Belize's Food Scene: What To Avoid

Belize's culinary scene is a melting pot of Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish, and Mayan influences. While there may not be a distinctive Belizean cuisine, the country offers a plethora of unique dishes and drinks that are worth savouring. However, amidst the array of mouth-watering options, there are some food choices that travellers may want to avoid to ensure a pleasant and safe dining experience.

French Fries

Instead of French fries, you could try cassava chips, plantain chips, green fried plantain, fried breadfruit, or corn tortilla chips. These alternatives are often hand-cut and always fresh, offering their own amazing flavours. In Placencia, Belize, you can find great cassava and plantain chips at Maya Beach Bistro, or try the fried breadfruit at Barefoot Bar or The Shak. For freshly-fried tortilla chips, head to Pop's Tortilleria on Main Street in downtown Placencia Village.

Fried breadfruit, a seasonal specialty, is a must-try. These golden moons of starchy goodness rival the best hand-cut French fry. If you're looking for a more substantial meal, opt for a Belizean rice and beans plate. These hearty meals typically include a generous serving of rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, topped with stewed beans in their own gravy, and accompanied by stewed meats such as chicken, pork, beef, or fried fish. Don't forget to add a scoop of coleslaw or potato salad on the side!

If you're craving something crunchy and savoury, consider trying termites instead of French fries. While it may seem unusual, termites are a great source of protein, and deep-fried ones can add a unique texture to a cream of carrot soup. However, be sure to have a local guide offer you some first, as a taste for termite may not be for everyone!

Sandwiches

However, if you're set on a sandwich, you can get traditional sandwiches in Belize, often served on sliced white bread. You can also get American-style burgers, and fish, shrimp, or conch burgers at beach and island destinations.

If you're after something more traditionally Belizean, you could try a Johnny cake sandwich. Johnny cakes are biscuit-like breads made with flour and coconut milk. They are usually eaten at breakfast, but Belizean wives and mothers often prepare them as lunch sandwiches for family members to take to work or school.

Fry jacks are another option. These are puff pastries made of deep-fried wheat dough in the shape of a semi-moon or triangle. They are often eaten with eggs and beans, but can also be eaten as a sandwich.

Termites

Despite their important role in the ecosystem, termites are not usually considered a delicacy. However, in Belize, some tour guides might encourage visitors to sample a termite, describing them as having a "minty" flavour. In reality, termites have been described as tasting like a "woody carrot". They are also said to be a great source of protein.

If you are offered a termite to eat, it is recommended that you get your tour guide to eat one first. It is also important to note that termites should not be confused with the protected wildlife in Belize, which includes species such as sea turtles, manatees, tapirs, and howler monkeys.

Steak

Belize is known for its delicious mix of culinary influences and fresh, local ingredients, but if you're looking for a good steak, you might be out of luck. While you can find steak in Belize, it's not one of the country's specialties. Here's what you need to know:

Belize is a country that boasts a diverse range of culinary influences, including Creole, Mestizo, Caribbean, Garifuna, Maya, and British. The country's cuisine features a variety of fresh seafood, chicken, pork, and beef, all paired with exotic blends of spices. However, steak is not one of the more popular options.

When it comes to meat, Belizeans tend to favour chicken, pork, and seafood. While you can find steak in Belize, it may not live up to the standards of North American beef. The steaks in Belize tend to be tougher and chewier, and with limited meals during your stay, you might want to opt for something else.

If you're craving a hearty meat dish, Belize has plenty of other options to offer. Their flavourful, hormone-free chicken is a great choice, or you could try one of their exceptional pork chops. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even sample some unique game meats like gibnut (also known as "The Queen's Rat") or iguana, which is often called "bamboo chicken".

In addition, Belize has an abundance of fresh seafood options, thanks to its offshore coral reefs and islands. Lobster, lionfish, grouper, snapper, barracuda, conch, and shrimp are all widely available and can be prepared in a variety of mouthwatering ways.

So, while you could order a steak in Belize, it's probably not the best choice. With so many other delicious options to choose from, you're better off saving your steak cravings for a trip to Argentina or another steak-loving destination.

Remember, when in Belize, choose local over imported, step out of your comfort zone, and ask the locals for their recommendations. That's the best way to discover the true culinary treasures of this beautiful country.

Baileys Cheesecake

Why you shouldn't eat Baileys Cheesecake in Belize

While Baileys Cheesecake is a delicious dessert, it is not an authentic Belizean dish and should be avoided if you want to experience the real flavours of Belize. The recipe typically calls for imported ingredients such as Philadelphia cream cheese, graham crackers, and Bailey's Irish Cream. Instead, opt for classic Belizean pastries like lemon and coconut tarts, jam roll, coconut crust, milk cake, bread pudding, or rice pudding.

A Guide to Making Baileys Cheesecake

Despite not being a Belizean specialty, Baileys Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on many other occasions. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make this indulgent treat:

Ingredients:

• Oreo cookies or graham crackers for the crust
• Unsalted or salted butter
• Room-temperature cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
• Room-temperature sour cream
• Room-temperature eggs
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar

Process:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides.
• Create the crust by combining cookie crumbs with melted butter and pressing the mixture into the pan. Bake for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown, then let it cool.
• For the filling, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour together until smooth. Add sour cream, Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing well.
• Pour the filling into the crust and place the pan in a water bath. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• After baking, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake rest inside for 30 minutes with the door closed, then crack the door open for another 30 minutes to cool gradually.
• Remove the cheesecake from the oven and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 5-6 hours.
• Prepare the chocolate ganache by microwaving heavy whipping cream and Baileys until slightly boiling, then pouring it over chocolate chips. Whisk until smooth and spread over the chilled cheesecake.
• Make Baileys whipped cream by whipping heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and Baileys until stiff peaks form. Pipe the whipped cream onto the cheesecake.
• You can also add additional toppings like Oreo crumbs, chocolate chip cookie crumbles, chocolate sauce, or chocolate shavings.
• Enjoy your delicious Baileys Cheesecake!

Storage and Freezing:

It is recommended to consume the cheesecake within 4-5 days of preparation. For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake. Wrap it well and place it in the freezer for a couple of hours to set before transferring it to the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently asked questions