Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine April 2018 | Page 130

Food a mélange of Foodies will certainly enjoy the culinary diversity in Belize and one of the places you can be sure to find food that reflect specific cultures is at local eateries and food stands. The following cultures are responsible for the mélange of food choices available throughout the country: Mestizo - Spanish and Maya cultures Garifuna - descendants of African slaves, Caribbean tribes and Arawak Indians Mennonites - arrived in Belize in 1958 from Canada, Chihuahua and Mexico Kriols - descendants of early British settlers and African slaves East Indians - arrived in Belize around 1838 Chinese and Taiwanese - arrived around World War II Middle Eastern - arrived in the late 19th century If you’re on the CENTRAL COAST, ask about: Meat Pies - onion, peppers meat and spices in a warm crust Cowfoot Soup - cow’s feet are cooked until soft with vegetables, seasoning, okra and peppers Stewed Chicken with Rice and Peas - a very traditional Belize dish NORTHERN BELIZE Escabeche - Flavors from Mestizo, Spanish and Maya cultures are combined in this chicken dish, served with fresh corn tortillas. Chimole Soup - This soup is made with a unique local ingredient, black recado. It is a black-coloured soup known locally as “Black Dinner” which comes from the Mayan and Mestizo cultures. SOUTHERN BELIZE Cohune Cabbage: Curried cabbage cooked in tumeric is a local special. An variety of seafood can found at eateries throughout the island.