I am one of those people who will try any sort of food at least once! After spending several months in Belize, I have a fair grasp of the food and I haven't eaten breakfast yet. So, let's discuss some yummy meals!

I think it took me three summers to finally remember the difference between rice and beans, and beans and rice.

The majority of food in Belize is similar to the cuisine eaten in other Latin American countries, but I tried to pick the food that is more unique to Belize for this thread. You'll also find the types of food you guys may associate more with Latin America, like tacos and burritos.

I think the weirdest food I have ever eaten in Belize is probably the cow's hoof soup. I actually had the rodent in Guatemala, but it is served widely in Belize, too. Actually, no, let me count field lunches in there. The weirdest thing I ever ate was a mixture of canned corned beef, potted meat, canned sausages, a fourth can of meat I don't remember the name of, mustard, and hot sauce on bread. But, all in all, most canned meat tastes the same, so it was kind of like eating one big sandwich of the same thing. Ha, I should add in a section on field lunches, too.

And, oh my, if you like seafood, go here. You can get awesome seafood for really cheap. I loved eating lobster whenever I went into town.

Unfortunately for all vegetarians, these types of dishes are not widely popular and available in Belize. Often, the vegetarian students from the United States will eat two dishes.



OR


And, yes, there is a distinction! The top picture shows a mixture of rice and beans, while the second picture shows the two cooked separately.


Here is a popular type of bread or biscuit called the Johnny Cake. Try it with jam or butter or use it as a sort-of edible spoon with your beans and rice. Breakfast often includes Johnny Cakes, beans, rice, some fresh fruit, eggs, and tortillas.


You may also find some Fry Jacks with your breakfast.


Belize has access to a coastline and boasts some famous island destinations for tourists, so of course seafood is a popular dish! Belize has some awesome ceviche, which is made from conch or shrimp. It is mixed with lime juice, tomato, cilantro, peppers, and some onion. You can eat it with chips like a salsa.


Conch, when in season, is absolutely amazing.


If you want some hot soup, then you need to try the escabeche. It is an onion soup often served with chicken and tortillas on the side.


Of course, you need an ice-cold beer on those hot days. Belize has a fairly limited selection of soda products and beer, because there is a monopoly on Coca-Cola products and Belikin beer. If you want a wider selection, you can probably find something smuggled from across the Guatemalan or Mexican border. Belize also has a popular, but somewhat limited selection of rum: coconut rum and One Barrel are probably the most popular.




Chimole is another hot soup with vegetables, some chicken, a boiled egg, and the spices that make it a really dark color. Belizean food is often served with whole portions, rather than cutting up the vegetables or meat into smaller portions.


Of course, there is also a variety of more standard fair eaten across Central American countries, such as tacos, fajitas, tamales, etc. There is also a significant Chinese and Creole influence in Belize, so many of the dishes mix a variety of cultures.

My absolute favorite dish from Belize is cow hoof's soup. Yes, the hoof is included. The first time I tried it, I forgot to ask if the entire hoof (and leg) was edible, so I just ate it all and enjoyed every bite. I get this dish at least once every trip.


Gibnut (it also has some other common names) is one of the largest rodents in Central America. Boy, is it tasty!


Since you are in Belize, then you need to put some Marie Sharp's hot sauce on any of the dishes shown above.


Unfortunately, I did not get to taste many sweets during my summers in Belize, but I'll offer a few of my favorites.

I adore any candy made with tamarind. Often, it is covered in sugar or chili powder. Tamarind has a tangy flavor and can also be made into a drink or eaten raw.


A coconut pastry.


And my most favorite sweet is this fruit, which you can buy in a bag on the streets for very cheap. They are wonderfully juicy and sweet, sorta kinda like a lychee.

Oh wow, that seafood looks amazing!--but so does everything else! :O I would love to try the conch and ceviche!