The Best Street Food You Must Try While Visiting Belize

February 11, 2024
by Larry Waight +

Food is one of the best windows into a culture, and that certainly holds true for Belize. This small Central American country has a rich culinary tradition that shines through in its street food. For anyone visiting the country soon, these are the dishes you absolutely must try.

Tacos

Tacos are one of the foods many people picture when they think of Latin American cuisine. They are a favorite and readily available on the streets of Belize as a cheap and simple yet delicious option. They’ll consist of a filling of your choice, usually chicken or pork, onions and cabbage, and other toppings all wrapped up in a corn tortilla.

Fruit

Fresh fruit is also a popular street food in Belize for a quick and healthy snack. Truly fresh, tropical fruit is an entirely different experience from eating imported ones bought in a grocery store. Mango, pineapple, and papaya are common, as are lesser-known native fruits such as sapodilla and soursop.

BBQ Mutton, Chicken or Pork

Barbecue has a long and storied history in Latin America, with the word itself even having roots in indigenous Caribbean languages. Belizean street barbecue incorporates tender slow-grilled meats, flour tortillas, and a variety of sauces and spices with differing strengths.

Traditional Rice and Beans

Rice and beans are a staple food in Belize as they are in many Latin American countries. They are cooked together with a mixture of spices and sometimes hot sauce. Meat or potato salad are common accompanying dishes. In fact, rice and beans with stew chicken and potato salad is the national dish of Belize.

Fry Jacks

Now for some local foods, you might not have heard of before. Fry Jacks are deep-fried breakfast cakes that can be served plain or with a variety of fillings. They are typically served with a side of refried beans or cheese and can be topped with cheese, beans, or jam.

Hudut

Originating from the Garifuna culture of Belize, hudut is a stew made with fish and coconut milk. Mashed green and ripe plantains, called Fu-fu, are served on the side. Few other dishes convey the Belizean love for the sea and tropical coast that are integral to their culture.

Salbutes

Salbutes are deep-fried corn dough that has been pressed into a circle, something like a tortilla. They are then topped with meat, cabbage, tomato, and hot sauce. They are endlessly customizable to appeal to any palate.

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Panades

Panades are savory finger food that is widely consumed in Belize. They are made by taking pockets of corn dough and filling them with meat, beans, or fish before frying. Some people like to add cabbage, onion, or even cheese. They can be topped with a slaw or hot sauce.

Garnaches

Garnaches are a quick, tasty snack that consists of crunchy fried corn tortillas topped with cabbage, beans, and Dutch cheese. Onion sauce, ketchup, and tomato are also popular toppings.

There are a rich variety of street foods for you to enjoy in Belize. Always be open to sampling the local culture and trying something new – you are almost certain to have a more rewarding experience when you do.