San Pedro Belize: A Culinary Adventure

San Pedro in Belize is a foodie's paradise, offering a diverse range of culinary delights that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving more. From beachside lounges to vibrant street food, there's something for every appetite and budget.

Seafood is, of course, the star of the show, with the island offering a wide variety of fresh catches all year round. However, be mindful of the seasons for lobster and conch to ensure sustainable dining. For the perfect blend of fine dining and traditional cooking, El Fogon is a must-visit, with its authentic meals cooked over a fire hearth.

But it's not just seafood on the menu. San Pedro also serves up a tasty mix of Caribbean dishes, tacos, curries, and kebabs. And for those with a sweet tooth, Regina's Paletas offers delicious mango paletas that are perfect for beating the tropical heat.

So, whether you're a foodie adventurer or a casual diner, San Pedro's dining scene will surely leave a lasting impression. Get ready to indulge and explore the unique and delicious flavours of this Belizean paradise!

Street food and vendors

San Pedro in Belize is a treasure trove of culinary delights, and this includes its street food! Here is a guide to the street food and vendors you must try when visiting:

Pupuseria Salvadoreno

A food vendor that comes highly recommended. Here, you can try their custom-made pupusas cooked right on the street. Pupusas are thick corn tortillas stuffed with a variety of fillings, and they are a staple food in Belize.

Belize Food Tours

Take a walking tour of San Pedro and discover the best street food the town has to offer. The tour guide will take you to the best "mom and pop" kitchens and share fun historic tidbits about the town and its delicious authentic Belizean cuisine. This is a great way to discover the local culture and history and find amazing local eats.

Street Food

If you want to explore on your own, there are plenty of street vendors selling delicious food all over San Pedro. Some must-try street foods include:

• Breakfast tacos: Fresh corn tortilla rolls filled with meat, onions, cilantro, and chilli.
• Dukunu: Sweet steamed corn, similar to corn pudding/bread, sold by a vendor with a distinctive and unmissable shout: "HOT DOOO-KAH-NEW".
• Meat pies: A classic beef pie or, if you're feeling fancy, a lobster meat pie.
• Pupusas: Delicious hot masa pancakes stuffed with lobster, pork, beans, cheese, or vegetables.
• Paletas and cookies: 50-cent cookies and $2 fresh fruit bars sold on Front Street at the San Pedrano Grocery Store.
• Fruit stands: Fruit stands are common in San Pedro, selling cut fruit in bags. You can usually find pineapple, watermelon, mango, or jicama with orange slices for around $2.

Farmer's Market at Banyan Bay

Although not technically street food, this market is worth a visit to discover local produce and street vendors. Vendors from across San Pedro come together to sell and display fresh food, and it is a great opportunity to try local specialities.

So, when visiting San Pedro, be sure to explore the street food scene and discover the delicious local specialities on offer!

Seafood and lobster

San Pedro in Belize is known for its fresh seafood and bold local flavours. Here are some of the best spots to indulge in seafood and lobster:

Blue Water Grill Restaurant

This beachfront restaurant in the heart of downtown San Pedro offers romantic dining with a sea view. Enjoy live music every Friday night, sushi on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a prominent spot for seafood on the menu with various preparations. The menu is also vegetarian-friendly.

Caramba Restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown San Pedro, Caramba is a hotspot for the freshest seafood dinner. Grilled lobster, fish, and shrimp are the stars of the menu. Specialising in seafood, Mexican, Caribbean, and local cuisine, Caramba offers a daily catch that is displayed for all to see, allowing guests to pick their seafood of choice.

Lily's Treasure Chest

Lily's Treasure Chest is a fantastic lunch spot with the freshest seafood available. Enjoy outdoor dining and a full menu that highlights the many preparations of seafood. Belizean flavours and dishes are also featured.

Tipsy Lobster Seafood Grill

Conveniently located in the food court across from Belizean Shores Resort, Tipsy Lobster is the place to go for fresh seafood, including seasonal favourites like conch fritters and lobster.

Rojo Beach Bar & Lounge

Relax on the beach and enjoy the freshest seafood, daily happy hour, and tropical cocktails at Rojo Beach Bar & Lounge. The idyllic beach setting is the perfect backdrop for a Belize vacation. The menu focuses on fresh local ingredients, so be sure to ask about the daily specials.

Lobster Fest

If you're visiting San Pedro during the summer, don't miss Lobster Fest! It's a two-week celebration from July 1 to 13, where you can indulge in all things lobster. The festival features outdoor food booths serving lobster prepared in various ways, from grilled lobster to lobster thermidor and even lobster ceviche. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the local community, culture, and, of course, delicious lobster!

Rice and beans

The dish consists of red kidney beans cooked with coconut milk, onion, garlic, and spices, served alongside rice. The beans are typically cooked over a fire for 2-3 hours until soft, and then mixed with dried rice and seasoned with salt, pepper, and coconut milk or oil. Some people also add diced onion or sweet pepper to taste.

When dining in San Pedro, you will likely come across two similar-sounding dishes: "Rice and Beans" and "White Rice with Stew Beans". While both dishes share some core ingredients, the preparation and flavour profiles differ. "Rice and Beans" is the more popular option among locals and tourists, while "Stew Beans with Rice" is a favourite among those of Creole background.

Chocolate and rum

If you're looking for a sweet treat in San Pedro, Belize, you're in luck! The Belize Chocolate Company is a bean-to-bar chocolate maker that offers a wide range of chocolate products, from bars and truffles to cookies, chocolate tea, and even chocolate soaps and cocoa powder. The company is located on Front Street in Ambergris Caye and offers chocolate-making classes for those who want to learn more about the process.

For those who want to indulge in some chocolate shopping, the Belize Chocolate Company has you covered. Their chocolates are reasonably priced, with bars available in a variety of flavours, including vegan coconut milk chocolate. They also offer other chocolate products such as body care items, beautiful truffles, and baked goods.

If you're looking for a unique experience, the chocolate-making class is a great option. In the class, you'll learn about the process of making chocolate, from the acquisition and roasting of cacao beans to the final product. You'll also have the opportunity to taste the chocolate at different stages of production. The class is led by Chris, a great instructor who encourages interaction and questions.

Whether you're a chocolate lover or just looking for a unique souvenir, a visit to the Belize Chocolate Company is definitely worth considering during your stay in San Pedro, Belize. Don't forget to stock up on chocolates to enjoy after your dinners or to bring home as gifts!

Fruit and smoothies

San Pedro in Belize is a treasure trove of culinary delights, with an array of fresh fruits and smoothies available to satisfy your taste buds. Here's a guide to the best fruit and smoothie experiences the town has to offer:

Izzy's Smoothies Snacks & Juice Bar

A popular spot among locals and tourists, Izzy's Smoothies Snacks & Juice Bar embraces local Belizean flavours with a wide range of fresh smoothies and traditional meals. Their menu includes fry jacks, stews, and homemade juices, all served in a casual island setting. It's a great place to relax and cool off while exploring San Pedro.

Marbuck's Coffee House

Located just off the main road, Marbuck's Coffee House offers a delightful selection of fresh fruit smoothies alongside specialty coffee drinks and baked goods. They also host a Thursday Wine Fun event from 4 pm to 7 pm and a delicious Sunday Brunch with mimosas!

Wild Mango's

Wild Mango's is an open-air restaurant set in a serene beachfront location, offering a blend of Caribbean and Mexican dishes with a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. While their menu features vegetarian and vegan options, they are also known for their daily specials, so be sure to arrive early to enjoy the full experience.

Fruits of Belize

When it comes to fresh produce, Belize offers a variety of tropical delights. You can always find an abundance of pineapple, watermelon, oranges, grapefruit, papaya, limes, bananas, and plantains. In season, you'll also come across delicious mangoes, avocados, custard apples, dragon fruit, and more exotic treats.

So, whether you're looking for a refreshing smoothie, a casual snack, or simply want to explore the local fruit selection, San Pedro has plenty to offer. Don't forget to visit the local stands and markets to truly immerse yourself in the vibrant food culture of this beautiful town!

Frequently asked questions