Caye Caulker Island Cuisine
Belizean cuisine is a melting pot that reflects the country’s multiethnic population. Africa brought spicy creole creations, Spanish brought the spice, British influenced the bread and beer production, and the Mayans perfected the pork – slow roasted in a banana leaf. On the tiny island of Caye Caulker, you’ll eat the best seafood Belize has to offer, with flavors from the mainland mixed in.
1. Amor y Cafe
Head inland a bit for breakfast and brunch served from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There’ll be veggie omelets, heaping bowls of yogurt and granola, bacon, and all the other morning essentials on the menu. We liked it so much, we ate here every day on the island!
2. Erroyln’s House of Fry Jacks
To this day, we dream of fry jacks from Erroyln.
A Belizean fry jack is a lighter, puffier version of N. American Indian fry bread. Some are served flat, piled high with seafood and vegetables, but most are served as filled savory stuffed pockets. There’s a lightness and airiness to a fry jack that might will get you hooked.
These deep fried pockets of gold come stuffed with your choice of beans, cheese, chicken, ham, and/or eggs. Sprinkle, drizzle, and dip your fry jack in the house-made hot sauce, and satisfy your post-dive or snorkel hunger.
Located inland on Middle Street, make sure you go before it closes at 2:00 p.m. for breakfast or lunch. Their prices can’t be beat – $0.75 USD for a simple bean fry jack, and $2.00 USD for one with more fillings.
3. Hibisca by Habanero
Ready for fine dining and upscale vibes? Hibisca is your place, offering the most considered menu on the island.
Menu favorites include seafood skewers served in a coconut bowl, coconut based curry sauce, seafood gnocchi, banana foster, voodoo cakes, and to drink a rum libre (rum and coke).
Enjoy live music from the guy that owns the place, and the bushels of Hibiscus surrounding the building.
4. Fran’s Grill
Go to Fran’s for the best of the Belizean basics – barbecued fresh seafood, a generous portion of garlic bread, mashed potatoes, garlic butter shrimp, curry coconut rice, coleslaw – all made by Fran herself.
Yes, there’s a wait, but the unlimited free rum drinks will keep your appetite satiated while you wait.
5. Rainbow Grill and Bar
This seaside watering hole nails the rum drinks and whole-cooked lobster, and first introduced us to the beloved Grapefruit Habanero Hot Sauce by Marie Sharp. This place might not be the best eats on the island, but the vibe is chill and it’s convenient after a long day out on the ocean.