Celi’s Deli Johnny Cakes: My Best Bite March 2024

If I’m heading to San Pedro town early, I’m heading to Celi’s Deli on Front Street for a toasted Johnny Cake with ham and cheese. Always…every single time.

Celi’s Deli is a breakfast-only-takeaway spot that is VERY popular with locals – tour guides, local government workers, school kids…everyone looking to grab something quick and delicious to start the day.

First…What is a Johnny Cake? Many Caribbean countries and parts of the US have Johnny Cakes or Journey Cakes—quick bread meant “to-go”—to grab and take on your journey. A journey to school or out on a dive trip or you are sailing off on weeklong fishing trip to the outer atolls.

In Belize, they are traditionally made with flour, salt, baking powder, shortening, and coconut milk on a faya haat (or fire hearth). They are not as flake-y and buttery as a biscuit, but not as dry as a roll. Served with chicken, beans, ham, or cheese, they are delicious.

If I’m in town at or before 9am, I always get a johnny cake at Celi’s. They are big, you can taste the bakin soda and salt (which I think is KEY) and they toast them. So they are crisp and the outside and fluffy on the island.

Here are some pictures I’ve taken recently and over the years. I’m NEVER on a early morning water taxi to Belize City without a johnny cake from Celi’s in hand.

Celi’s is a mainstay in San Pedro – part of the Holiday Hotel family (and Ms Celi the founder). The Holiday Hotel, opened 58 years ago, is the oldest hotel in San Pedro. And the deli is a part of it. The Holiday Hotel is right across the street on the beach.

You can read some of the amazing history of this institution here.

NOW to Celi’s Deli. Open for 5:30am to noon…they serve classic Belizean breakfast food.

Here’s the menu. The classics.

I bet Celi’s was the first to introduce MANY to the American classic PB&J. Peanut butter was SO expensive when I first moved to the island in 2007. Now it is more widely available and you no longer have to pay $40bzd for a big tub of it.

The full menu.

On certain days, you can try three different meat pies – both San Pedro made and from the famous OG, Dario’s Meatpies in Belize City. Clearly I need to come back when they are all in stock and do a taste test.

Meatpies are a way of life in Belize. But I am here for my favorite! Johnny cake toasted with ham and cheese, no beans. 2 please. Jeff likes his opened with a few splashes of hot sauce, I like mine au naturale.

Just delicious. And filling…has me ready for my journey. Stop by Celi’s Deli early for their stuffed tortillas (so so good) or meat pies AND the johnny cake.

During the busier season, they can sell out of Johnny cakes by 9 or 10am so no dawdling! And let me know what you think.

Not only is it my favorite bite of March 2024 but it’s one of my top 5 in San Pedro.

For more best bites from months gone by…check out these posts. Yum.