15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (2024)

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (1)

But that’s not all—Honduras is renowned worldwide for exporting bananas and coffee, and if you ask me; they grow some of the best coffee in the world.

With such a diverse range of flavours and ingredients, there’s truly something for everyone to love about food in Honduras.

From hearty plato típico to irresistible street food, we’ll cover the most traditional foods of Honduras, the most famous dishes, and the ones you absolutely must try.

Table of Contents

Here are 15 Popular Foods from Honduras:

1) Baleadas

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (2)

Baleadas are a staple in Honduran cuisine, and they are essentially warm, soft flour tortillas filled with a delicious combination of refried beans and cheese.

They are a versatile food in Honduras and can be pimped out with additional toppings such as avocado, crumbled cheese, salsa, scrambled eggs, or seasoned and slow-cooked meats.

Enjoy baleadas as a convenient and satisfying meal or snack throughout the day. You’ll understand why they’re so popular once you taste these much-loved foods from Honduras.

2) Sopa de Caracol

Also known as “Conch Soup,” it is a cherished dish in Honduran cuisine. This dish showcases the sea’s bounty with its star ingredient: conch.

Conch, a large sea snail, is cooked in a fragrant broth enriched with coconut milk, vegetables, and aromatic spices.

It is often enhanced with a medley of vegetables such as capsicum, onions, tomatoes, and coriander, adding freshness and colour to the dish.

3) Plato Típico

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (3)

Plato Típico is a quintessential dish representing Honduran cuisine’s heart and soul. Translating to a “typical dish,” Plato Típico is a tasty and satisfying meal that combines Honduran flavours and ingredients.

At its core, Plato Típico consists of several key components. First, it typically features a generous serving of fluffy white rice, red or black beans, often seasoned with spices and herbs.

Accompanying these staples are fried ripe plantains, adding a touch of sweetness to the dish. You’ll also find a choice of protein, such as grilled or roasted meat (such as chicken, beef, or pork) or seafood.

To complete the plate, a side of fresh cabbage salad or curtido, a pickled cabbage slaw, is often included, adding a refreshing and tangy element.

It is a hearty meal that always puts a smile on my face and is one of the foods from Honduras that you must enjoy at least once.

It’s worth noting that many countries in Latin America usually offer a ‘Plato Typico’, also referred to as ‘Menu del dia’ (menu of the day). These meals offer good value (typically 4-7 USD, depending on the country) and they’ll get you through a long day of exploring new places.

Furthermore, sometimes the menu del dia also includes soup and a drink.

Look for this menu when you’re eating the best foods in Nicaragua & tasting the most incredible dishes in Colombia.

4) Pupusas

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (4)

Pupusas are a special culinary delight in Honduran cuisine, said to have originated in El Salvador. They are widely enjoyed in Honduras and other Latin American countries too.

Find pupusas in street food stalls, markets, and restaurants nationwide.

Pupusas are thick corn tortillas lovingly handcrafted and filled with various delicious ingredients.

The most common filling is a combination of cheese and refried beans.

Still, you can also find pupusas stuffed with flavoured meats like shredded pork or chicken and options with vegetables, such as loroco (a Central American flower bud) or spinach.

Pupusas are cooked on a hot grill until they develop a golden-brown crust. They’re filled with desired ingredients and often served with curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw, and a tomato-based salsa for dipping.

I must admit that pupusas were one of my favourite go-to foods in Honduras when travelling in Central America.

Those ladies with the street-side stalls are magicians in packing as much flavour into the ingredients as possible.

5) Pastelitos

Pastelitos are small, flaky turnovers filled with savoury stuffing. The dough is made from flour, butter, and sometimes even lard, resulting in a light and crispy texture.

The fillings can vary, but popular options include seasoned ground beef, chicken, cheese, or a combination of vegetables. The fillings, cooked with aromatic spices, onions, and garlic, are always fantastic!

Once the dough is rolled out and filled, the pastelitos are folded and sealed before being fried until golden and crispy.

The result is a warm and inviting pastry with a satisfying crunch on the outside and a scrumptious filling inside.

