Though Central America’s second-largest country, Honduras is often overshadowed by more popular tourist destinations such as Mexico and Costa Rica—however, the country’s stunning natural beauty; rich Mayan past; and rich, diverse culture, make it an up-and-coming vacation spot.

Packed with beautiful beaches that rival any in the Caribbean, Honduras is also full of tropical rainforests and jungles that are perfect for lovers of wildlife looking for adventure. The country’s culture is also a veritable historic treasure trove; with its ancient Mayan past still present today throughout archaeological sites in places like Copán and museums in the country’s capital, Tegucigalpa.

And while many travelers visit Honduras to explore its reef-ringed Bay Islands; relax on the pristine beach of Roatan (voted one of the World’s 10 Best Beaches in 2016), or explore the verdant tropical rainforest of the Mosquito Coast, it’s also worth noting that this Central American country is home to an eclectic cuisine scene—a delicious getaway for foodies everywhere.

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About Honduran Cuisine

Honduran cuisine takes its inspiration from a variety of cultures—a veritable mashup of Mesoamerican, Spanish, Caribbean, African, and indigenous influences. Though corn (or maíz) is a staple in Honduran cuisine, fresh fish, rice and beans, and many types of soups are ubiquitous throughout Honduras and are present in many of the country’s most popular dishes. Below are some of the best dishes to try when traveling in Honduras and some of the most popular places to try when visiting this country known for its calor Latino (Latin hospitality).

A Classic Favorite: Baleadas

One of Honduras’ most famous dishes, baleadas are handmade tortillas generally stuffed with refried beans, cheese, scrambled eggs, avocado, hot sauce, and mantequilla (Honduran-style sour cream). Meats such as chorizo or beef are sometimes added, too. The famous dish originated in Le Ceiba on Honduras’ northern coast but is now served almost everywhere from street trucks to famous local spots like Calelu’s in Honduras’ West End.

Plato Típico Is Anything But Typical

A national dish consisting of several elements that make up a complete meal, plato típico is a traditional meal that’s made up of a variety of items—while all prepared separately, the complete package is a plate full of some of Honduras’ most popular mainstays. Marinated beef and sausages; fried plantains; stewed or refried beans, and rice make up the heart of the platter, while mantequilla, cheese, avocado, lime juice, marinated cabbage, and tortillas are some of its most common accouterments. Like baleadas, plato típical can be found in most restaurants; however, travelers everywhere love the traditional take on the dish served at places like El Patio in Tegucigalpa.

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A Truly Honduran Food

Every basic (and authentic) Honduran flavor all in one deliciously portable package, catrachas are deceptively simple in their makeup: crunchy, homemade tortillas, refried beans, and queso fresco are all it takes to make this delicious Honduran staple that can be translated as “Hondurans”—the perfect signature dish. Top with avocado or a spicy red sauce to add even more flavor to this iconic bite that can be found at food trucks and restaurants serving casual, traditional fare.

Have A Sweet Treat With Rosquillas

Traditional deep-fried Spanish donuts that are a Honduran classic, rosquillas can be a sweet ending to a hearty traditional meal or a tasty snack to enjoy with an aromatic cup of delicious Honduran coffee. While the basic version is prepared using a traditional mix of basic baking ingredients like eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, and lemon zest, the Honduran version is made with corn masa, curd cheese, and a dash of anisette to give them their distinctive flavor. Though usually prepared during the Holy Week feast, travelers can find many versions of rosquillas throughout Honduras, visitors who want a truly authentic donut can travel to El Viejo, a small village in Northern Nicaragua near the Honduran border—or simply stop in at a bakery such as Panaderia Salmans in Tegicigalpa.

Traditional Tamales Honduran Style

While tamales can be found nearly everywhere in Latin America, the tamales in Honduras—aka nacatamales—have an authentic flavor all their own. Consisting of a dough made from corn, these delish traditional bites can be filled with chicken, pork, or beans and are usually wrapped in plantain leaves. A dish that can be enjoyed all day long, tamales are especially popular at Christmastime and are a very popular holiday staple. Visitors to Roatan will love the home cooking at Madah’s Kitchen—also home to some truly authentic tamales.

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A Tasty Soup With Coastal Flavors

One of the most famous dishes in Honduras is the tropical-tasting soup sopa de caracol. Traditionally found off the Caribbean coast of Honduras, the soup generally consists of pieces of conch stewed in coconut milk with plantains, cassava, ginger, and warm spices like coriander and chili. Some versions, such as those influenced by the Garifuna people, also use tomato and yucca, too. Savory and succulent, the flavors are also bright and fresh—the perfect accompaniment to a tropical Honduran getaway on the coast; though visitors also love the fresh, delicious version served up in Tegicigalpa restaurants like La Cacerola, too.

Honduras is a beautiful Central American country known for its Bay Island beachy vibes; sprawling tropical rainforests; dynamic, historic Mayan culture; and calor Latino (Latin hospitality) that extends to their diverse cuisine packed with unique dishes—many of which are influenced by eclectic regional and global flavors. While visitors may come to Honduras for the jaw-droppingly beautiful natural scenery; they’ll definitely stay for the homemade treasures that can be found in Honduran dishes that are fresh, authentic, and packed with distinctive Latin American flavor.

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