Nim Ali is selling “Shukos,” street-style Guatemalan hotdogs, out of Jake’s Tavern’s kitchen
Something big has been cooking at Jake’s Tavern and its Nim Ali’s colorfully delicious “Shukos.” The first of its kind in the central DC area, this Guatemalan street food pop-up has been attracting hoards of Washingtonians with its meat-loaded hot dogs. And judging by the looks of them, there’s no doubt as to why.
Created by Guatemalan Chef Karla Alonzo and her wife, Mexican Chef Rosario Guzman, Nim Ali isn’t just the first restaurant to sell Guatemalan street food in the DC area — It’s also an ode to female strength and general badassery. Named after a strong Mayan queen, the restaurant takes its name from an honorable nickname given to female family leaders in Alonzo’s hometown in Guatemala.
“We had to come up with a name that was significant and representative of both of us. One day we were brainstorming and Nim Ali came to my mind because of its meaning and because we were raised by two great women who sacrificed everything for us. We’re here now fighting together here (in the U.S.) to succeed,” explained Alonzo to Guatemalan newspaper La Hora.
Traditional Guatemalan hotdogs, known as Shukos, come in delightfully toasted buns loaded with meat (sausage or chorizo), guacamole, ketchup, mayo and mustard but at Nim Ali, they’re taking them to a load new level. While there is an original Shuko on offer at Nim Ali, it’s their meat-loaded Chingón Shuko that’s getting all the attention.
The Chingón is a foot-long monster stacked up with six different types of meat. *Heavy breathing* Its beautifully thick bun is loaded up with beef frank, Mexican chorizo, fajita asada, al pastor, bacon and ham, only to be topped off by a hefty amount of cabbage, cauliflower and cactus chunks and the traditional guacamole, ketchup, mustard and mayo. Alonzo and Guzman also offer eight additional types of Shuko all for $10-$16.
In addition to the Guatemalan hotdogs, Nim Ali also serves several other Latin American dishes such as cheese and pork pupusas, tacos, enchiladas, tortas, huevos a la Mexicana, garnachas, enchiladas, chicken tamales, and Guatemalan mixtas, a hot dog similar to the Shuko but served on a tortilla instead of a bun.
You can get your fix of Nim Ali Shukos & Antojitos at Jake’s Tavern in Shaw every Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and have a taste of Guatemala’s delicious and colorful cuisine!
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Feature image: @jakestaverndc