Pastelitos are the ultimate street food snack for taking on a long bus journey or hike.

6) Tapado

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (5)

Tapado is a treasured dish that holds a special place in Honduran cuisine.

Hailing from the coastal regions of Honduras, Tapado is a seafood stew that embodies the coastal flavours and latest catch of the Caribbean Sea.

This aromatic dish features a beautifully balanced blend of fresh seafood, coconut milk, spices and fresh herbs. The star of the show is the seafood itself, which can include a combination of shrimp, fish, crab, clams, mussels, or whatever was caught fresh on the day.

The seafood, simmered in a fragrant broth infused with the richness of coconut milk, adds a creamy and slightly sweet element to the dish.

I love this comforting dish, and it will be one of the first foods in Honduras I hope to enjoy when I return to this beautiful nation.

If you’d like to recreate this dish at home, this recipe from Hispanic Kitchen is the best!

7) Tajadas

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (6)

Tajadas are a popular side dish in Honduran cuisine. These mouthwatering treats, made from ripe plantains, are sliced lengthwise and then fried until golden and caramelised.

The key to creating perfect Tajadas lies in using ripe plantains. The plantains should have a yellow or black peel, indicating that they are at their peak sweetness.

Tajadas that have been cooked perfectly result in a crisp exterior while retaining a soft and tender interior.

8) Tamales

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (7)

You probably already know what tamales are.

Honduran tamales are distinct from other tamale varieties found in Latin America. They are larger and typically wrapped in banana leaves, giving them a unique appearance and imparting a subtle, aromatic flavour to the dish.

The banana leaves also help keep the tamales moist, as nobody enjoys eating a dry tamale.

The filling of Honduran tamales can vary, but common ingredients include tender pieces of seasoned meat (such as chicken, pork, or beef) and vegetables.

The mixture is placed onto the masa dough; the tamale is folded, wrapped tightly in the banana leaf and then steamed.

Honduran tamales are usually enjoyed during special occasions, celebrations, or as a comforting meal with family and friends. They are a labour of love, often prepared in large batches and shared among loved ones.

Making tamales is also a time for gathering, as families and communities come together to prepare and enjoy this traditional dish.

9) Yuca con Chicharrón

This delightful combination features two key components: yuca (cassava or manioc) and chicharrón (fried pork belly or pork rinds).

Yuca, a starchy root vegetable, takes centre stage in this dish. It is boiled until tender and then lightly fried to achieve a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior.

The fried yuca is typically seasoned with salt and served as a side or base for the dish.

Chicharrón, on the other hand, is the star protein component of Yuca con Chicharrón. It is made by frying pork belly or pork rinds until they become crispy and golden.

The result is a crunchy delight that adds a savoury texture to this dish.

Combining the crispy yuca and the crispy chicharrón creates the most incredible contrast of textures and flavour bomb.

The dish is served with a side of curtido, adding a refreshing and zingy component that cuts through the richness of the chicharrón.

10) Arroz Con Leche

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (8)

Translating to “Rice with Milk,” this is a popular and comforting dessert in Honduras. This delightful sweet treat, made with simple ingredients brings comfort and a sense of home, a dish many have grown up eating since childhood.

The star of Arroz con Leche is rice, which is cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar. The rice is simmered until it becomes tender and absorbs the milk. As it cooks, it releases starch, creating a thick and creamy texture characteristic of this dessert.

Arroz con Leche is infused with aromatic ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla, and sometimes a touch of nutmeg to enhance the flavours and add warmth and depth to the dessert.

Arroz con Leche is typically served warm and can be enjoyed on its own or garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top.

11) Pescado Frito

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (9)

Pescado Frito, which translates to “Fried Fish,” is a classic dish and some would say one of the traditional foods from Honduras.

The dish typically features a whole fish, such as snapper or tilapia, marinated in a blend of spices and herbs. The fish is then lightly coated in flour or cornmeal before being fried to perfection.

The result is a crispy and golden shell that locks in the moisture and natural flavours of the fish, while the inside remains tender and flaky.

Pescado Frito is often served with rice, salad or fried plantains, plus Honduran condiments, such as chimol (a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro), pickled onions, and slices of lime.

