Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Cartagena, Colombia
1. Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter with rice, red beans, fried plantain, chicharrón (fried pork skin), arepa, a beef steak and a fried egg. Solves the challenge of offering a diverse and filling meal.
- Local Specialty: Originates from the Colombian region of Antioquia but is popular in Cartagena.
- Comfort Food: A favorite among locals and visitors for its warm, satisfying flavors.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the richness of Colombian cuisine and its diversity.
2. Ceviche
Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onions, chili peppers, and cilantro. Solves the challenge of offering a refreshing and tangy seafood dish.
- Seafood Delight: A popular choice for those who love fresh seafood.
- Traditional Recipe: Ceviche is a traditional dish in Cartagena, reflecting its coastal heritage.
- Light and Flavorful: Ideal for those looking for a lighter meal option.
3. Ajiaco Cartagenero
Chicken soup made with potatoes, corn on the cob, capers, guascas (a type of local herb), and cream. Solves the challenge of offering a comforting and flavorful soup.
- Regional Variation: Differentiates from Bogotá's Ajiaco with the addition of capers and guascas.
- Heartwarming Soup: Perfect for cold or rainy days in Cartagena.
- Taste of Colombia: A great way to experience Colombian cuisine in a bowl.
4. Arepa de Huevo
Cornmeal flatbread filled with scrambled egg and cheese. Solves the challenge of offering a portable and tasty breakfast option.
- Quick Breakfast: Convenient for those on-the-go in Cartagena.
- Traditional Snack: A popular street food across Colombia but with a unique twist in Cartagena.
- Delicious and Filling: Offers a satisfying breakfast or snack option.
5. Empanada de Camarón
Deep-fried pastry filled with shrimp, onions, and peas. Solves the challenge of offering a tasty and portable snack.
- Portable Snack: Ideal for enjoying while exploring Cartagena's historic sites.
- Seafood Delight: A favorite among seafood lovers.
- Cultural Experience: Empanadas are a common snack in many Latin American countries, each with their unique fillings.
6. Pescado al Mojo de Ajo
Whole fish marinated in garlic and lime juice, then grilled. Solves the challenge of offering a flavorful and succulent seafood dish.
- Garlic Lover's Dream: Ideal for those who love the strong, pungent taste of garlic.
- Fresh and Tasty: Made with fresh fish caught daily in Cartagena's waters.
- Cultural Tradition: A popular dish throughout Latin America, each region has its own twist on the recipe.
7. Bocadillo de Coco
Coconut filled with sweet cream and wrapped in a thin dough. Solves the challenge of offering a sweet, refreshing dessert.
- Refreshing Dessert: Perfect for beating the heat in Cartagena.
- Tropical Delight: Made with fresh coconuts and local ingredients.
- Traditional Treat: A popular dessert across Colombia, but each region has its unique take on the recipe.
8. Sancocho de Mariscos
Seafood soup made with various types of fish, shellfish, vegetables, and seasonings. Solves the challenge of offering a hearty and flavorful seafood dish.
- Heartwarming Soup: Perfect for cold or rainy days in Cartagena.
- Seafood Feast: Includes a variety of fresh seafood caught daily in Cartagena's waters.
- Cultural Significance: Sancocho is a traditional dish throughout Latin America, with each region having its unique recipe.
9. Arepa con Huevo y Queso
Cornmeal flatbread filled with scrambled egg and cheese. Solves the challenge of offering a simple yet satisfying breakfast option.
- Quick Breakfast: Convenient for those on-the-go in Cartagena.
- Traditional Snack: A popular street food across Colombia but with a unique twist in Cartagena.
- Delicious and Filling: Offers a satisfying breakfast or snack option.
10. Cozito de Coco
Hot, sweet beverage made from coconut milk and cinnamon. Solves the challenge of offering a comforting and flavorful drink.
- Refreshing Drink: Ideal for beating the heat in Cartagena.
- Tropical Delight: Made with fresh coconuts and local ingredients.
- Cultural Experience: A popular drink across Latin America, each region has its unique take on the recipe.
11. Chicha de Coco
Fermented coconut milk beverage. Solves the challenge of offering a unique and refreshing drink.
- Refreshing Drink: Ideal for beating the heat in Cartagena.
- Traditional Beverage: A popular drink across Colombia, particularly in coastal regions.
- Alcoholic Option: For those who enjoy a light alcoholic beverage with their meal.
12. Aguapanela con Arepa
Sweet drink made from sugarcane juice, water, and panela (unrefined whole cane sugar) served with a side of arepa. Solves the challenge of offering a traditional and refreshing meal pairing.
- Refreshing Drink: Ideal for beating the heat in Cartagena.
- Traditional Combo: A popular pairing across Colombia, each region has its unique take on the recipe.
- Satisfying Meal: The arepa adds a filling component to the sweet drink.
13. Pescado al Vapor
Steamed fish served with coconut rice and plantain. Solves the challenge of offering a flavorful and healthy seafood dish.
- Healthy Dish: A lighter option for those who want to enjoy fresh seafood without added fats.
- Tropical Delight: Made with fresh coconuts and plantains caught daily in Cartagena's waters.
- Cultural Significance: Steaming is a common cooking method throughout Latin America, with each region having its unique twist on the recipe.
14. Mazorca con Queso
Corn on the cob served with cheese. Solves the challenge of offering a simple yet delicious street food.
- Quick Snack: Ideal for those looking for a quick, tasty snack while exploring Cartagena.
- Traditional Treat: A popular street food across Colombia but with a unique twist in Cartagena.
- Delicious and Filling: Offers a satisfying snack option.
15. Arroz con Coco y Camarones
Coconut rice with shrimp. Solves the challenge of offering a flavorful and exotic rice dish.
- Exotic Dish: A unique twist on a traditional Colombian dish, infused with coconut flavor.
- Seafood Delight: Ideal for those who love fresh seafood.
- Cultural Experience: A popular dish throughout Latin America, each region has its unique take on the recipe.