-shined by the piranha dish. Even though Gordon’s fish is a little more charred thanks to an unfortunate fall, the concept behind this dish can be applied to a variety of fish dishes.

While the term piranha might make people think of frightening movie scenes where a fish frenzy causes an untimely demise, piranha is a flavorful fish to use. More importantly, it shows how the locals use the jungle as their grocery store. Whether it is fish in the river or large rodents in the jungle, there is a bounty of ingredients at every corner.

Here’s how to make the grilled piranha recipe from Gordon Ramsay Uncharted Guyana.

Gordon Ramsay Guyana
Gordon Ramsay Uncharted recipe, Grilled Piranha, photo provided by Nat Geo Channel /

Since piranha isn’t available at most grocery stores or even at a fishmonger, a substitute is sole. In some ways, a variety of whole fish could work with this dish.

The flavor comes from the mango salsa. If you prefer a little more heat to the mango salsa, consider adding some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers. Remember to keep the heat levels in balance. The fish, not the peppers, should be the star of the dish.

Although Guyana might not have been on many foodies travel radar, this Gordon Ramsay episode could have people considering a trip. Since it is an English-speaking country, it makes traveling for some people more convenient.

While most people will not be stepping into the jungle to shop for their ingredients, the Gordon Ramsay Uncharted Guyana episode serves as another example of using ingredients that are plentiful. Whether it is the invasive species that is taking over a waterway or a plentiful root, food is all around. When prepared with care and thoughtfulness, everything can be delicious.

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What did you think of Gordon Ramsay Uncharted Guyana? Are you willing to try explore Guyana’s dishes?