15 Conventional Dishes to Attempt in Cartagena

There are a lot of nice issues to do in Cartagena, however certainly one of my favorites was to EAT—and there’s no scarcity of conventional Colombian dishes to select from. One minute you possibly can be biting right into a crispy arepa de huevo (corn muffins full of eggs) and the subsequent you’d be slurping down a bowl of cazuela de mariscos, a wealthy and creamy seafood stew full of recent flavors from the coast. Listed below are my picks for the must-try Colombian dishes.

➞ For a simple strategy to style the native delicacies, the Cartagena Avenue Meals Tour may have you attempting 10 several types of dishes! Or take a look at my picks for the greatest eating places in Caragena.

Conventional Meals to Eat in Cartagena

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a hearty, comforting hen and potato soup that’s a staple in Colombia, particularly within the Andean area. Made with three forms of potatoes (criolla, sabanera, and pastusa), shredded hen, and guasca leaves for that signature taste, it’s greater than only a soup—it’s a full-on meal. 

A half ear of corn will get tossed in for good measure, and it’s normally served with capers, avocado, and cream on the facet. Excellent for cooler seasons, this wealthy and filling dish has advanced with Colombia’s culinary historical past, making it a must-try for anybody seeking to style genuine native flavors.

Arepas de Huevo

Arepas, usually, are one of the standard meals in Colombia, very similar to tortillas in Mexico or bread in Italy. Each area has its personal take, however in Cartagena, you’ll discover arepas de huevo offered in every single place—from bustling markets to beachside distributors.

These crispy, deep-fried corn muffins are full of an egg, fried as soon as, then fastidiously opened so as to add the egg earlier than being fried once more to golden perfection. The outcome? A crunchy outdoors with a heat, comfortable middle that’s full of taste. 

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is the final word Colombian feast—principally a meat lover’s dream served on an enormous plate the dimensions of a steering wheel. The phrase bandeja means platter, so you recognize you’re in for a critical meal. 

Initially from the Paisa area (assume Antioquia and Medellín), this hearty dish isn’t Colombia’s official nationwide dish, but it surely’s undoubtedly one of the iconic. Historically, it comes piled excessive with rice, crimson beans, floor beef, chorizo, crispy chicharrón (fried pork stomach), a fried egg, candy plantain, an arepa, and a beneficiant slice of avocado. It’s a filling, flavor-packed dish that’s usually eaten for lunch—not breakfast—because you’ll in all probability want a nap afterward. 

Carimanola

Carimanola is a deep-fried yucca fritter full of seasoned floor beef or cheese. The yucca provides it a crispy exterior whereas the within stays comfortable and flavorful. It’s a well-liked breakfast or snack possibility in Cartagena.

Cazuela de Mariscos

Should you love seafood, then Cartagena’s cazuela de mariscos is a must-try! This wealthy, creamy seafood stew is full of shrimp, fish, squid, and different shellfish, all simmered in a flavorful coconut milk broth with spices and veggies. It’s thick, nearly like a chowder, and is a favourite alongside Colombia’s Caribbean coast, particularly in Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta. 

Ceviche

Yow will discover ceviche all around the world, from Peru to Mexico, however Colombia has its personal distinctive tackle this basic seafood dish. In Cartagena, ceviche is commonly made with recent shrimp or fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and spices. In contrast to the Peruvian model, which is uncooked and citrusy, Colombian ceviche is usually evenly cooked or tossed in a tangy, tomato-based sauce. 

Cocada

A candy deal with made out of shredded coconut, sugar, and condensed milk, cocadas are available varied flavors and textures. Probably the most conventional model in Cartagena is cocadas blancas, that are chewy and intensely coconut-flavored.

Cócteles de Camarónes

Shrimp cocktails in Cartagena are a scrumptious seafood delight. In contrast to American-style shrimp cocktails, Colombian variations typically embrace ketchup, lime juice, onions, cilantro, and mayonnaise, making for a tangy and barely creamy dish.

Empanada

Colombian empanadas are the final word avenue meals—crispy, golden, and full of taste. Made with cornmeal dough (not corn flour!), these deep-fried pockets are normally full of seasoned floor beef, shredded hen, or potatoes, then served with aji, a zesty, spicy salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and vinegar. 

Empanadas have been round since colonial instances and have advanced throughout totally different areas, however one factor stays the identical—they’re a staple in Colombian delicacies. 

Enyucado

Enyucado, or Cassava Cake, is a basic dessert from Colombia’s coastal areas, particularly standard in Cartagena. Made with grated yuca, cheese, coconut, and anise seeds, it has a subtly candy but barely savory taste that makes it completely distinctive. 

The yuca provides it a wealthy texture that binds the whole lot collectively, whereas the coconut and anise add a touch of heat and sweetness. 

Limonadas de Coco

Limonada de Coco is the final word tropical drink. This creamy, tangy coconut limeade is made by mixing coconut milk, recent lime juice, sugar, and ice till it’s chilly, frothy, and ridiculously refreshing. It’s like sipping on key lime pie—clean, wealthy, and simply the correct amount of candy and tart. Easy to make however completely crave-worthy, it’s the right strategy to calm down in Cartagena’s warmth.

Mojarra Frita

Mojarra Frita is a well-liked dish alongside Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This entire fried fish is marinated in spices, deep-fried till completely crispy on the skin, and tender on the within. Whereas it appears to be like and tastes quite a bit like tilapia, mojarra is its personal factor and is likely one of the most conventional fish to fry in Colombia. It’s usually served with coconut rice, patacones (fried plantains), and a recent salad.

Mondongo Soup

Mondongo is a wealthy, hearty Colombian soup that’s made with tripe, pork, greens, and spices, it’s a beloved dish that holds deep cultural significance. Whereas it won’t be for everybody, an ideal mondongo has all of the necessities: pork, greens, potatoes, cassava, and one of the best half—Colombian sausage. 

Mote de Queso

Mote de queso is a comforting, meatless soup from Colombia’s Caribbean area. It’s made with ñame (yam), creamy costeño cheese, garlic, scallions, onion, cumin, tomato, and a splash of lime juice. The result’s a thick, creamy, and filling soup with a wealthy, barely tangy taste and is commonly served with rice or avocado.

Pan de Bono

Pan de bono is a scrumptious, tacky Colombian bread roll made with cassava flour, masa (corn flour), cheese, and egg. With its comfortable, chewy texture, it’s greatest loved heat—making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack.

Posta Negra Cartagena

Posta negra is a basic dish fromColombia, that includes slow-cooked beef in a wealthy, candy, and savory sauce made with panela (unrefined cane sugar), Worcestershire sauce, and spices. The identify “posta negra” interprets to “black beef,” referring to its darkish, caramelized look. 

Made with tri-tip sirloin, the meat is fried till it turns black, releasing scrumptious flavors earlier than being simmered with crimson onion, tomato, garlic, and aromatic pepper. Usually served with coconut rice, this dish is a real image of Cartagena’s culinary scene.

Sancocho

Sancocho is a comforting, hearty Colombian stew that brings collectively a wide range of meats—generally hen, beef, or fish—with plantains, potatoes, yuca, and corn. This conventional dish is a favourite in Colombian houses, typically served with rice and avocado on the facet. Relying on the area, the elements might fluctuate, with some including greens like tomato, scallions, cilantro, and even corn on the cob. 

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