Introduction
Hudut, one of the most famous foods in Belize, is a beloved traditional Belize food that highlights the culinary heritage of the Garifuna people. This flavorful dish blends fresh fish, coconut milk, and mashed plantains, creating a comforting and nutritious meal. Popular in coastal communities, it showcases the fusion of indigenous, African, and Caribbean influences in Belizean cuisine. If you’re looking for the best Hudut recipe, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
History & Cultural Significance
Hudut has deep cultural roots within the Garifuna community, an Afro-Indigenous group descended from West African, Arawak, and Carib peoples. This dish originates from Garifuna settlements along the Caribbean coast and has long been a staple of traditional feasts and celebrations. It is commonly prepared for special occasions like Garifuna Settlement Day, a national holiday in Belize commemorating the arrival of the Garifuna people in the 19th century.
Ingredients & Regional Variations
The core ingredients of this traditional Belize food include:
Fresh fish (snapper, grouper, or kingfish)
Coconut milk
Garlic, onion, and bell peppers
Plantains (both green and ripe)
Herbs and spices (cilantro, thyme, black pepper)
While the base recipe remains the same, regional variations exist. Some communities prepare it with a thicker coconut broth, while others add cassava or seafood like shrimp or crab. Modern adaptations may include a spicier broth or plant-based alternatives using tofu or jackfruit.
Cooking Process & Difficulty Level
If you’re looking for the best Hudut recipe, follow these three main steps:
Prepare the Fish: Clean, season, and lightly fry the fish.
Make the Coconut Broth: Simmer coconut milk with onions, peppers, and seasonings.
Mash the Plantains: Boil green and ripe plantains, then mash them into a thick, starchy paste known as “fufu.”
The dish is beginner-friendly but requires experience in balancing coconut milk and seasoning for an authentic taste.
Where to Eat Hudut in Belize
For an authentic experience, visit:
Garifuna-owned restaurants in Dangriga and Hopkins
Ivy’s Restaurant in Punta Gorda
Waruguma in San Pedro
Belize City street food vendors
These places serve some of the best traditional Hudut, offering a true taste of Belize’s rich cultural heritage.
Pairing with Drinks & Side Dishes
Pair this traditional Belize food with:
Drinks: Fresh coconut water, Belizean rum punch, or hibiscus tea
Side Dishes: Rice and beans, cassava bread, or fried plantains
Fun Facts & Trivia
Its preparation method is similar to West African “fufu and soup” dishes, reflecting the Garifuna’s African heritage.
Some Belizean families have secret spice blends passed down for generations.
It is traditionally eaten by hand, using mashed plantains to scoop up the broth and fish.
Health Benefits & Nutrition
This dish is highly nutritious, offering:
Protein from fish
Healthy fats from coconut milk
Fiber from plantains
Essential vitamins and minerals from herbs and vegetables
For a healthier version, try grilling the fish or using a lighter coconut milk base.
How to Cook It at Home – Best Hudut Recipe
Ingredients:
2 whole fish (snapper or grouper)
1 can of coconut milk
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 green plantains, peeled and boiled
1 ripe plantain, peeled and boiled
Salt, black pepper, and thyme to taste
Method:
Season and lightly fry the fish in a pan.
In a separate pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
Add coconut milk and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Mash the boiled plantains into a dough-like consistency.
Serve the fish in coconut broth with mashed plantains on the side.
Global Influence & Fusion Cuisine
Though deeply rooted in Garifuna traditions, this famous food in Belize has inspired Caribbean and Latin American fusion cuisine. Some chefs incorporate it into seafood stews, while others add innovative ingredients like saffron or lemongrass.
Comparison with Similar Dishes
Hudut shares similarities with:
Jamaican Run Down – A coconut-based fish stew
Ghanaian Fufu and Soup – A starchy mashed plantain dish with a rich broth
Haitian Bouillon – A hearty fish and vegetable stew