Editing Belize (section)

===Cuisine===
{{Main|Cuisine of Belize}}
{{More citations needed section|date=November 2020}}
[[File:Rice and Beans, Stew Chicken and Potato Salad - Belize.jpg|right|thumb|Rice and beans (with coconut milk), stewed chicken and potato salad. An inter-ethnic staple meal.]]
Belizean cuisine is a vibrant blend that reflects the country's multicultural makeup, incorporating elements from Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, Maya, and immigrant influences, including Chinese and Indian traditions. This unique combination makes Belizean food an amalgamation of flavours from [[Central America]], the [[Caribbean]], and even further afield, producing dishes that are at once familiar to these areas yet distinctly Belizean.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=5 December 2022 |title=Belizean Food: 9 Must-Try Traditional Dishes of Belize |url=https://travelfoodatlas.com/belize-food |access-date=27 October 2024 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=27 March 2023 |title=20 Traditional Belizean Foods In Belize To Try |url=https://nomadsunveiled.com/traditional-foods-in-belize/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Nomads Unveiled }}</ref>

[[Breakfast]] is often hearty, featuring staples like bread, flour [[tortilla]]s, or [[fry jack]]s (fried dough pieces), which are typically paired with cheese, refried beans, and eggs, along with coffee or tea. Street vendors frequently offer breakfast options such as tacos and [[meat pie]]s, while a midday meal, known locally as "dinner," serves as the main meal of the day. Traditional midday dishes include [[rice and beans]] (with or without coconut milk), stewed chicken, [[tamale]]s, [[escabeche]] (an onion soup), and [[Empanada#Belize|panades]] (fried corn shells with beans or fish).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |author=McNab Editorial Team |date=16 March 2023 |title=Belizean Cuisine and Cultures |url=https://caribbeanlifestyle.com/belizean-cuisine/ |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=Caribbean Culture and Lifestyle }}</ref>

In rural areas, meals often centre around locally grown [[maize]], [[bean]]s, and [[Cucurbita|squash]], particularly in Maya communities, whereas [[Garifuna#Food|Garifuna cuisine]] is known for its Afro-Caribbean roots and heavily features seafood and [[cassava]]-based dishes like ''ereba'' (cassava bread). These local ingredients and cooking methods provide a deep connection to the land and traditions. This culinary diversity is supported by Belize's abundant agriculture, which allows for a wide variety of fresh ingredients, from tropical fruits to seafood.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />

The nation abounds with restaurants and fast food establishments that are fairly affordable. Local fruits are quite common, but raw vegetables from the markets less so. Mealtime is a communion for families and schools and some businesses close at midday for lunch, reopening later in the afternoon.