Back
BEL_Lobster_Shutterstock_freewithcredit

Let’s face it; Central America is not renowned for its cuisine. And, whilst I’m all for a plate of rice and beans (I’m half Brazilian), they’re not going to set your taste buds on fire - which is why Belize took me by surprise.

Belize
might just be a small speck on the Central American map but it packs a huge punch. Seldom have I come across a country that combines so much into such a small area. Incredible wildlife, the world’s second largest barrier reef, picture-perfect, palm-swinging beaches, exhilarating jungle activities, impressive Mayan ruins, a thriving contemporary Mayan culture and sensational food.

Nestled between Guatemala and Mexico, Belize is home to a melting pot of cultures; Mennonite, Kriol, Mestizo, and Garifuna to mention a few. This variety of cultures has resulted in a wonderfully diverse menu that will cater for all palates.

From tasty tacos to zesty ceviche, here is my guide to the best Belizean bites and where to eat them.

Traditional Sunday Lunch – Belize City
Every Sunday Belizeans will sit down to a hearty lunch consisting of rice, beans, coleslaw, fried plantain and roast chicken. The Best Western Biltmore Plaza is a great place to taste this typical dish and after, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the hotel’s lovely outdoor pool.

Tacos – Orange Walk

shutterstock_135980927

Ask anyone from Belize where to eat the best tacos and the reply is always the same: Orange Walk. The original street food, my favourite tacos are filled with succulent pulled pork pibil.

Conch and Lobster ceviche – Ambergris Caye

The conch season runs from October to May. The best place to eat them is in San Pedro at Ramon’s Village Resort. The palapa-style restaurant has a superb location; right on the beach and the staff were first-class.

BEL_Lobster_Shutterstock_freewithcredit

June marks the beginning of the lobster season, and what better way to celebrate than with a three-day festival. Pick from barbecued lobster, coconut lobster or even lobster thermidor at the many stalls that line the streets. Alternatively, try Elvi’s Kitchen; it’s one of the best places on the island to eat seafood.

Cacao pork and lobster bread pudding – Placencia
For a modern twist using local ingredients, the award-winning Maya Beach Hotel and Bistro is a must. What a treat - every dish here has been carefully designed and is beautifully presented. The open-air restaurant has a wonderful location in front of the sea.

Ancient Mayan Cuisine and Chocolate - Toledo

BEL_PuntaGorda_LivingMayaExperience_LRD_free

The district of Toledo in the very south of the country is mountainous, lush and has a strong Mayan influence. For a unique cultural experience, where you can actually talk with the locals (Belize is an English-speaking country), sign up to the Living Maya Experience. Here you will be welcomed into a traditional family home where you will learn about the traditions of the Maya. Help prepare lunch by crushing corn to make tortillas then head out to a cacao plantation to learn about the chocolate-making process.

Wherever you visit in Belize you’ll find a bottle of very hot pepper sauce – Marie Sharp is the nation’s favourite –use sparingly!

Tailor-made holidays

Flexible, custom-made holidays to Latin America created to match your exact requirements: our tailor-made itineraries are as unique as the clients for whom they are designed.

Design my trip

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Charlotte
    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Alex
    Alex Walker - Travel Expert

    A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

0 1 2 3 4 5