It’s one of Belize’s favorite street foods and also one of its most debated. We’re talking about garnaches. But here’s the question that’s got people fired up: ketchup or no ketchup? In the north, tradition says hold the ketchup. But in Belize City? Many wouldn’t dream of eating garnaches without it. So, to get to the bottom of this tasty debate, News Five’s Tanya Arceo hit the streets of downtown Belize City to find out where people stand. Here’s what they had to say.
Garnaches, one of Belize’s most beloved street foods, has kicked off a public debate: to ketchup, or not to ketchup? It’s been the talk of the town for days, and I decided to jump right into the middle of it. So, I grabbed a plate of garnaches, without ketchup, of course, and hit the streets to find out where Belizeans stand on this flavorful face-off.
Tanya Arceo
“I came to buy some garnaches what I’m trying to figure out is if people eat it with or without ketchup but we will find out right now.”
Belize City, Resident 1
“I like my garnaches with ketchup”
Food Vendor
“People weh come from north they like it without ketchup and the city people they like it with ketchup”
Tanya Arceo
“Do you prefer your garnaches with or without ketchup”
Belize City, Resident 2
“For me I would prefer, sometimes I like it with but also without.”
Tanya Arceo
“Do you prefer you garnaches with or without ketchup?”
Belize City, Resident 3
“Without ketchup because it’s the first time I ever heard about anyone eating garnaches with ketchup.”
Belize City, Resident 4
“I would say without ketchup.”
Belize City, Resident 5
“Honestly a little bit of ketchup a little bit”.
Belize City, Resident 6
“Without definitely without.”
Belize City, Resident 7
“Me I like it with everything ketchup pepper the works.”
Whether you like your garnaches drenched in ketchup or prefer them the traditional way, one thing’s for sure: Belizeans love their street food. This may have started as a simple question, but it’s turned into the unofficial national food debate. And from the looks of it, the battle isn’t over just yet. I’m Tanya Arceo, reporting for News Five—from the front lines of flavor.