For all the foodies out there! If you want to take your taste buds on a roller coaster ride of deliciousness, then you'll definitely want to try these 5 traditional Garifuna dishes! These are some of the best foods to taste in Belize!
- Sere
- Hudut
- Cassava Bread
- Sahou
- Cassava Pudding
Sere
Sere is a savory coconut and fish soup prepared with fresh coconut milk, okra, onions, cilantro and pan-fried fish. Depending on one's personal preference, some would add potatoes, cassava and other vegetables. Usually it is served with coconut white rice; but I prefer to have it alone and relish the deliciousness of all the ingredients in the coconut broth.
Hudut
If you've had sere before, and loved it, then you'd also enjoy a hot bowl of sweet and savory Hudut. Hudut is also a soup dish that is a coconut broth (sere without the vegetables) served with a deep-fried whole fish, and mashed ripened and green plantain. To add a little kick to your Hudut, a trick is to add a generous amount of whole habanero peppers in the pot.
Chef Sean Kuylen
A journey through Belize with world renowned Belizean Chef, Sean Kuylen. Learn about the different cultural dishes that make up Belizean Cuisine.
Cassava Bread
Now, don't let the name fool you. Although it's called cassava “bread,” it's not like the typical soft and fluffy bread that you'd get from the bakery. It's has more of a chip-like consistency and texture. It is prepared from the cassava root that is grated, squeezed, sifted and cooked into a round, flat biscuit. The process of making cassava bread starts with grating the root. After the root has been grated, all of the shish is stuffed in a long, weaved strainer that is squeezed to get out all the moisture. The dried cassava shish is sifted to become a finer power. This powder is then generously scattered in a large, round comal that will be cooked until it becomes a stiff biscuit. During the cooking process, a straw broom-like utensil is used to sweep and smack the cassava power into the compacted treat. You can customize your flavors by adding seasoning to your cassava bread.
Sahou
If you haven't tried sahou yet, then you're definitely missing out! It is a sweet and thick milky drink made from the cassava root. This tasty drink is made with cassava, condensed milk, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract. The result? A delightfully warm drink that is perfect for family bonding events or an evening alone with your favorite novel. Think of it as the Belizean/Garifuna eggnog drink.
Cassava Pudding
If you love desserts, then cassava pudding will have your sweet tooth satisfied! Cassava pudding is also called “plastic pudding” because of the somewhat clear appearance and gelatinous texture. It is sweet and will definitely leave your fingers sticky - a treat that will put a smile on your face!
Where to find traditional Garifuna food in Belize?
Since Belize is truly a melting pot of cultures, you can find traditional Garifuna food at restaurants throughtout the country but more commonly in the districts of Belize, Cayo and Stann Creek, and especially destinations like Dangriga and Hopkins. Often times these delicious Garifuna dishes are the special items on the menu that are only offered on specific days. During the times close to November 19, which is Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize, there is an abundance of these dishes being sold in restaurants throughout the country. Whenever you are in the country, traditional Garifuna foods are must-eats in Belize!
How much does traditional Garifuna food cost in Belize?
The price for traditional Garifuna food in Belize varies depending on where you are dining. Restaurants offering these tasty Garifuna foods that you must try can range from street-side restaurants to upscale, fine-dining restuarants. If you happen to be at a fine-dining restaurant trying out sere, for instance, don't be surprised to pay a little extra for your food. Keep in mind you're also paying for the ambiance and the luxurious experience.
Don't quote me on this but I'd say these are the average prices for tradditional Garifuna foods in Belize (based on previous purchases):
- Sere: $10 BZD served with coconut white rice
- Hudut: $12 BZD
- Cassava Bread: $2 BZD for a little pouch of 2 cracker-sized cassava bread
- Sahou: $3 BZD for a 12-14 ounce cup
- Cassava Pudding: $3 BZD a slice
My favorite Garifuna dishes
I'm a huge foodie! I love and I appreciate all varieties of cultural foods in Belize. Living in Belize's melting pot of cultures, I get to tastes foods from the Mestizo, Garifuna, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and also the Maya people of Belize. These are some of the best foods to try in Belize! My favorite Garifuna dishes to have from this list are the sere and the cassava pudding.
There's just something special about a nice, wholesome bowl of sere and coconut rice that can be enjoyed on any night. And, to complement the savory notes of the sere, you get that much-craved sugar from the cassava pudding.
Have you tried any of these Garifuna dishes in Belize? Let us know what's your favorite or what you'd like to try in the comments! We'd love to hear from you!