Cuisine in Belize

Signature dishes

Rice & Beans with Stewed Chicken

National dish of coconut milk-cooked bean rice served with chicken stew.

Region: Nationwide
Main ingredients: Rice, Red kidney beans, Chicken, Coconut milk, Herbs

Fry Jack

Breakfast staple of fried bread with honey or bean paste.

Region: Nationwide
Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Baking powder, Vegetable oil

Garnaches

Light meal of fried tortilla topped with bean paste, cheese, and pickles.

Region: Around Belize City
Main ingredients: Corn tortilla, Bean paste, Cheese

Hudut

Garifuna dish of fish stewed in coconut milk eaten with mashed green banana.

Region: Stann Creek District
Main ingredients: White fish, Coconut milk, Green plantain

Boil Up

Creole home cooking of yuca, eggs, and fish simmered in tomato sauce.

Region: Coastal areas
Main ingredients: Cassava, Taro, Fish, Eggs, Tomatoes

Escabeche

Chicken soup pickled with onions and spices. Popular as hangover remedy.

Region: North
Main ingredients: Chicken, Onions, Vinegar, Spices

Panades

Light meal like fried dumpling stuffed with fish or cheese.

Region: Caye Caulker
Main ingredients: Corn dough, Fish, Onions

Johnny Cake

Thick-baked biscuit with coconut flour. Eaten with ham or cheese filling.

Region: Nationwide
Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Coconut milk, Butter

Tamale

Corn dough and meat steamed in banana leaves.

Region: Maya areas
Main ingredients: Masa flour, Pork, Banana leaves

Sere

Fish soup in coconut milk eaten with lime squeeze.

Region: Garifuna areas
Main ingredients: Fish, Coconut milk, Herbs