12) Enchiladas Hondureñas

Enchiladas Hondureñas is a unique dish with a special place in Honduran cuisine. However, it’s important to note that Enchiladas Hondureñas differ from the Mexican dish of the same name.

These enchiladas are not the traditional rolled tortillas filled with meat and covered in sauce. Instead, Enchiladas Hondureñas comprise a stack of small, soft tortillas, lightly fried until slightly crispy on the edges.

Then, the tortillas are layered with a variety of toppings.

One of the key components of Enchiladas Hondureñas is the shredded meat, typically chicken or beef, seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection.

The meat is placed on the tortillas, with a generous drizzle of rich tomato sauce. The dish is elevated again with pickled onions, crumbled cheese (such as queso fresco), and a dollop of zesty cream.

The combination of flavours and textures in this dish is something special. Don’t miss this food from Honduras that you’ll no doubt remember for years to come.

13) Carne Asada

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (10)

This hearty dish showcases the country’s love for grilled meats and bold flavours.

Carne Asada typically features marinated steak, such as flank steak or skirt steak, that is perfectly grilled. The key to achieving delicious flavours lies in the marinade, which often combines citrus juices (such as lime or orange), garlic, herbs, and spices.

The marinade helps to tenderise the meat and infuse it with loads of flavour.

Once marinated, the steak is grilled over high heat to achieve a nice char on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The result is a smoky and succulent steak with a caramelised exterior that enhances its natural flavours.

Carne Asada is served with a variety of accompaniments and condiments.

It can be enjoyed as the main protein in a meal, served alongside rice, beans, and tortillas.

It’s also a popular choice for filling tacos, burritos, or baleadas, where the tender slices of steak are complemented by fresh salsa, guacamole, and other toppings.

14) Torrejas

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (11)

In Honduras, Torrejas are a traditional sweet dish often enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. In other countries, this dish is often called French toast.

They are made by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of sweetened milk, flavoured with cinnamon and vanilla.

The soaked bread is then dipped in beaten eggs and fried until golden and crispy. Once cooked, Torrejas are typically served warm and can be accompanied by a variety of toppings such as syrup, honey, powdered sugar, or fruit preserves.

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

15) Chuletas con Tajadas

Chuletas con Tajadas is a fantastic dish combining two cherished foods from Honduras: chuletas (pork chops) and tajadas (fried plantains).

This delightful pairing creates a harmonious balance of flavours and textures that will satisfy your taste buds.

The dish starts with juicy pork chops seasoned with herbs and spices, such as garlic, cumin, and paprika.

The pork chops are then grilled, pan-fried, or sometimes even deep-fried until they develop a golden crust and remain juicy and tender.

Tajadas (fried plantains) accompany the pork chops to complete the dish.

Did you see your favourite foods from Honduras on this list? What dish or food in Honduras do you think should be listed here? Let us know in the comments below.

Travel Tips for North America

We have many travel guides and tips for North America— a fascinating continent!

We love travelling in Mexico and have many food and detailed guides.Read them here.

These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels.

Are you interested in visiting these 15 best places to travel in the USA, the ten best foods in New York, or searching the 12 best cheap eats in Vancouver?

If you plan to travel long-term after leaving North America, these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 countries for foodies; one is in North America.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in North America. We recommend eSIM. They’re easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a regional eSIM for North America.

If your travels in North America are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming departures in North America, or view these deals on Tourradar for group tours in North America.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.

15 Most Popular Foods From Honduras | Very Hungry Nomads (2024)

FAQs

What are the most popular foods in Honduras? ›

Regional specialties include sopa de caracol, fried fish, tamales, carne asada and baleadas. Other popular dishes include meat roasted with chismol and carne asada, chicken with rice and corn, and fried fish with pickled onions and jalapeños.

What food is from El Honduras? ›

Following the starters, the cuisine of Honduras has a long list of options: enchiladas, tamales, taquitos, cakes and catrachitas are part of the most emblematic typical dishes. The empandas are also part of Honduran cuisine as in many other Latin American countries.

