Many travelers arrive in Belize without any expectation of what the food in Belize is all about. Although the people of Belize enjoy many standard regional dishes like beans and rice, the cuisine of Belize is an eclectic mix that represents the country’s many different cultures.
Breakfast in Belize usually features “fry jacks,” a fluffy, soft triangle of fried dough that usually accompanies traditional breakfast fare like beans, eggs and meat.
For lunch, rice and beans are perennial favorites, often served with stew(ed) chicken and a generous splash of Marie Sharp’s locally-made hot sauces. But other lunchtime favorites include tacos and tamales. Unlike traditional Mexican tamales, Belizean tamales are usually steamed in a banana leaf and served with a savory tomato sauce.
The ancient Maya influence on Belizean heritage can be found in dishes like dukunu, made from roasted corn kernels that are steamed in corn husks and cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish that has been eaten in Belize for thousands of years. The Maya are also famous for their chocolate, the world’s most popular dessert.
Belize is also home to lots of seafood, most of which is fresh-caught daily by local fishermen. Besides several different delicious fish options, be sure to try ceviche, a refreshing dish made from finely sliced conch and seasoned with lime juice, cilantro, and hot peppers. In season, Belize is also the perfect place to enjoy lobster, served steamed or curried or used in ceviche.
If you’d like to sample some of the amazing food in Belize, you definitely need to attend the “A Taste of Belize” event scheduled on July 21st, 2018 at The Princess Hotel and Casino in Belize City. The event is sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board and is a master class in Belizean food and drinks.
Chefs and mixmasters from all over the country will compete in categories such as Belize Master Chef, Belize Amateur Cook, Belize Bartender of the Year, Cupcake Decorating, and Cake Decorating. All forms of Belize food and drink will be on display, including the culinary heritage of the Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, and Maya people.
If you’d like to attend “A Taste of Belize” or sample the amazing street food culture in the country, be sure to book your travels with Barefoot Rentals and Services. Barefoot rents a wide variety of vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, and golf carts. Barefoot also organizes tours to top destinations and activities across the country, including the “A Taste of Belize” competition.