South Africans living in Belize
There are a surprising number of South Africans living in Belize. At least, I am surprised by the (growing) amount. I don’t think I’d ever met a South African before Belize but now my best friend is one.
The Placencia Beach Club held, last night, what I believe was their best attended theme dinners yet. A collaboration with our friend, Dean Uren, GM and former executive chef at Itz’ana Resort and Residences. (Yeah, you guessed it- he’s South African. He’s also Julia’s husband) The menu featured all the South African favorites and we tried them all.
I’ve written about the Beach Club here and here before; I appreciate them planning and trying themed international nights. They’ve done Japanese, German, Mediterranean, and more but South Africa was a hit.
When we sat down at our table for 30 people, half of whom were South African, I began to wonder—why are there so many? South Africa looks lovely. Endless miles of beautiful coast line, vineyards and wineries galore, but the government is broke, infrastructure is deteriorating and violent crime is increasing. I think Belize will continue to see an increase in immigrants from South Africa in the coming years. A happy consequence of the influx is that they’re bringing their flavors to the increasingly more diverse market.
Placencia is quickly becoming a very interesting place to feed. I’m not going to say we’re a foodie’s destination just yet but, my goodness, we’re getting there! Competing alongside traditional dishes (stew chicken, tamales, sere, Belize/Mexican tacos) are an ever-growing variety of international delights from Thai to Italian, we even have a new French crepes truck remember?
On a personal note, I just want to brag about what an adventurous eater I am becoming. A mere 3 years ago I wouldn’t even eat meat off a bone (seemed so savage and unappetizing). While I still won’t eat wings or ribs or such, I will mess up a BBQ chicken breast or cuts of stew chicken. Last night I tried a bite of the Peri Peri chicken LIVERS!!!! I loved loved loved the flavor…. But liver, blek!
Do you know any South Africans? Have you tried any of the food? What is your favorite?
Thanks for entertaining article. DO not forget several Saafis preferring places other than Placencia. I prefer the Maya hills near Belmopan….
My husband Pieter Steunenberg and I have lived in Belize for 14 years. We have managed LaruBeya resort and Turtle Inn in Placencia, The Farm Inn (owned by my SA sister Renee and her hubby Kevin Brown) in Toledo, Black Rock Lodge in Cayo and currently proud to be at Mystic River Resort. If you ever decide on a SAFFA get together -let us know!!
Oh my word you’ve been all over Belize and in great resorts! Black Rock was on my short list this year to try to visit but I haven’t gotten there yet. I think my SA friend Julia and her boys would LOVE to come out to Mystic River for an overnight and braai (see what I did there?) maybe during this school holiday. I’ll start planning it soon!
This is so wonderful to hear! I’m South African, my husband Belgian. We currently reside in Belgium but am looking into Belize for the next chapter of our lives. Can’t wait for covid to lift so we can visit.
Oh wow how interesting! I can’t wait to hear what you think of Belize after your scouting trip. We’ve done surprisingly, incredibly well with covid here and I’m feeling like the end is in sight!
I am originally from Cape Town and have been in Belize over 3 years residing in Belmopan
I have been the consultant responsible for the Coastal Highway upgrade
605 1727
oh hey how cool! and the Coastal road is looking great now, good work