You can’t visit Útila or Roatán without encountering one of their local specialty foods, the baleada or the pastelito. And if you’re travelling on a budget, these will surely become staples in your diet since they’re affordable, filling and delicious.
Baleada
The baleada is a staple food in Útila, offered at countless restaurants throughout the island. At it’s base, it’s comprised of a large flour tortilla (a bit thicker than a commercial flour tortilla) made fresh to order, folded in half, and lined with refried beans and grated hard cheese. With these basic ingredients, we have the plain or “simple baleada” (baleada sencilla). Most baleada joints will offer a menu of additional filling options, including various proteins from egg to chicken to pork to beef, as well as vegetarian and seafood options. An egg and avocado baleada is delicious for breakfast, while a crispy fried chicken baleada is a delicious lunch or dinner option. If you’re avoiding meat, a veggie and avocado baleada is a satisfying meatless meal. If you’re particularly hungry, most places also offer a super baleada or mega baleada (usually with a combination of proteins). You’ll probably find a bottle of hot sauce at the table to spice it up a bit.
Best of all, prices typically range from 20 lempiras (US$0.80) for a simple baleada to 55-65 lempiras (US$2.50) for a chicken or vegetarian baleada. Depending on your appetite, one baleada is usually plenty, although larger appetites may require 2 baleadas (or a super/mega baleada). You can also order a baleada to go (para llevar) and they’ll wrap it up in aluminum foil so that you can easily eat it like a burrito while walking down the street.
In Útila, Baleadas Mama Rosa probably has the largest baleada menu and is popular with tourists and locals. They’re located on the main street, halfway between the ferry terminal and Utila Dive Centre.
Another personal favourite is Gaga’s Grab N’Go for their fried chicken baleada (baleada con pollo frito), filled with chunks of extra crispy fried chicken. Great for an affordable lunch or dinner.
Pastelito
If you visit Útila or Roatán without snacking on a pastelito, you’re missing out. These are wonderful deep-fried pockets of savoury deliciousness. It’s the Honduran equivalent of an empanada. They can be filled with just about anything. You’ll likely encounter them stuffed with seasoned ground meat, shredded chicken, or even vegetables. In the morning, they’re usually filled with egg.
Most eateries will have a small glass cabinet right along the street with pre-made pastelitos ready to buy. A single pastelito makes a perfect snack, while 2 or 3 is an easy, quick meal.
Depending on the location and filling, expect to pay 20 to 35 lempiras (US$0.80 to $US1.35).
The snack bar at Utila Dive Centre is famous for the pastelitos that are made fresh every afternoon as the afternoon boats return. They offer beef, chicken, pepperoni and vegetable fillings. You just need to be quick on your toes, because they sell out quickly.
So what’s your favourite? The baleada or pastelito? Tell us about your favourite place to get them and your favourite filling in the comments below.
Scuba Duo 
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