Holiday Ayo - Snacks can be a mainstay menu to fill a hungry stomach. If you don't want to eat just the same snacks, then you can use Belize's typical snacks as a reference for your new menu. 

These snacks can include fresh fruit, bread, tortillas with various toppings , or cakes that are guaranteed not to bore you. Here are five typical Belizean snacks that can serve as inspiration for a more diverse snack menu.

1. Salbute

source: Belize Budget Suites

Salbute is not only famous in Belize, but also in Mexico. This food is a dish in the form of fried tortillas with Mayan influences, originating from the Yucatán peninsula. These tortillas generally have a variety of toppings such as chicken, turkey, lime juice, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado and pickled red onions.

This food is traditionally prepared and enjoyed in the evening, when groups of friends and family go out to eat. 

2. Panades

source: Our Big Escapes

Panades are the Belizean version of empanadas. This dish is made with corn flour dough that has a fried crescent shape. This food has a filling in the form of fish or white beans, which can be red or black.

It tastes delicious and crunchy. This dish is traditionally paired with a delicious topping of salsa made with cabbage, bell peppers, and onions.

3. Black Fruit Cake

source: Island Expeditions

Black fruit cake is increasingly popular during Christmas celebrations. This cake has a filling consisting of nuts, dried fruit, warm spices and burnt sugar syrup. This results in a combination of rich, bitter chocolate flavor and a distinctive deep black color.

Although this cake has various variations regarding its ingredients, rum must be present. This cake has been around since the 17th century and is still popular today.

4. Fry Jack

source: Belize News Post

Fry jack is a typical Belizean bread made with golden fried dough that rises and floats when placed in hot oil. Bread is generally served with savory dishes such as refried beans, eggs, or bacon, but some people choose to add jam or honey.

This bread is said to have the best taste when enjoyed together with drinks such as coffee or mango juice.

5. Sapote

source: Ambergris Caye

Sapote is an upright evergreen tree that contains white latex in all parts of the plant. The tree grows throughout tropical America and in several countries in Southeast Asia. This tree has fruit that has a round to elliptical shape.