“For travelers, one thing is already certain: You’ll always have a great meal in Belize—just follow your nose to the nearest fire hearth.
– Conde Nast Traveler
Ever wanted to go on a culinary vacation? Known as food tourism or sometimes gastronomy tourism, the concept puts food at the center of our travels. And while the mention of a culinary experience might lead to thoughts of graceful Bordeaux, France or ever-buzzing Tokyo, Japan, Belize is more of a gourmand destination than one might think.
From Creole and East Indian to indigenous Maya, the cultural diversity of this small nation makes for some memorable foodie adventures. If you’re planning a to go on a culinary vacation, here are a few classes and culinary experiences that you can enjoy in Belize.
Elevated Belizean Cuisine With Chef Rahim
Photo by The Belize Collection
Looking at the dinner menu at Jaguar Reef’s Paddle House Restaurant, you might find yourself as curious as you are enticed. Dishes like achiote & culantro steamed fish and craboo beef tenderloin combine traditional local ingredients with a modern and innovative flair that delights the senses.
Chef Rahim in his element. Photo by The Belize Collection
Chef Rahim Melendez is known for his “reinvented Belizean cuisine.” Utilizing locally sourced ingredients like Mennonite cheese and farm fresh veggies, he creates unique dishes loaded with an array of flavors (and with impeccable presentation to boot).
Peruse The Paddle House’s Menus here.
Cooking Fish the Traditional Maya Way at San Ignacio Resort Hotel
Photo by San Ignacio Resort
When thinking of the Maya, many travelers first think of ancient cities long abandoned and ceremonial caves hidden away in the jungle. But the descendants of the ancient Maya are still very much present in communities throughout Central America, including Belize. The same can be said for their traditions.
Photo by San Ignacio Resort Hotel
In Belize’s sprawling Cayo district, head to the vibrant town of San Ignacio, where you can learn to prepare a fish the traditional Maya way. The cooking class takes places at San Ignacio Resort Hotel, right near a preserved Chultun that was discovered on site*. This culinary experience includes seasoning the fish with local spices and cooking on a traditional fire hearth.
Book the tour with San Ignacio Resort Hotel here.
*A Chultun is a natural refrigerator used by the ancient Maya to preserve food and meats for days.
A Bean to Bar Class at Copal Tree Lodge
A farm-to-table experience with Copal Tree Lodge’s chocolate tour.
In addition to offering countless culinary experiences, Belize’s is also a burgeoning chocolate-lover destination. With an annual Chocolate Festival and local chocolate makers found across the country, it’s easy to see why the country was featured on Forbes for its chocolate-themed tours. Visit the “Cacao Capital” (the Toledo District) for a taste of all things food of the gods.
At Copal Tree Lodge, just outside Punta Gorda Town, guests can enjoy a full bean to bar experience thanks to the onsite chocolate tour. Get to understand and participate in the entire process of transforming organic cacao into chocolate. Then, go a step further with a chocolatier class, where you can create truffles and other fine chocolatey desserts.
Book the tour (and a stay) here.
Ka’ana’s Maya Cooking Class
Photo by Ka’ana
The name of the Cayo District’s Ka’ana Resort translates to “heavenly place” from Yucatec Maya. And when staying at this luxe outpost located off the western highway, it’s hard to miss the many other inspirations drawn from Belize’s Maya culture. From the name of their standard queen suites (balam, which means jaguar) to immersive cultural tours, Ka’ana offers guests the chance to fully bask in the culture. That includes during their onsite Maya Cooking Class.
© Ka’ana Resort
Visit Ka’ana’s Maya kitchen for an immersive culinary experience. The kitchen comes complete with a fogon. This traditional stove is typically made using brick and mud. With a Maya cook as your tutor, learn about traditional methods and flavor profiles as you use the fogon to prepare tortillas, tamales, and more.
Book the class here.
Learn to Cook Like the Creole in Placencia
Photo by Megan Rodden (Real Life Recess)
In an article published earlier this year, Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle contributor Megan set out to explore Belize’s many cultures right on the Placencia Peninsula. In addition to village food tours and Garifuna drumming, she rolled up her sleeves and participated in a hands-on Creole cooking class.
Photo by Annelise Hagan
The Creole Cashew and Coconut Cooking Class includes a homemade dinner consisting of what’s available that day. It’s conducted at Doyle’s Smoke Yaad & Catering right in Placencia Village. Make fresh coconut milk and coconut oil from scratch and use them to create a traditional Belizean meal. Plus, when cashews are in season, get to roast your own and learn why the cashew is such an expensive nut.
Book a Creole cooking class with Dtourz Placencia here.
Similar: A Dish for Every Belize Destination
Ava’s Cooking Class in Crooked Tree Village
Source: TripAdvisor
The Creole village of Crooked Tree is an easily accessed destination for birders, culture lovers, and history buffs. But this tiny settlement located off the Philip Goldson Highway also offers fun culinary experiences. Enter: Mrs. Ava Tillett, a Crooked Tree native and beloved chef.
Source: TripAdvisor
Culinary Experiences don’t get much more up close and personal than this. Get to chat with Mrs. Ava as you learn about (and taste) traditional Belizean foods. Try your hand at making dishes like bread pudding, curry chicken, Belizean cheese dip, and more. When you’re done, get a glimpse of rural life in Belize by exploring Mrs. Ava’s yard and beyond.
Learn more about the class here.
Featured Photo by Ka’ana Resort / Photography by Quilz Tamay. Note: This article was first published in April 2023.
