Many visitors arrive in Belize unsure about what to expect when it comes to food. But the delicious mix of different cultural influences means that Belize is home to a sumptuous medley of seafood, fresh fruit, Caribbean classics, and savory treats that are sure to please even the pickiest eater.
When you are in Belize, here are the 9 foods you definitely need to try:
Rice and Beans
A Caribbean classic, rice and beans is enjoyed by Belizeans from all walks of life. Red beans are cooked with rice along with local spices and plenty of (optional) hot sauce to create this simple yet delicious dish. Often paired with meat, fish, and/or potato salad to create a hearty lunch or dinner.
Stew(ed) Chicken
Usually served with the ubiquitous rice and beans, stew chicken in Belize is made with a lot of TLC and a few local spices to create tender chunks of delicious chicken meat in a savory broth.
Chimole
Known as the “black dinner,” chimole draws on Mexican and Maya culture to create a delicious chunky stew. Usually made with chicken, chimole gets its unusual flavor from the local spices, including achiote (a paste made from annatto seeds).
Salbutes
One of Belize’s most popular snack foods, salbutes are tiny fried corn tortillas that are topped with a delicious mix of cabbage, chicken, avocado, chicken and locally-made hot sauce.
Tamales
Similar to the classic Mexican dish, Belizean tamales differ because they are wrapped in plantain leaves. Inside, steamed cornmeal and meat mesh perfectly to create this tasty snack.
Ceviche
Fresh-caught seafood is the main ingredient of Belizean ceviche. Featuring conch, fish, or lobster, ceviche pairs perfectly with a cold beer on a hot day in Belize.
Conchita Pibil
A classic Maya dish that has been eaten in the region for thousands of years, conchita pibil contains slow-roasted pork and local vegetables served in a soft tortilla.
Garnache
Very similar to salbutes, garnaches differ because the tortillas are fried until crunchy and then topped with a smorgasbord of ingredients, including beans, cheese, and onions.
Fry Jacks
This puffy bread is a staple breakfast food across Belize and often enjoyed for lunch too. Pillowy soft bread tortillas are paired with cheese, beans, and/or meat to make a savory snack sold on street corners and in restaurants.
To learn more about food in Belize and try some of these delicious dishes for yourself, contact Caves Branch Lodge.
Caves Branch Lodge also helps visitors plan and book every aspect of an unforgettable Belize vacation, including lodging, transportation, and tours.