Belize just might be the hidden culinary gem of Central America, and according to TikTok food adventurer @marissaa.mclean, it all starts with the chicken (but trust me, it definitely doesn’t end there)! She said something most of our visitors have been shouting for years: Belize has the best food in Central America, and yep, the chicken deserves its own award.
I’m not saying the other countries don’t bring the flavor, but Belize Food? We just do it different. The seasoning, the styles, the soul in every bite… It’s next-level.
Marissa showing off all the food she had in Belize
Let’s Talk Chicken
Marissa went off in the best way possible about how chicken is prepared in Helize. Whether it’s fried to crispy perfection, stewed in rich coconut gravy, or grilled with that smoky jerk kick, Belizean chicken is anything but basic. It’s juicy, flavorful, and cooked with love. She tried a few versions and, honestly, anyone drools watching all the food she had while visiting Belize.
▶️ Watch it here – thank me later.
@marissaa.mclean I could live off rice and beans!!! #belize #foodie #solotravel #backpacking #centralamerica #cayecaulker ♬ Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley & The Wailers
Belize Food, Why it Hits Different
Belize food isn’t just about how it’s cooked, it’s about where it comes from. The ingredients are fresh, the herbs are grown locally, and every culture that calls Belize home adds a little something to the mix. We’ve got Mayan, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Creole influences all wrapped up in a single plate.
And don’t even get me started on the sides. Rice and beans, potato salad, fry jacks, plantains… I mean, come on.
Eat Like a Local


Here’s the real beauty of Belizean food: whether you’re dining at a fancy restaurant or grabbing a plate from a street-side stall, the flavors are unforgettable. From gourmet takes to home-style cooking at a roadside grill, Belize serves up rich, authentic dishes that truly capture the heart of our culture. Marissa totally gets this, and it’s why her video hits home.
She’s not just hyping the food, she’s hyping the experience, the warmth of the people, the way food brings us together, and the flavors that tell a story with every bite. Here are some suggestions in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye you can check out:
Elvi’s Kitchen
Tacos La Diosa
Portofino Restaurant
Capricorn
Green Espresso
Final Thoughts (Where’s my Plate?)
Marissa nailed it. Belize always get the credit it deserves for its food and once you experience the food here, it’s game over. It’s bold, it’s rich, it’s comforting – and honestly, it’s a reason to book a trip all on its own. If you ever needed proof that Belize is a foodie paradise, this is it. And if you’re already here, lucky you – go get yourself a plate. Or three. I won’t judge.
Belize Food is the best in Central America. I said what I said.