Hopkins Belize Village in Stann Creek District of Belize is widely known for being one of the friendliest villages. Here, residents make a living from fishing and an emerging hotel industry – just as their forebearers did!
Hopkins Belize offers an assortment of cuisine from Garifuna cultures such as bundiga and cassava bread. There are also restaurants serving pizza as well as Central American and Caribbean fare.
Chef Rob’s Gourmet Cafe, Hopkins Belize
Chef Rob is one of Hopkins’ premier restaurants. Specializing in cuisine inspired by both his Dutch roots and Asian and Mayan cultural influences, his cuisine showcases fresh local fish, vegetables and meats sourced directly from Hopkins Belize farmland.
Heavy wooden tables and dim lighting create a relaxed environment in which diners can appreciate his creative cuisine. His menu changes daily based on what is available in the market; expect dishes like lobster, conch, shrimp and ceviche.
One can enjoy a meal for around US$30 at one of these establishments, providing an opportunity to meet members of your local community while supporting local businesses and the Garifuna culture.
Hopkins offers plenty to keep visitors occupied during a visit, from visiting its beach to sampling various restaurants and browsing its markets. For optimal visitation between November and April – which marks dry season – sunny skies and tranquil sea waters abound!
Take a bicycle tour around Hopkins Belize if you want a comprehensive overview. Learn the history and see first-hand why Belize considers Hopkins its friendliest village while enjoying typical cuisine such as seafood dishes and hudut (a spicy stew made with coconut milk).
Hopkins is famous for its rich Garifuna culture, evidenced by music, drumming and food found here. If you want to gain more insight into this ancient community, Lebeha Drum School offers drumming classes where you can gain more insight.
Anderson’s Lagoon should be on every nature enthusiast’s itinerary. This beautiful natural lagoon boasts a host of birds and other animals like manatees and turtles – not to mention bioluminescent water that glows at night when disturbed – making for an unforgettable experience! Just a short boat ride from Hopkins on Sittee River lies Anderson’s Lagoon.
Innies Restaurant. Hopkins Belize
Hopkins offers many outstanding restaurants to satisfy any appetite when dining in. Innies Restaurant, which specializes in Garifuna cuisine and hosts music and dancing performances of this unique culture. On its menu are several traditional Garifuna dishes such as Hudut – which features mashed plantains in coconut stew with fish – and Serre La Sus, an irresistibly tasty seafood dish made using coconut milk as its primary ingredient.
Love on the Rocks offers a memorable dining experience on Belize’s beachfront: guests cook their food over an interactive hot stone slab at their tables – an ancient Mayan method once utilized by this relaxed eatery – giving guests an authentic taste of Belizean cuisine in an informal environment. All-natural local ingredients are used here while Garifuna drummers and dancers perform on an entertaining beachfront stage, adding another great element.
Belizeans love fresh seafood mixed with lime juice, cilantro, tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing lunch or snack. Belizeans also adore salbutes tacos which offer small fried corn tortillas packed with cabbage, shredded chicken, shaved beef, avocado and Marie Sharp’s spicy sauce for an irresistibly tasty experience!
Rice and beans are an everyday part of most Belizeans’ meals, which they combine with stew meat, potato salad or fried ripe plantains to form a satisfying meal. A rich and creamy stew called Chimole draws on traditions from Maya, Spanish-American, Indigenous Arawak, Afro-Caribbean as well as Afro-Caribbean culture to craft an exceptional tasting treat that’s colored using ground annatto seeds (achiote).
Experience Garifuna cuisine in Hopkins by signing up for one of the culinary tours offered by local resorts or booking one through Palmento Grove Garifuna Eco Cultural and Fishing Institute. On these tours you will gain insight into Garifuna culture while getting hands-on cooking experience that is sure to create lasting memories.
Ellas Cool Spot
Ellas Cool Spot is an ideal spot for experiencing authentic Garifuna cuisine, offering an extensive menu featuring mouthwatering seafood dishes such as Hudut – an iconic Garifuna classic that blends fish, plantain and cassava into a tasty coconut milk sauce – or for something heartier try Jerk Chicken, Lobster Ceviche or Conch Ceviche!
Ellas Cool Spot serves only fresh food prepared with premium ingredients. Ella, the owner, has built relationships with local seafood providers so she always has access to the freshest catch of the day, while growing plantain and cassava herself to guarantee only high-quality produce reaches her customers.
Ellas Cool Spot not only offers delicious meals, but its sprawling garden also hosts many beautiful and exotic plants that attract many guests who can relax while admiring its beauty – making it an excellent way to sample some of Belize’s fresh produce and fruit!
If you are visiting Hopkins, be sure to explore its range of lodging options – from backpacker hostels to beachfront resorts – available. Hopkins provides something suitable for every traveller in this coastal village – perfect as a base for excursions into nearby national parks and nature reserves.
Hopkins is best enjoyed during its dry season from January to March when the weather is pleasant and sea waters calm. You could also visit during its wet season from March through April but be wary of rainy and windy conditions. Due to petty theft being one of the top crimes committed here, taking proper safety precautions such as not flashing large sums of money or locking away valuables is strongly encouraged; hotels or resorts typically provide in-room safes and night security guards should also provide peace of mind when staying.
Windchief Beach Bar and Minigolf, Hopkins Belize
Windchief is a fun beach bar in Hopkins that serves good food, drinks, music and atmosphere. It’s one of the more popular places to visit in Hopkins. It’s located in the center of town and is close to Miss Berties Library, Happy Go Luckie Tours, Holy Family Catholic Church and more. It’s a great spot to just sit and relax on the beach, get a drink or two, and meet local people in a carefree atmosphere. They have a nice bar menu with burgers and sandwiches and even a large homemade black bean veggie burger. They are also known for their fresh cut fries and their coconut milkshakes. The vibe is laid back and relaxed though it can get quite noisy, especially on Fridays when they have a dance night. They have a few cabanas to rent if you want to stay longer. There is also a mini golf course on the premises. This is a must do activity if you’re in Hopkins!
