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The Hummingbird Highway, Food Adventures & Tours, And Uncharted

While tourists come to Belize for several reasons, including visiting many of the physical attractions across the country, there are those who prefer to embark on food adventures locally that take them across scenic drives and into communities that boast a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and cuisines that are just waiting to be discovered.

Belize, being the only English-speaking Central American country, and home to a melting pot of cultures is the perfect backyard destination for food fanatics to get started on experiencing the country and its various cultures through their sense of taste. Local tour company Uncharted Jewel Belize can assist you with your transportation needs as well as act as your guide to introducing you to the best local cuisines in the country as well as where to find them.

While each district boasts its own authentic cultures and dishes, we have compiled a list of must-have foods when in Belize and have paired it with what is perhaps one of the most iconic and breathtaking roads in the country. The Hummingbird Highway which acts as one of the main arteries that connect the Capital City of Belmopan to the cultural capital Dangriga comprises 53 miles of paved highway that provides you with one of the most scenic drives.

You can start off your culinary adventure at the market in Belmopan where you can sample some freshly cooked panades or salbutes. Each is known to be a Mestizo dish that can be eaten at any time of the day. They are both made from premium masa (corn) and are served with sauces of choice made from cabbage, tomatoes, and onion, soaked in either lime or vinegar. The salbutes are rounded fried discs of corn that are topped with a combination of shredded chicken and avocados while the panades are filled with either shredded chicken, fish, or beans, folded together then deep fried in hot oil.

Humminbird Highway and Uncharted Food Adventures

A Mayan chocolate experience awaits you at mile marker 43 on the Hummingbird Highway at Lamanai Chocolate. Named after an ancient Maya site, the local chocolate factory produces high-quality chocolate manually. While these local chocolate bars are exported around the world, one of their most famous products is their chocolate-based aphrodisiac drinks, which are made from an ancient traditional Maya recipe.

For a quick coffee and ice cream break, you can stop in at The Country Barn located at mile 31 on the Hummingbird Highway. Situated on the outskirts of Saint Margaret’s Village, The Country Barn is renowned for its locally-produced dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and ice cream. Among visitors’ favorite and must-try are the coconut and soursop flavors which are rumored to be the best in the country.

Mile marker 26 on the Hummingbird Highway can have you going up against one of the best local tamales in the country. Mrs. Bertha’s tamales are another traditional dish made from corn (masa), which is filled with seasoned meat and gravy, that are wrapped in plantain leaves and then boiled in water. While tamales are known to be staples of the Mayan and Mestizo diet, Mrs. Bertha’s tamales have won over locals and visitors alike, with their spicy authentic taste.

Humminbird Highway and Uncharted Food

Homemade Creole Food can be found at The Toucan Ridge Ecology and Education Society (TREES), located at mile 27.5 on the Hummingbird Highway. While Trees is known to be a grassroots conservation organization that works to protect local wildlife, they also sell home-cooked Creole buns and bread.

Humminbird Highway and Uncharted

Another Belizean favorite that can be found at almost any restaurant across the country is ceviche. Made from a mixture of either conch, shrimp, or lobsters, marinated in lime juice, with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Served with homemade corn chips, this local Belizean appetizer can be rinsed down with a cold Belikin Beer.

The all-time Belizean favorite is puffy fried jacks which are served for breakfast, and are accompanied by refried beans, eggs, and sausages. The flour dough, kneaded to perfection, is fried in hot oil, causing the dough to rise slightly and produce a crunchy crisp rectangle or triangle.

Humminbird Highway and food

While we have only managed to list out a few of the cuisines that can be found on the Hummingbird Highway, Uncharted Jewel Belize can provide you with transportation across the country to sample the remaining local cuisines. Book your culinary adventures with us today and let us worry about getting you to the best destinations where we are sure you will satisfy your tastebuds.

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