Kai Caulker: A Culinary Adventure In Belize

Caye Caulker, Belize is a small island off the coast of Belize City. It's known for its laid-back, budget-friendly Caribbean vacation vibe, with its motto being Go Slow. The island offers a range of delicious food options, from fresh seafood to jerk chicken and Italian cuisine. Here are some must-try food items and restaurants to visit during your stay:

- Lobster and Conch: When in season, lobster and conch are considered must-try dishes in Caye Caulker.

- Fry Jacks: Errolyn's House of Fry Jacks is a popular spot for fry jacks, a Belizean favourite. You can also find them at Patti's food cart and Axios Sun Coffee.

- Seafood: Wish Willy's is a unique dining experience, located in Willy's backyard, where he grills your catch of the day. Other great seafood options include Tropical Paradise, Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill, and Chef Kareem's.

- Belizean Cuisine: Maggie's Sunset Kitchen serves traditional Belizean dishes like stewed chicken, stew beef, and baked chicken with rice and beans.

- Ceviche: A popular choice in Caye Caulker, found at many restaurants including Barefoot Caribe Bar and Grill, and Sip n' Dip.

- International Cuisine: For Italian food, Pasta per Caso (Sandro's) is a great option. Amigo's Kitchen offers Chinese food and pizza, and Bambooze serves chicken fajitas and fried plantains.

- Drinks: The Lazy Lizard, located at the end of the island, is a famous spot for drinks and socialising. Ice 'n' Beans is a great coffee shop, and you can find fresh fruit juices like watermelon juice all over the island.

Lobster, conch, and other seafood

Caye Caulker, Belize, is known for its relaxed, laid-back vibe and its fresh seafood. Lobster and conch are considered "must-try" dishes when visiting the island. The island's annual Lobsterfest, which has been running for 25 years, celebrates the start of the lobster season in late June.

Lobster can be found on the menus of many restaurants on the island, including Tropical Paradise, where you can sample a lobster kebab. At The Little Kitchen, you can try lobster ceviche, and at Kareem's, you can get your lobster slathered with jerk seasoning and grilled to order.

Conch is another seafood delicacy that Caye Caulker is famous for. You can find conch fritters, conch ceviche, and other conch dishes at street stalls and local restaurants. Conch season runs from October to June, so this is the best time to visit if you want to sample the freshest conch.

In addition to lobster and conch, Caye Caulker offers a variety of other seafood dishes. Freshly caught fish, grilled barracuda steak, whole snapper, and shrimp are commonly found on restaurant menus. Some restaurants, such as Wish Willy's, will even cook your own catch for you.

For a true taste of Belize, don't miss the opportunity to sample some of the country's other culinary delights, such as pico de gallo, fried plantains, and Belizean beer (Belikin).

Grilled meats

When it comes to grilled meats in Caye Caulker, Belize, there are plenty of options to choose from. The island is known for its fresh seafood, and you'll find an abundance of grilled fish and lobster on offer. One of the most popular dishes is grilled spiny lobster, which is similar to the Atlantic lobster found in Canada and the US. It is often grilled outdoors and served with lemon garlic butter. Another option is a big fillet of snapper or grouper, prepared over a grill with a squeeze of lime juice.

If you're looking for something other than seafood, grilled chicken, pork, and beef are also readily available in Caye Caulker. These meats are often seasoned with exotic blends of spices, creating hearty dishes that can be enjoyed any time of the day. One popular choice is cochinita pibil, a traditional Yucatec-Maya dish of slow-roasted pork marinated in sour orange juice, annato seed paste, garlic, and allspice. The meat is then wrapped in plantain leaves and slow-cooked in an underground oven or clay oven until tender. This dish is commonly served with hot handmade corn tortillas, avocado, and a fresh habanero pepper sauce.

For a true taste of Belize, don't miss the opportunity to try the country's famous rice and beans. This dish is often served alongside grilled meats and features a spicy and smoky blend of recado (achiote), salt pork, onions, peppers, and coconut milk. It is usually accompanied by a chunk of stewed chicken, fish, or pork, and can be found for a very reasonable price.

In addition to the amazing food, Caye Caulker also offers a laid-back atmosphere and vibrant turquoise waters, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation with delicious food.

Local cuisine

Caye Caulker, Belize, is known for its relaxed vacation vibe and its motto, "Go Slow". The island offers a variety of culinary delights, from fresh seafood to jerk chicken and Italian food. Here is a guide to the local cuisine of Caye Caulker:

Seafood

Fresh seafood is abundant on Caye Caulker, with many restaurants offering grilled barracuda steak, whole snapper, lobster, and conch. Some restaurants will even cook your catch of the day for you. Wish Willy's, for example, will grill your fish and add some rice and vegetables for a small fee. If you're looking for a fine dining experience, Tropical Paradise Restaurant serves excellent seafood in an open-air setting just a few yards from the ocean.

Street Food

For a quick bite, head to Patti's fry jack cart, where you can get made-to-order fry jacks, tacos, and tortas. Errolyn's House of Fry Jacks is another popular spot, serving up delicious and affordable fry jacks with a variety of fillings.

Maggie's Sunset Kitchen is the place to go for traditional Belizean dishes. Their stewed chicken is a local favourite, but they also offer stew beef and baked chicken, all served with a side of rice and beans, and fried plantain. For a true taste of Belize, try the pico de gallo and fried plantains, a perfect mid-day snack.

International Cuisine

Caye Caulker also offers a variety of international cuisine. Pasta per Caso (formerly Sandro's) serves authentic Italian food, with the owner hailing from Milan. For Chinese takeout and pizza, Amigo's Kitchen is a casual spot along Front Street. Bambooze offers a range of seafood options and a party atmosphere, while La Cubana is known for its delicious roasted pork.

