Indulging in CARTAGENA: A Guide to the Best Food and Drink Experiences
Cartagena is a vibrant city located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, famous for its rich culture, colorful streets, and delicious food. With influences from Spanish, African, and indigenous cuisine, Cartagena's culinary scene is diverse and exciting, offering a wide range of flavors and dishes that will delight any food lover. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best food and drink experiences that you can indulge in while visiting this beautiful city.
Street Food Delights
One of the best ways to experience the local flavors of Cartagena is through its street food. Walking through the colorful streets, you'll find many vendors selling traditional snacks like arepas, empanadas, and buñuelos. Arepas are made from corn flour and are filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables. Empanadas are similar to turnovers and are usually filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Buñuelos are small, fried dough balls made with cheese and are often served with a cup of hot chocolate. These snacks are affordable, tasty, and a great way to fuel up while exploring the city.
Seafood Festival
Being on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is also renowned for its seafood. The city's cuisine features a variety of seafood dishes, including ceviche, fried fish, and coconut rice with seafood. One popular dish is the arroz con coco y camarón, which is rice cooked with coconut milk and shrimp. Another must-try is the cazuela de seafood, a seafood stew made with fish, shrimp, squid, and coconut milk. To enjoy the freshest seafood, head to the Mercado de Bazurto, a bustling market where you can find everything from fish and shellfish to exotic fruits and vegetables.
Fruit Juice Heaven
Colombia is famous for its wide range of exotic fruits, and Cartagena is no exception. The city's juice bars are a great place to sample some of the local fruits and enjoy a refreshing drink. One popular fruit is the lulo, which is similar to a tangy orange and is often used in juice blends. Another is the guanabana, also known as soursop, which has a sweet and sour taste and is said to have many health benefits. Other fruits to try include passion fruit, tamarind, and mango biche. Whether you prefer your juice sweet or sour, Cartagena's juice bars have something for everyone.
Cocktail Culture
Cartagena's cocktail culture is another highlight of the city's food and drink scene. The city is known for its rum, and there are many bars that specialize in rum-based cocktails like the mojito, daiquiri, and piña colada. One popular bar is Alchemical, a trendy rooftop bar that offers a wide range of cocktails and a beautiful view of the city. Another must-visit is La Jugada, a cozy bar that serves creative cocktails made with local ingredients like tamarindo and lulo.
Sweet Treats
To end your food and drink tour of Cartagena on a sweet note, indulge in some of the city's desserts. One popular dessert is the tres leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in three different types of milk and topped with whipped cream. Another is the dessert de natas, a custard-like dessert made with cream, sugar, and cinnamon. To satisfy your sweet tooth on the go, try some of the city's street sweets like cocadas, a type of coconut candy, or arequipe, a caramel-like spread that is similar to dulce de leche.
In conclusion, Cartagena is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide range of flavors and experiences that are sure to delight your
