Gibnut
Belize's wild rodent stew, royally approved
Think of it as: Like rich, gamey pulled pork
The "Royal Rat" — fit for a queen, literally.
What does it taste like?
Rich, fatty meat a lot like pork, made friendly by warm spices.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureTender and rich
What is it?
The meat of the paca, a large wild rodent, stewed with spices. It earned the nickname "Royal Rat" after it was served to Queen Elizabeth II during her 1985 visit to Belize.
How locals eat it
Served in restaurants as a stew or roast with rice and beans. Considered a treat.
Watch it
EnglishTap to play (YouTube)Where is it from?
🇧🇿Belize
CapitalBelmopan
Populationabout 420,000estimate (unverified)
IndustriesTourism, Sugar, banana and citrus exports, Fishing
Famous peopleAndy PalacioSinger who brought Garifuna music to the world
HelloHello (English)
CurrencyBelize dollar
Fun factThe only country in Central America with English as its official language.
The flag🇧🇿 A blue field with a coat of arms showing a mahogany tree and woodcutters — one of the few flags with people on it.
From Tokyoabout 12,230 kmstraight line, Tokyo to Belmopan
Getting thereAbout 20+ hours (with connections)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeDecember to April, the dry season. Also tryRice and beansHudut (fish and plantain in coconut)Garnaches
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeDecember to April, the dry season. Also tryRice and beansHudut (fish and plantain in coconut)Garnaches
🇧🇿 Sounds & life in Belize
HelloHello（Hello (English)）
Latin alphabet
Latin alphabet
Right now…
AnthemLand of the Free
MusicPunta Fast, hip-shaking Garifuna rhythm
Listen on YouTube SportSoccer World HeritageBelize Barrier Reef Reserve System and more National animalBaird's tapir (national animal) National flowerBlack orchid FestivalGarifuna Settlement Day (Nov 19)
MusicPunta Fast, hip-shaking Garifuna rhythm
Listen on YouTube SportSoccer World HeritageBelize Barrier Reef Reserve System and more National animalBaird's tapir (national animal) National flowerBlack orchid FestivalGarifuna Settlement Day (Nov 19)
Ingredients
- Gibnut (paca) meat 1 kg
- Recado (Belizean spice paste) 2 tbsp
- Onion 1
- Garlic 3 cloves
- Coconut oil 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper
How to make it (one way)
- Cut the meat into chunks and blanch in boiling water
- Rub with recado, garlic, salt and pepper
- Brown the meat in a pot
- Add onion and water and stew until tender
- Serve with rice and beans
⚠️ It's a wild animal with a legal hunting season, and it's not available outside its range.