If you’re planning a trip to Belize and you love discovering new destinations through food, you’re in for a treat. From hearty Creole dishes to flavorful Mayan specialties, Belizean cuisine offers an exciting blend of cultures and ingredients that every visitor should explore.
In this food guide, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 Belizean dishes you must try during your visit. Whether you’re dining in San Pedro, strolling through a local market, or eating at a beachside shack, these traditional meals will give you a taste of Belize’s diverse heritage.
1. Fry Jacks – The Ultimate Belizean Breakfast
A true Belizean breakfast isn’t complete without fry jacks—puffy, golden triangles of deep-fried dough that are light, fluffy, and addictive. They’re usually served with refried beans, eggs, cheese, or jam, making them both sweet and savory.
Popular in: Local cafés in San Pedro and Caye Caulker
2. Rice and Beans with Stew Chicken – The National Dish
One of the most authentic Belizean dishes you’ll come across is rice and beans with stew chicken. Cooked with coconut milk and served with fried plantains and coleslaw, it’s a Sunday favorite among locals.
Where to try: Family-run restaurants and home kitchens
3. Hudut – A Garifuna Classic
Originating from the Garifuna communities in southern Belize, hudut is a soulful dish made of coconut milk fish stew served with mashed green and ripe plantains. The texture and flavor combination is both rich and comforting.
Best place to try: Hopkins and Dangriga
4. Tamales – Wrapped in Tradition
A common dish across Latin America, Belizean tamales are unique. Made with corn dough (masa) and filled with seasoned chicken or pork, they are wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed.
Look for them: At roadside stalls and local markets
5. Salbutes and Garnaches – Belizean Street Food Staples
These are two of the most loved Belizean street foods.
- Salbutes: Puffy fried tortillas topped with chicken, lettuce, onion, and tomato.
- Garnaches: Crispy corn tortillas with refried beans, cabbage, and Dutch cheese.
Tip: Great with hot sauce and best enjoyed fresh
6. Ceviche – Fresh from the Sea
In a coastal paradise like Belize, ceviche is a must-try. Made with fresh shrimp, conch, or lobster, it’s mixed with lime, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, and pepper for a refreshing bite.
Perfect spot: Seaside restaurants in San Pedro or Placencia
7. Chimole (Black Dinner)
Known as “black dinner”, this dish gets its color from the black recado spice made with burnt peppers. The hearty soup includes chicken, vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs.
A Creole favorite:Often served during celebrations
8. Boil Up – The Sunday Meal
A symbol of Belizean comfort food, boil up features a mix of boiled root vegetables (cassava, plantains, yams), pig tail, boiled eggs, and dumplings, topped with tomato sauce.
When to try: Sundays in Belize City and southern Belize
9. Panades – Belizean Empanadas
These deep-fried snacks are made of masa dough filled with fish or beans and served with onion sauce. Perfect for travelers on the go!
Great snack: Found in markets and roadside food carts
10. Johnny Cakes – Coconut Bread with a Twist
Soft, slightly sweet, and coconut-infused, Johnny cakes are a staple of the Belizean breakfast table. You can eat them plain, with butter, or as a sandwich with cheese, ham, or even stew chicken.
Try them at: Breakfast shacks and local bakeries
Bonus: Must-Try Belizean Drinks and Desserts
While exploring the best food in Belize, don’t forget to try these local drinks and sweets:
- Belikin Beer: The national beer
- Rum Punch: Made with local Caribbean rum
- Seaweed Shake: A nutritious and creamy drink
- Cassava Pudding: A sticky and sweet dessert
- Tableta: A coconut and ginger candy
Tips for Food Travelers in Belize
- Try to eat where locals eat—you’ll find the most authentic flavors.
- Look for weekly food festivals or local events like Lobster Fest
- Be adventurous—ask for the daily special or catch of the day.
- Carry cash for small vendors or street food carts.
- Respect local customs—some communities offer food as part of cultural experiences.
Final Thoughts
Belize isn’t just about turquoise waters and ancient ruins—it’s a food lover’s paradise. Each region tells its story through flavor, and each dish is a fusion of its people, history, and love for good food.
So, when planning your Belize vacation, don’t just look for what to see—explore what to eat in Belize and take your taste buds on a cultural adventure. You might just fall in love with Belize, one bite at a time.