An Overview of Belizean Cuisine and Food Culture
by Belize Globe

Belize’s cuisine is mainly inspired by the Mexican and Caribbean diets, and a little less by the Anglo-Saxon. Its basic ingredients are rice and beans, often eaten with barbecued meat, pork, veal, fish or vegetables. Other Belizean foods are tamales, pozol, panuchos, and fish-based dishes, as well as the traditional sopa de caracol, with a very particular flavor and a thick consistency when added okra, potato, sweet potato, cassava, toasted flour and a touch of chili. Coconut milk and fried plantain add a truly tropical flavor to the dishes.
It seems the locals have adapted food and cooking techniques from many early settlers, including the cuisines of Spanish and African too.It can be hard to find a truly distinctive Belizean cuisine. However, the country surely offers a delightful culinary journey for all those who come here to enjoy some regional delicacies. Belizean culture and cuisine showcases a mixture of many regional traditions and food habits, with major influences from Mexican, Caribbean, and Mayan culinary methods.If you are looking forward to try some authentic Belizean flavors, then here are top twenty things to eat in Belize.1. Belizean rice and beans:Just like the Mexican cuisine, rice and beans combo is also quintessential part of the Belizean meal. However, Belizeans love their rice flavored with coconut milk. Often, this dish is served with potato salad, traditional baked plantain, coleslaw and Marie Sharp pepper sauce.2. Meat Dishes:Of course, Belizeans will not disappoint all meat eaters. Their traditional meal always includes a choice of meat dish, either beef, pork, chicken, or fish. Belizeans also love other varieties of meat, including the famous gibnut meat dishes, and meats of deer, iguana and Hicatee. Usually, the meat portion is grilled, stewed or fried.3. Belize Fruit Cake:Belizeans prepare and enjoy their traditional rum-based fruit cake, especially during holidays. This cake is baked from preserved fruits and then being doused with a generous portion of dark local or Caribbean rum. Belize fruit cake is aged at least for a week before serving.4. Local Taco:Tacos are common in Belize too. Just like in Mexican cuisine, here tacos are also served with shredded meat, chopped veggies with a major portion of cabbage and onions, and cilantro. Belizeans eat tacos as a quick and snack-size meal.5. Fried Plantain:In Belize, plantain is found in abundance. Belizean connoisseurs love traditional baked or fried plantains served as a side with an elaborated meal. This sweet golden-brown tasty side is a perfect side dish for any meal.

