Each year, people with special dietary needs and adult-onset food allergies continue to rise. It is estimated that over 32 million Americans live with at least one food allergy; that is about 10.8% of US adults and 7.6% of children. Traveling with a food allergy may seem daunting and potentially life threatening. At Hamanasi, we do our best to accommodate many types of special dietary requirements to ensure that you have a safe and fun vacation experience.
We sat down with Hamanasi’s Food & Beverage Manager, Reagan Whiting, to ask how the Singanga Restaurant accommodates guests with special dietary needs.
Grilled chicken tart with pickled mushrooms
When is your restaurant open?
Hamanasi’s Singanga restaurant serves breakfast from 6-9 am, lunch from 11:30 – 2 and dinner from 6 – 9 pm.
What kind of food do you serve?
We serve a blend of Belizean and international cuisine, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and regenerative practices. From farm fresh vegetables and fruits to sustainably sourced seafood to delectable desserts, our Singanga restaurant provides delicious, healthy food, many with authentic Belizean flavors.
What special dietary needs do you cater to?
We cater to most special dietary needs including religious and medical diets. This includes vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, lactose intolerant, gluten free, shellfish allergies, ketogenic, low carb, low sodium, peanut free, alpha-gal, and more. We cannot provide meat and dairy that are certified kosher.
Zucchini risotto, a delicious vegetarian meal
What diets do you not cater to? Why?
We haven’t encountered a diet need that we have been unable to fulfill – so far! We try to accommodate and prepare requests as best as we can, with limitations, such as our meat and dairy products are not kosher certified. We have plenty of raw food offerings, but are particularly limited on raw dairy selections.
What do I need to know before I come to the Singanga restaurant?
We might not have the same types of foods available in Belize as you do at home. This is good as you will have the opportunity to expand your palate! Since we have sustainable practices when sourcing food, such as buying locally when possible, this sometimes contributes to limited options. For example, fishing in Belize focuses on line caught fish, and there is a seasonality to the types of fish we have available. We always do our best to source anything a guest requests while following these guidelines.
Watermelon and feta salad
What about pack lunches for day trips?
We are committed to providing satisfying and fulfilling meals to our guests while they are on tour, while accommodating any special diets or requests. For example, we offer a chickpea burrito, roast beef wraps, fresh fruit with baked goods and more. If there is anything specific you would like, we can pack it for you to bring along on your excursion.
What & when do I need to communicate with you about my dietary needs?
When making your reservation to come to Hamanasi or the restaurant, please alert us to your dietary requirements. The sooner we know, the better we can prepare. We can advise you what limitations we might have. Once you have communicated to your server or one of our reservations representatives, we will inform all of those who will be taking care of you. There’s no need to remind your server during every meal, we will plan ahead for you and provide food within your dietary restrictions.
A hearty vegan zucchini steak
May I make special requests?
Of course, but we can’t promise we can deliver all of them. Again, the sooner we know, the better. While we usually can accommodate most special requests, we do ask that you communicate them at least a day before so that we can plan accordingly.
May I meet with the chef?
Absolutely. We believe open communication will help the chef better understand what your needs, likes and dislikes are. Upon arrival, we will arrange a time for you to meet with our chef to discuss your needs.
What are your favorite vegetarian or special dietary meals?
My favorite vegetarian items on our menu include the blackened potato skewers topped with a creamy cashew puree, as well as the quinoa salad and roasted red pepper sandwich. The manganero corn ribs are grilled and drenched in a sweet spicy sauce, served with herb roasted potatoes and citrus sauteed carrot and callaloo. Another favorite is the black bean enchilada pie and zucchini risotto.
Vegetarian black bean enchilada pie
Does Belizean cuisine meet any special dietary needs?
Many Belizean foods are gluten free, such as hudut (a Garifuna plantain dish), corn tortillas, etc. Additionally, a lot of Belizean dishes incorporate coconut milk and are naturally lactose free. Local root vegetables like cassava and coco yam are also naturally gluten free.
Should guests bring any snacks with them?
If guests have special food items that they like and that will not spoil, please bring them. Be sure to store them properly so that insects or animals can’t get to them.
Is there a hospital nearby just in case?
The nearest hospital is about 35 minutes away in Dangriga. The Southern Emergency Services paramedics are 5 mins away. An ambulance is available for transport to the hospital, if necessary. However, we are dedicated to meeting your dietary needs, so hope that won’t be necessary!
Cashew crusted snapper over coconut rice
If I have any medicines may I store them in a refrigerator?
Yes. Our deluxe treehouses have mini refrigerators. If you are in a different room type we can store them in a refrigerator in our Great House or provide a cooler with ice for you. We recommend that you bring a note from a doctor if traveling with medicines in case there are any difficulties during security checks or customs.
Any last thoughts?
We know that special dietary requirements and food allergies are important and serious. As such, at our Singanga restaurant we take these needs very seriously. Rest assured that you will have safe, healthy and delicious meals at Hamanasi!
A romantic dinner on a treehouse veranda. Photo by Destiny Bennett