Flavors of Belize The Cookbook & Recipes

Last Updated on April 17, 2022 by Ellen Christian

 If you’d like to enjoy the flavors of Belize check out my thoughts on the cookbook below and my favorite Belize recipes from the book.

Belize is located on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. You will find many delicious seafood recipes because Belize is on the coast. Keep reading for my thoughts on these Belize recipes. And learn where to buy it.

Belize Recipes

Although I knew very little about Belize recipes, I love learning about other cultures and foods in other countries.  I treat cookbooks as not only a source for great, new recipes but as a way to learn about places that I’ll probably never visit. So, Flavors of Belize was a treat to read.

When I learned about Flavors of Belize, The Cookbook: An Ancient History, Diverse Culture, Exotic Cuisine, I was instantly intrigued. Belize is located in Central America, so it only makes sense that some of their recipes would have a Caribbean flavor.

What I didn’t expect was that this Belize cookbook includes recipes from cultures like the Maya, British, Mestizo, Creole, Chinese, Lebanese, Garifuna, and more.  Flavors of Belize has over 120 different recipes.

Flavors of Belize Cookbook

Recipe chapters include Starters, Soups, Seafood; Pork, Chicken, and Meat; Salads and Vegetables; Breads, Grains, and Legumes; Finishing Touches; and Desserts.  

Each chapter begins with a look back into the history of Belize and an explanation of the different cultures that create a foundation of Belizean heritage.  

Each alternating page in the cookbook is a full-page photograph which makes this cookbook a real joy to read.  Photographs are from renowned food photographer Matt Armendariz.  

What types of recipes are included?

The recipes themselves are quite varied in experience level.  You can prepare many of the recipes in this book even if you don’t have much experience.

Try the Habanero Salsa for an easy beginner recipe to get started.  Also included in Flavors of Belize are recipes that are more challenging including the Lobster Robert and the Tamales.

Flavors of Belize has a wonderful selection of recipes you can enjoy at every meal of the day.  You may need to head to a larger grocery store or ethnic market for some of the ingredients needed in Flavors of Belize.  

I know that my grocery store doesn’t carry things like chaya leaves, red racado, or cow foot.  But, I am sure that you can order the ethnic ingredients online as well.

So, you can prepare many of the recipes without ethnic ingredients, and I’m looking forward to trying the Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa and the Maya Chocolate Cake.

If you’re interested in Belize recipes, you definitely need to purchase Flavors of Belize The Cookbook.

About Flavors of Belize:

The author of this book is Tanya McNab. The photographer is Matt Armendariz. 

Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: McNab Publishing, Ltd.; Second Edition edition (July 3, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9768197560
ISBN-13: 978-9768197566

About Tanya McNab

Let’s be clear, my cooking has never been described as achieving anything similar to an art form. Yet the more I travel, the greater my appreciation for Belizean food and the Belizean cooks who can make any dish an amazing experience.

Flavors of Belize is dedicated to every cook in Belize who has kept their cultural traditions alive through the culinary influences passed down from their ancestors.

Whether these traditions come from any of the unique cultures in this gem we call home, they all blend together in this authentic fusion of traditions that we call Belize cuisine.

About Matt Armendariz

I’m a man obsessed with food, drink, and everything in between! I began blogging at the end of 2005 to share my experiences in the food business and all the behind-the-scenes moments.

I never knew what began as a labor of love would lead me to many amazing culinary experiences. And I’m delighted to share them with you!

You might want to try this Belize Inspired menu.

Finally, you can find Flavors of Belize on Amazon.