Taste of Belize: 7 Must-Try Local Dishes (and Where to Find Them)

October 25, 2025
by Larry Waight +

If you really want to understand Belize, you have to taste it. The country’s cuisine is a celebration of its diverse cultures including Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, and East Indian influences. Every meal tells a story of land and sea, history and heritage. Whether you are dining at a seaside shack or a fine restaurant, Belizean food is rich in flavor and made with care.

From slow-cooked stews to fresh seafood and tropical sweets, here are seven dishes that capture the essence of Belize and where you can enjoy them at their best.

Rice and Beans with Stewed Chicken

No dish represents Belize more than rice and beans served with stewed chicken. The rice is simmered in coconut milk, giving it a rich, fragrant flavor, and the chicken is slow-cooked in spices, onions, and herbs until tender. It is the national comfort food, often served with fried plantains and potato salad.

You will find this everywhere in Belize, from roadside diners to high-end restaurants. It is hearty, homey, and a must for anyone wanting a true taste of Belize.

Fry Jacks

A Belizean breakfast is not complete without fry jacks. These fluffy, golden pockets of fried dough puff up beautifully and pair perfectly with refried beans, scrambled eggs, and cheese. They are simple, satisfying, and best enjoyed hot from the pan.

Many local cafés serve them in the morning, often with honey or jam. They are the perfect start to a day of exploring, offering both comfort and nostalgia.

Hudut

This Garifuna specialty from the coastal regions of Belize is a must-try for seafood lovers. Hudut combines tender fish cooked in a creamy coconut broth with mashed plantains, creating a rich, comforting dish that reflects Garifuna culinary traditions.

You will find authentic hudut in Hopkins and Dangriga, especially during Garifuna Settlement Day in November, when families and restaurants serve it as part of the celebrations.

Conch Ceviche

When conch season opens in October, ceviche becomes the star of the menu. Fresh conch is diced and marinated in lime juice with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. It is light, tangy, and perfect on a warm afternoon with a cold Belikin beer.

Ambergris Caye and Placencia are known for some of the best ceviche in the country, and it is a must for anyone visiting during conch season.

Tamales

Wrapped in banana or plantain leaves and steamed to perfection, Belizean tamales are filled with seasoned chicken, pork, or vegetables mixed with masa. They are a traditional meal often made for family gatherings and holidays.

Street vendors sell tamales across the country, especially on weekends. Pair one with fresh juice or coffee for the ultimate Belizean street food experience.

Escabeche

This savory Mestizo dish is a flavorful onion soup made with roasted chicken and spices like allspice and black pepper. The broth is tangy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. It is a go-to comfort dish after a long day of exploring or traveling.

You can find escabeche at family-run restaurants throughout Cayo and Orange Walk districts. It is hearty, aromatic, and uniquely Belizean.

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Belizean Rum Cake

End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of Belizean rum cake. Made with local rum and spices, it is moist, fragrant, and the perfect dessert to pair with a cup of freshly brewed Belizean coffee. Many resorts and restaurants bake their own, often using recipes passed down through generations.

Where to Eat in San Ignacio

San Ignacio has become one of the best culinary hubs in Belize, combining traditional flavors with international flair. For an unforgettable dining experience, visit Running W Restaurant at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Overlooking the jungle, this award-winning restaurant showcases the best of Belizean cuisine with a refined, farm-to-table touch. From rice and beans to fresh seafood and tropical desserts, every dish celebrates Belize’s rich flavors and culinary heritage. It is where authentic Belizean cooking meets elegant presentation, making it the top choice for travelers who want to taste the true flavor of Belize.

Visit Running W Restaurant in San Ignacio and experience Belizean cuisine at its finest. From breakfast to dinner, it is the perfect place to enjoy local dishes made with heart, history, and homegrown ingredients.