Drinks and Desserts

When it comes to drinks, the Lazy Lizard is a must-visit beach bar at the end of the island, offering a wonderful view of the water along with drinks and food. For coffee lovers, Ice 'n' Beans is the perfect spot, serving a variety of coffee and breakfast options. Don't forget to try the fresh fruit juices, with watermelon juice being a local favourite. For dessert, you can find little ice cream shacks serving up delicious coconut ice cream.

Street food

Caye Caulker, Belize, is known for its relaxed, laid-back vibe and its street food scene. The island's motto is "Go Slow", and this seems to apply to the service at restaurants and street food stalls alike. The dress code is casual, and you can wander in barefoot straight from the beach.

There are plenty of street vendors frying up fry jacks, grilling seafood, and making papusas. The prices are lower than in the restaurants, and the portions are generous. You'll be greeted by the smell of delicious food everywhere you go.

Errolyns House of Fry Jacks

A Caye Caulker specialty, fry jacks are fried dough stuffed with a filling, usually savoury but sometimes sweet. They are cheap, easy, and filling. Errolyn's is famous for them, and you'll also find them at street stalls.

Chef Kareem's UnBelizeable Lunch

Chef Kareem sets up his grill and cooks up amazing creations with just the right amount of spice. His jerk chicken and pork are not to be missed, and if you're there during lobster season, his grilled lobster is a must-try.

Chef Juan's Kitchen and Pastries

This may be the best restaurant on the island. While it doesn't have a view, the food is excellent. You order at the window and collect your food when it's ready.

Pasta Per Caso Anna & Armando

This small, popular Italian restaurant serves up delicious, authentic dishes. There are only two pasta options per day, one meat and one vegetarian, and both are well worth trying. Reservations are recommended.

Maggie's Sunset Kitchen

Traditional Belizean dishes are the specialty here. The stewed chicken is a favourite and often sells out, so get there early! The stew beef and baked chicken are also excellent, and all meals are served with rice and beans and fried plantain.

The Little Kitchen

This little gem is a bit hard to find, located off the beaten path beside a community of makeshift shelters. It's worth the effort to get there, though, for delicious, affordable food. The lobster ceviche, salbutes (deep-fried tortillas with toppings), and jerk chicken are all excellent.

Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill

While the food may be unremarkable, this sports bar is a great place to grab a beer and watch a game.

Wish Willy - Bar & Grill

If you go fishing on Caye Caulker, some of the restaurants will cook your catch for you, and Wish Willy's is one of them. He'll grill your fish and add some rice and veggies for a small fee. They also serve chicken and pork chops.

Paradiso Cafe

This larger restaurant, located on the main drag, is a pleasant surprise. With floor and ceiling fans running to keep the space cool, it's a great place to enjoy a cold drink and a delicious meal.

The Pelican Sunset Bar

This bar is a bit off the beaten path, but it's worth the trip for the excellent views and drinks. It's built over the water, which helps keep the bugs away and provides a nice breeze.

So, whether you're looking for a quick bite at a street stall or a more substantial meal at a sit-down restaurant, Caye Caulker has plenty of delicious street food options to offer!

International cuisine

Caye Caulker, Belize, is a small island off the coast of Belize City. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its relaxed, laid-back vibe and beautiful turquoise waters. The island attracts younger travellers seeking an affordable beach destination with a hip, Caribbean feeling.

When it comes to international cuisine, Caye Caulker offers a variety of dining options, from seafood and barbeque to Italian and Chinese. Here is a guide to some of the must-try food spots on the island:

Seafood

Fresh seafood is abundant on Caye Caulker, with many restaurants offering grilled barracuda steak, whole snapper, lobster, and conch. Some of the top spots for seafood include:

• Tropical Paradise: This open-air restaurant, located just a few yards from the ocean, offers excellent grilled seafood and a Caribbean breeze while dining.
• Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill: While not specifically mentioned for its food, this sports bar is a great place to hang out and enjoy a pina colada.
• Wish Willy's: This unique spot is located in Willy's backyard, where he sets up wooden picnic tables and grills up a variety of dishes, including seafood and meats.
• Rose's: A casual spot where you pick your seafood, which is then grilled up for you.
• Lazy Lizard: A famous beach bar at the end of the island, offering drinks, food, and a wonderful view of the water.

In addition to seafood, Caye Caulker also offers a variety of international cuisine:

• Pasta per Caso (Sandro's): An Italian restaurant serving authentic Italian food.
• Amigo's Kitchen: A casual spot offering Chinese takeout dishes and pizza.
• The Little Kitchen: Serving a variety of dishes, including lobster ceviche, salbutes (deep-fried puffed tortillas), and jerk chicken.
• Bambooze: Located on Front Street, offering a view of the water and a party atmosphere with a thatched roof and proximity to the beach.

Local Cuisine

For those looking to try traditional Belizean dishes, there are several options:

• Maggie's Sunset Kitchen: A popular spot for traditional Belizean cuisine, with stewed chicken, stew beef, and baked chicken, served with rice, beans, and fried plantains.
• Errolyn's House of Fry Jacks: A busy spot serving fry jacks made to order, as well as tacos and tortas.
• Patti's Fry Jack Cart: Serving fry jacks, tacos, and tortas, with a favourite being the pibil fry jack, made with slow-roasted pork, beans, cheese, and cabbage slaw.

Caye Caulker offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from seafood to international options and local Belizean cuisine. With its laid-back atmosphere and affordable prices, it is a great destination for travellers seeking new food adventures.

Frequently asked questions