Belize Food & Drink Guide 2025
- Craig Densham
- Dec 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 18
A Taste of Belize — Where Caribbean Flavor Meets Central American Soul
Belize’s food tells the story of its people — a delicious mix of Caribbean, African, Maya, and Central American influences. Every meal reflects its cultural diversity and laid-back island spirit. From the sizzling streets of San Ignacio to the beachfront grills of Placencia, you’ll find that Belizean cuisine is simple, hearty, and full of love.
Stew Chicken with Rice & Beans — Belize’s National Dish
If there’s one dish that defines Belize, it’s stew chicken with rice and beans. Slow-cooked in a rich red sauce made from recado rojo (annatto paste), it’s served with coconut rice, beans, and a side of coleslaw or potato salad. It’s flavorful, filling, and found in every corner of Belize — from family homes to beachside cafés.
🍴 Where to try it: Local diners and beach shacks — it’s the go-to comfort food everywhere in Belize.
Fry Jacks — Breakfast Bliss
Mornings in Belize start with fry jacks — warm, golden pillows of fried dough, perfect for soaking up beans, eggs, and cheese. They’re often served with johnnycakes (baked coconut bread) or tortillas for variety.
Pair it with Belizean coffee or fresh orange juice for the perfect island breakfast.
Seafood Paradise — From Reef to Table
With the Caribbean Sea just steps away, fresh seafood is at the heart of Belizean dining. Depending on the season, you’ll find:
Lobster (June–February) — grilled, in tacos, or pasta
Conch (October–June) — the star of conch ceviche
Snapper, grouper, and barracuda — grilled and served beachfront
Don’t miss Lobsterfest in Placencia, San Pedro, or Caye Caulker — a must for seafood lovers!
Maya & Mestizo Flavors — Ancient Roots, Modern Taste
The Maya have shaped Belize’s food for thousands of years, bringing staples like corn, cacao, and peppers. You can still enjoy their traditional dishes today:
Tamales: corn masa stuffed with chicken or pork, wrapped in banana leaves
Dukunu: a sweet-savory corn pudding
Cacao-based drinks and chocolate — considered sacred by the ancient Maya
Visit cacao farms near San Ignacio or Toledo for a hands-on chocolate experience.
Garifuna Cuisine — Soulful & Coconut-Rich
In the southern coastal towns of Hopkins and Dangriga, you’ll find Garifuna cuisine — vibrant, coconut-infused, and rooted in tradition. Try Hudut, a classic Garifuna dish of fish simmered in coconut milk, served with mashed plantains.It’s warm, comforting, and filled with cultural heritage.
Tip: Visit during Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19) for authentic food, drumming, and dancing.
Belize Street Food — Quick, Spicy & Addictive
Belize’s street food is flavor-packed and affordable. Look for:
Panades — fried corn pockets stuffed with fish or beans
Salbutes & Garnaches — crispy corn tostadas topped with chicken, cabbage, and cheese
Tacos — especially in Orange Walk (famous for spicy chicken tacos)
Tamales on the go — a roadside favorite
🌶️ Pro tip: Don’t forget Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce — Belize’s most famous export!
Belize Drinks — Cheers to Island Life
Quench your thirst with these local favorites:
🍺 Belikin Beer — the national brew, smooth and light
🍹 Rum Punch — sweet, tropical, and potent
🥥 Fresh coconut water — nature’s hydration
🥛 Seaweed shake — a creamy Belizean specialty made with seaweed, milk, and nutmeg
🧉 Traveller’s Rum and Belikin Beer both make great souvenirs to bring home.
Where to Eat in Belize
Each region of Belize has its own food style — and you’ll never go hungry!
Placencia: Beachfront dining, fresh seafood, and Caribbean flavors.👉 Read our full guide to The Best Bars and Restaurants in Placencia Village, Belize for local favorites and hidden gems.
Ambergris Caye: Fun beach bars, seafood grills, and island-style BBQ.
San Ignacio: Jungle lodges and Maya-influenced dining.
Hopkins: Authentic Garifuna meals cooked in coconut milk and served with drumming.
At Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, you’ll find great food just steps from your suite — or take a short walk to Placencia’s famous sidewalk lined with local restaurants and bars.
Why You’ll Love Belizean Cuisine
Belizean food is about connection — to the land, the sea, and the people. It’s fresh, unfussy, and made with love. Each dish tells a story of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing meals together. When you visit Belize, come hungry — and leave with new favorites you’ll never forget.
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About the Author
Craig Densham is the owner of Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, a boutique seaside resort in Placencia, Belize. With years of local experience and a passion for hospitality, Craig loves helping guests discover the best of Belize — from hidden beaches to authentic local cuisine. Follow Ocean Breeze Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram for travel inspiration.
