5 of the best culinary experiences to try in Belize
In a country best known for the ancient Maya sites that protrude from its thick rainforests and the vast coral reef system that stretches along its coastline, it's perhaps unsurprising that Belize's cuisine is often overlooked by prospective travellers. Yet for those in the know, it's a key reason to visit this special Central American country. Colourful and creative, Belizean cuisine is born of the country's rich culture — shaped by the Creole, Maya, Garifuna and Mestizo communities that have made a home here. Enjoy a taste of Belize's history, culture and contemporary life with these five food-focused experiences.
For 4,000 years, the Indigenous peoples of Central America have cultivated cocoa. In ancient times, its value superseded that of silver and gold, the beans serving as the currency of choice for the Maya Empire's elite. Today, cocoa farming methods remain largely unchanged. Take a tour to a cocoa plantation and pluck ripe pods from the trees, before watching on as their raw beans are fermented and processed. Travellers can then try their hand at making a chocolate bar from scratch, incorporating ingredients such as chilli, pepper or honey. Or, take a half-day trip to the popular southern seaside settlement of Placencia, famed for its coffee plantations, beautiful beaches, sprawling luxury resorts and great restaurants.
Have you ever been tempted to take part in a cashew wine-drinking contest? Or to attend a beauty pageant where competitors parade in lobster costumes? Belize's food festivals may be a tad unconventional, but they provide an unbridled celebration of the country's most essential ingredients. In May, make for the annual Chocolate Festival in Toledo — honouring cocoa's essential role in the country's history and prosperity — or to the Cashew Festival at Crooked Tree village, where local farmers, chefs and artisans offer cashew-based goodies. In June, gorge on fresh fruit at Mango Street Fest in the coastal village of Hopkins, while in July, join the crustacean-centred celebrations at the Caye Caulker Lobster Fest.
Situated on Ambergris Caye, a small island below Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, the town of San Pedro is home to a thriving food scene. Navigate its colourful avenues with Belize Food Tours, stopping to sample small snacks and (often boozy) local concoctions. The tour takes travellers on a journey through Belize's distinct cultural influences, the Mestizo flavours just as evident in the fresh shrimp ceviche and adobe-soaked tacos as the Caribbean inspiration is in the crunchy beef patties. Wash down the wide array of sweet and savoury treats with a selection of Belizean rums as you wander.
The Garifuna people — found across the Caribbean and Central America — have mixed African and Indigenous ancestry, and their distinct cuisine blends the rich culinary traditions of both. In the coastal town of Hopkins, visitors can choose from a number of tours to learn about the history and culture of the Garifuna-majority region through its best dishes. Take to the kitchen to try preparing a local favourite, hudut, by pounding green plantains into a fufu-style dumpling born of African techniques. It's then paired with a coconut fish stew that highlights the coast's star ingredients. Follow up with a masterclass in preparing perfectly fluffy fry jacks (deep-fried dough) or delectably sweet banana fritters.
The small village of San Antonio sits in the shadow of the forest-covered mountains of the Cayo District. Here, Yucatec Maya culture has been conserved as thoroughly as the surrounding archaeological sites, and traditional culinary techniques are still practised daily. Take a tour of the San Antonio Women's Cooperative — an organisation that aims to empower San Antonio's Maya women — to learn how farmers plan their year around the cycle of the moon, study the corn-grinding techniques essential for crafting soft tortillas and prepare food on the traditional wood burning stoves characteristic of traditional Maya open kitchens.
