A Taste of Maya Tradition at U Janal Masewal
September in Belize is a time of celebration—our flags fly high, parades fill the streets, and food connects families across the country. It’s also a time to reflect on the heritage that built our nation. Among the deepest of those roots are the Maya, whose traditions still shape the Belizean table today.
One of the best ways to experience this is at U Janal Masewal, located in San Antonio Village, Cayo. The name means “Food of the Maya,” and it captures more than just a meal—it reflects identity and resilience. The word Masewal, meaning “the people,” has long been tied to Maya pride and survival, especially during the Caste War of the 19th century. Today, U Janal Masewal preserves this legacy by offering guests an authentic window into Maya life.
Food That Tells a Story
Here, visitors step into a traditional hearth where corn is ground on a metate, shaped into tortillas by hand, and cooked over a comal. Nearby, chicken and onions roast over an open fire, filling the air with a smoky aroma that instantly connects you to centuries of Maya kitchens.
More than a cooking class, U Janal Masewal is a cultural hub. Alongside the food, artisans showcase handicrafts and stories, weaving together language, art, and history. Each tortilla, each story, becomes part of a shared memory.
Celebrating Heritage with BHA Members
Food plays a central role in Belize’s September celebrations—whether it’s tamales at a family gathering, rice and beans at Sunday dinner, or tortillas hot off the comal. Across the country, BHA members are helping preserve and share these experiences with travelers. Some of the experiences you can enjoy include:
Hotels & Resorts
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San Ignacio Resort Hotel – Offering Maya-inspired cooking classes that begin with a market tour and end with a traditional meal.
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Copal Tree Lodge, a Muy’Ono Resort – Known for its 3,000-acre organic farm and rum distillery, giving guests a true farm-to-table immersion.
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Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort – Combining sustainability with Belizean and international flavors, highlighting seasonal, local ingredients.
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Itz’ana Resort & Residences – Showcasing culinary creativity with menus that celebrate Belizean roots alongside modern techniques.
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Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge – Pairing fine dining with the flavors of the Mountain Pine Ridge, where locally sourced ingredients shine.
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Chan Chich Lodge – Provides a Farm-to-Table Dining experience, sourcing fresh organic meals from their 3,000-acre farm, with daily chef-crafted menus emphasizing sustainability.
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Hopkins Bay Belize, a Muy’Ono Resort – Offers Belizean culinary experiences with fresh, locally sourced seafood and traditional dishes.
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La Familia Farms Lodge – Provides an immersive farm-to-table experience, where guests can enjoy meals prepared with fresh, locally grown produce, complemented by the serene jungle surroundings.
Allied Members Supporting the Experience
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Let’s Go Belizing Ltd. – Connecting travelers with authentic cultural and gastronomy tours like Maya cooking.
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Muy’Ono Adventures – Curating Belizean adventures, from culinary experiences to guided cultural immersion.
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Travellers Liquor – Sharing Belize’s own rum and spirits, which often complement traditional meals.
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Quality Poultry Products – Providing the fresh, locally sourced chicken that’s at the heart of so many Belizean dishes.
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Barefoot Services – Ensuring seamless transportation and logistics so guests can reach cultural destinations across Belize.
- Darah Travel – Offering bespoke tours and transport to authentic experiences like U Janal Masewal.
Honoring Heritage
As we celebrate independence this September, experiences like U Janal Masewal remind us that our nation’s strength lies not only in its history but also in the living traditions that carry forward. Food is one of the clearest ways we celebrate who we are—Maya, Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, and more—coming together to make Belize unique.
Because in Belize, every dish is more than food—it is a heritage worth celebrating.