What are some interesting facts about the food in Honduras? ›

It is thus a combination of Mesoamerican (Lenca), Spanish, Caribbean, African, and Garifuna cuisines. Honduran cuisine is delicious, colorful, and full of variety. Meals usually include corn, beans and rice, tortillas, fruit, and seafood. Hondurans like a hearty breakfast, while lunch and dinner are lighter meals.

What food is grown in Honduras? ›

Important export crops other than bananas include coffee beans, tobacco, and sugarcane. Corn is the chief staple crop. Honduran farmers also plant genetically modified corn (illegal in the rest of Central America), which has helped combat food shortages and rising corn prices.

Is Honduras food spicy? ›

Usually, Honduran cuisine is quite rich – thanks to creamy coconut milk – but is not as spicy as, say, its Central American counterpart, Mexican food.

What is Honduras most known for? ›

Honduras is best known for the production and export of agricultural products (coffee, tropical fruits and sugar cane) as well as for its textile industry (maquila). Remittances sent by Hondurans abroad represent 20% of the country's GDP.

Does Honduras have fast food? ›

INTUR (Burger King, Little Caesars, Church's Chicken, Popeye's, Dunkin,' Baskin Robins, Chili's, Pollo Campero, It's Just Wings and Circle K) and Grupo de Comidas (Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Denny's) manage 13 fast food brands and are the leaders in the fast-food industry in Honduras.

What is Honduras holiday food? ›

Common Christmas Foods

While families in some other countries spend hours basting a turkey or baking a ham, Hondurans usually build their holiday meal around nacatamales. Similar to Latin American tamales, nacatamales contain a mixture of corn dough and meat, typically chicken or pork, wrapped in banana stalk leaves.

What sport is most popular in Honduras? ›

The most popular sport in Honduras is association football. The governing body of football in Honduras is the Federación Nacional Autónoma de Fútbol de Honduras. Honduras has taken part in the Summer Olympics eight times, and the Winter Olympics in 1992.

What are some Honduran appetizers? ›

Honduran appetizer
  • Honduran Chicharones or pork crackling. ...
  • Honduran Archives - One Happy Housewife. ...
  • Pan con Frijoles (Bread with Beans) - One Happy Housewife. ...
  • Honduran Platanos Fritos (Fried Banana) ...
  • Honduran Enchiladas. ...
  • Honduran Bean Tostadas (Catrachas) - One Happy Housewife. ...
  • Honduran Tortilla Recipe.

What is the most popular dessert in Honduras? ›

Pan Dulce (Sweet Bread)

The most popular daily sweet in Honduras is usually eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, always accompanied by a large cup of American coffee. Among the most popular pastries, or pan dulce, are semitas, rosquetes, corn bread, and tustacas.

What foods Honduras export? ›

Main exported products in Honduras in 2023, by value (in million U.S. dollars)
CharacteristicExport value in million U.S. dollars
Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose113.5
Preparations used for animal feed111.2
Baked goods*106.4
Melons, watermelons and papayas, fresh103.2
6 more rows
Jul 16, 2024

What time do Honduras eat lunch? ›

Fried plantains are a common component of a traditional Honduran breakfast, providing a sweet and savory balance to the meal. Lunch (almuerzo), the main meal of the day, typically served between 12 and 2 p.m., often includes a protein like chicken or beef, rice, beans, and a salad or cooked vegetables.

What is Honduran coffee? ›

Coffees grown in Honduras, which borders Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala, generally having tasting notes describing them as full-bodied with a sweet and mild taste.

Is Honduran food similar to Mexican food? ›

The the individual dishes on Honduran and Mexican cuisines share most of the same ingredients and sometimes the same names, the methods of preparation and serving are vastly different.

What are the best things to buy in Honduras? ›

Shopping in Honduras
  • Pottery. One of the typical products to buy in Honduras is its traditional pottery. ...
  • Ceramics. What better object to buy in Honduras than a glyph representing the Maya culture. ...
  • Wood carving. ...
  • Leather items. ...
  • Wickerwork and textile fibres. ...
  • Jade Jewellery. ...
  • Costume jewellery. ...
  • Coffee and tobacco.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 6262

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.