When Gordon Ramsay landed in Georgetown to film with Chef Delvin Adams, he wasn't just there for a cooking lesson; he was there for a cultural immersion. The resulting video sparked a massive conversation about the limits of "exotic" food and the non-negotiable staples that define a Guyanese kitchen.

From the struggle of expats in Canada to the shock of "Rat Stew," here is the breakdown of Gordon’s Guyanese adventure.


1. The Cassareep Crisis: A Diaspora Heartbreak

One of the most relatable comments came from a Guyanese expat in Canada, describing the "agony" of not being able to find a bottle of Cassareep.

  • What is Cassareep? It is a thick, black liquid made from the juice of the cassava root, boiled down until it reaches a molasses-like consistency. It is the preservative and browning agent that gives the national dish, Pepperpot, its signature depth.
  • The "Sugar" Hack: The community empathized with the "faithful son of Mount Roraima" who considered burning sugar to replicate the taste—a desperate move that every Guyanese abroad has contemplated.

2. Labba: The "Bush Meat" Debate

Gordon Ramsay famously tried Labba, a large rodent native to the region, often referred to by outsiders as "Rat Stew."

  • The Local Pride: For many Guyanese, Labba is a top-tier delicacy—the "pride and joy" of the interior.
  • The Global Shock: Critics in the comments argued that "Rat Stew" is why Guyanese cuisine isn't on the world stage. However, locals were quick to defend it, noting that Labba is a clean, herbivorous "wild meat" that tastes far superior to farmed pork or chicken.

3. Gordon meets Chef Delvin Adams

The chemistry between the world’s most famous "shouting chef" and Georgetown’s own Chef Delvin Adams was a highlight for viewers.

  • A Rare Silence: Fans were shocked to see Gordon Ramsay keep a straight face and actually listen to a local chef.
  • The Lesson: Delvin Adams didn't just teach Gordon recipes; he taught him about Bora (long beans) and the importance of using every part of the animal to create a rich, sustainable stew.

4. The "Bush" vs. The "World Stage"

The comments reflected a tension between modernizing the cuisine and staying true to roots.

  • The "Switch" Suggestion: Some international viewers suggested switching the "wild animals" for pork or chicken to make the food more "palatable" to global audiences.
  • The Rebuttal: The local community remained firm: Guyanese food is special because of its connection to the jungle and its Indigenous influences. To change the meat is to change the culture.

5. Pro-Tips for Travelers

If Gordon Ramsay inspired you to try Guyanese cooking, remember these community corrections:

  • It’s Bora, Not Long Beans: If you call it "long beans" in a Georgetown market, you'll be corrected immediately.
  • Respect the Heat: As Gordon found out, the "pepper" in Pepperpot isn't just a suggestion—it's the main event.
  • Look for the Real Deal: If you're in New York or Toronto, look for "Little Guyana" to find the cassareep Gordon used, but as the fans say, "nothing beats the fresh stuff from the market."

**Conclusion: Authenticity Wins**

Gordon Ramsay’s visit proved that Guyanese cuisine is bold, unapologetic, and deeply tied to the land. Whether you are adventurous enough to try Labba or just want a perfect bowl of Pepperpot, the message is clear: Guyanese food is a "labor of love" that requires the right ingredients and a lot of respect.


Would you be brave enough to try Labba stew? And for the diaspora: how do you survive without your bottle of Cassareep? Let’s talk about the wildest things you’ve eaten in Guyana in the comments!