The festive season is upon us and the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of Belizean Christmas cuisine.
Belize’s Cayo District invites you to explore its wealth of natural attractions, captivating Maya Archaeological sites, and its excellent exhibition of local cuisine. These elements have awarded the district the distinction of being known as one of Belize’s top culinary hot spots.
This Christmas, we invite you to join us for a gastronomical journey that celebrates cultural flavours and traditional dishes.
Gourmet in Green In San Ignacio
Imagine sitting down and dining within a cafe that seamlessly blends modern touches with colonial features and a beautiful tropical garden right in the heart of down town San Ignacio.
At the Guava Limb Cafe as you take your seat, be prepared to be presented with a plate of elegantly arranged dishes, where a farm to table philosophy reigns.
A Christmas ham, baked to perfection in a wood-fired igloo oven is simmered with a blend of Sorrel, cloves, and allspice (pimienta gorda). This combination of spices imparts a unique, aromatic flavour to the ham, making it a unique treat.
The ham is served with a distinctive sauce made from Chaya and Macal, simmered in turmeric and coconut milk. This sauce adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of exotic flavour to the dish.
Accompanying the ham is a refreshing Jicama salad. This salad is a medley of jicama, kale, radish, pink grapefruit segments, microgreens, and crispy plantain strips. The salad offers a burst of fresh flavours and a variety of textures, making it the perfect accompaniment to the rich, flavourful ham.
Ending the meal on a sweet note, there’s a spiced ginger cake soaked in Rum Popo. The cake is moist and savory with a hint of spice from the ginger. Rum Popo, a traditional Belizean drink similar to eggnog, adds a creamy, boozy touch to the dessert, making it a perfect conclusion to the meal.
A Taste of Tradition: Chaa Creek’s Organic Maya Farm
At The Lodge At Chaa Creek, we believe in coexisting with nature and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Belize. This belief is embodied in our 33-acre Maya Organic Farm. As an integral part of the Chaa Creek Reserve, the farm provides freshly harvested produce for The Lodge at Chaa Creek and The Guava Limb Café its sister business establishment.
The farm integrates traditional Maya farming methods with more advanced systems of irrigated raised beds of composted soil. This blend of old and new not only yields a bountiful harvest but also pays homage to the agricultural practices of the ancient Maya civilization.
One of our recent initiatives at the Maya Organic Farm is the cultivation of microgreens. Despite their small size, these young vegetable greens pack a nutritional punch and are full of intense flavors.
Our journey with microgreens has been exciting and rewarding. We recently celebrated our first harvest of the season, and the results have been fantastic.
Kudos to Mr. Mick and his team at our Maya Organic Farm for their hard work and dedication. These microgreens not only add a burst of flavor and color to our dishes but also align with our commitment to organic farming and sustainability.
Dining under the rainforest canopy this Jolly Season
Chaa Creek Lodge has recently undergone renovations, enhancing the dining experience for our guests. The dining room has been extended and refreshed; it now is an exquisite blend of natural beauty and modern comforts. As you dine, you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding jungle, making your dining experience truly immersive.
Experience the joy of a Belizean Christmas, savor the flavors of our festive cuisine, and make memories that will last a lifetime. As we say in Creole Christmas deh ya!Which translates to Christmas is here. Are you spending it in Belize?
A Visual Experience!
Check out the premier episode highlighting all things Christmas at Chaa Creek and Guava Limb on, “A Glazed Out Christmas Special” produced by The National Channel.
Watch the full episode with Nexgen Belize and the NEXGEN TV app or purchase a subscription for the NEXGEN TV app via Whatsapp messenger at +501-660-7873.
For now, the links would just need to be to our page: