Belizean cuisine is diverse and influenced by its history: it was inhabited by the Maya for centuries, colonized by English buccaneers, and served as a refuge for escaped enslaved Africans. As a result, Belizean food offers spicy Creole creations, standard English corned beef, and the Mayan delicacy of the fried paca (a small jungle rodent). For most meals, rice and beans are a staple, and coconut milk, plantains, and hot peppers are common ingredients. Sitting down to a traditional Mayan meal can be a treat for the adventurous. Suckling pig roasted underground is a delicious favorite in the countryside!