What to eat Belize? culinary specialties and gastronomy

In Belize, we often get up early and start the day with a hearty breakfast, often savory. Lunch is often taken between 1 and 2 pm, and dinner is often early, although restaurants often close their kitchens before 10 pm. Outside tourist areas, it's hard to find a restaurant open on Sundays.

There are many small local restaurants where you can eat for less than US$15, but if you choose to visit the more "Western" restaurants, you should expect to pay more than US$30 for a meal. All restaurants offer a take-away option, and this is often the case, as the dishes are copious. If you choose to bring a bottle of wine to a restaurant, you will often be asked to pay a corkage fee.

Taxes on restaurants are 12.5% in 2024 and are often included in the posted prices, but this is not a requirement - so be careful, especially in high-end restaurants. A service charge of 10% will be added, and you should allow for a tip, which can be as much as 20% for exceptional service, but is more commonly 10-15%. Not tipping is frowned upon, especially as the majority of visitors come from the USA, where it is customary to do so.

Dishes are generally hearty, but there's nothing to stop you sharing a dish with others, or taking the surplus home with you. Watch out for the spices - they can be very hot! Depending on the region you travel through, the cuisine changes dramatically. Near San Ignacio you'll find excellent meats cooked impeccably, and in the north you'll find the best Mexican cuisine possible. Adapt to the environment and take the opportunity to discover Garifuna, Mayan or Latin dishes.

If you're eating at a local's house, especially in remote areas, avoid drinking water or taking ice cubes. Always use sealed bottled water.

Children are welcome everywhere in the country. They will often find a special children's menu.

Smokers will never have trouble finding a smoking area in most of the country's restaurants, which often have open-air terraces.

Beware of prices that don't include tax or service, which can be a big surprise when it comes time to pay the bill.

From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., or even 6 p.m., most establishments frequented by tourists offer a happy hour during which local drinks are served to two for the price of one. Outside tourist areas, it will be difficult to find a bar open on Sundays. Generally speaking, local bars close fairly early every day.

Count BZ$2-3 for a coffee, BZ$6 for a beer in a bar and between BZ$10 and BZ$20 for a cocktail. Wine is quite expensive: expect to pay at least BZ$12 for a glass of wine in a restaurant, and much more in high-end establishments. Along the roads, you'll often find beautiful fresh coconuts to drink, for as little as 2 BZ$. Have them opened in front of you, if only to admire the gesture.

It is forbidden to consume alcohol under the age of 18, although you will rarely be asked to prove your age. Children, on the other hand, are sure to enjoy the excellent fresh fruit juices available throughout the country. Pineapple, mango and coconut are among the many fruits you're likely to discover.

You'll find a wide range of wines made from nuts, berries and even flowers. Cashew nuts, hibiscus flowers and tamarind fruit are all made into wines by both traditional and industrial methods.

Smokers are welcome in most places where alcohol is sold. If there is no open terrace, there will probably be a smoking area.