About Belizean cuisine

A word with Chef Rob from Gourmet Cafe in Hopkins, Stann Creek District.

Sometimes it is not what you have to offer but what you don't have to offer that makes a destination special. Belize is one of the few countries left in the world where food franchises are not allowed.

Think about it ! No Domino's Pizza, no McDonald's, no TV commercials brainwashing our kids into longing for unhealthy food to get a cheap toy. Every single restaurant you visit in Belize has its own identity. And because of our cultural diversity, we have a large culinary range to offer. In the northern and western parts of Belize you will find Mexican influences like rellenos and tacos while in central Belize our naional dish is based of rice and beans prepared in various way such as the Belizean-style barbecue. The minorities have their own traditional food and restaurants where you can find Mennonite or Garifuna cuisine. Thai, Chinese, Spanish, Indian and Lebanese eateries are also spread all over the country !

In Belize we celebrate our food throughout the year. Lobster fest, cacao fest, mango fest and cashew fest being the most popular. While eating close to the source is becoming a trend all over the world, it only comes to us naturally in Belize. We wouldn't have it any other way ! We import very few of our fresh products and make sure they are correctly handled. Most of people grow their own fruits and vegetables in their backyards. Compared to international standards, produce grown for both the locals and exportation are planted on a fairly small scale, our lands are GMO-free, cattle is grass fed and fishing is limited and under control of our government.

If you want to get back to the roots of fresh and organic eating Belize is definitely the place for you !