What Food To Try in Cartagena and Food Prices

Arepas de Huevo - Fried Egg Arepas - These are crispy corn cakes stuffed with a fried egg, traditionally indulgent and often enjoyed for breakfast. Locals usually grab them from street stalls while heading to work in the morning (perfect for a quick bite).

Bollos de Pescado - Fish Balls - Made from seasoned fish, corn flour, and a touch of spice, these savory fritters are deep-fried to golden perfection. You’ll commonly see locals munching on them at beachside kiosks while enjoying the sea breeze (standard beach snack).

Posta Negra Cartagenera - Black Beef - This dish features slow-cooked beef in a rich, dark sauce made with spices and panela (unrefined cane sugar). Enjoyed during family dinners, it’s often paired with coconut rice (an explosion of flavor for a special dinner).

Langosta al Aguacate - Lobster with Avocado - Fresh lobster paired with ripe avocado and a drizzle of citrus dressing creates a refreshing and elegant meal. It’s a favorite during hot summer evenings, usually served in more upscale dining spots (a luxurious taste of the coast).

Tamales - Tamales - These cornmeal parcels are filled with a mix of meats, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to achieve a soft texture. Often enjoyed during family gatherings, locals eat them for lunch, especially on weekends (a heartier option during celebrations).

Cazuela de Mariscos - Seafood Stew - This hearty dish combines a medley of local seafood and coconut milk, creating a rich and creamy texture. It's commonly served in coastal homes during family dinners, definitely a showcase of authenticity (comfort food that feels like home).

Patacones - Green Fried Plantains - Crispy twice-fried green plantain discs create a perfect base for a variety of toppings, from shrimp to guacamole. Locals enjoy these as a side dish during lunch or dinner, often shared among friends (great for casual gatherings).

Sancocho - Hearty Soup - A robust chicken soup filled with root vegetables and herbs, this is typically cooked slowly for maximum flavor. Eaten on Sundays, it’s also considered the cure for a long night out (a local hangover remedy for sure).

Aguapanela - Aguapanela (sweet sugar cane drink) - A refreshing drink made from dissolving panela (raw cane sugar) in hot water, often enjoyed with a slice of lime. It's a staple for locals, especially in the cooler mornings or during rainy days when they gather to warm up.

Tinto - Tinto (coffee)** - This is a simple black coffee brewed using Colombian beans, served in small cups, often sweetened to taste. You'll see locals sipping it throughout the day, usually paired with a snack, making it a staple in social gatherings.

Aguardiente - Aguardiente (anise-flavored liquor) - A clear liquor made from sugarcane, with a distinct anise flavor, typically consumed chilled. It's common to drink this during festive occasions, like family gatherings or local celebrations, and is often sipped with friends while playing cards. Just a heads up, locals can get quite enthusiastic about it!

Postre de natas - Postre de natas (creamy dessert) - A rich dessert that layers corn custard with cane syrup, creating a creamy texture and sweet flavor. Traditionally enjoyed during festivities, especially around Christmas, it's a comforting treat typical of family celebrations.

Helado de coco - Helado de coco (coconut ice cream) - This frozen delight is made from fresh coconut, cream, and sugar, resulting in a rich, creamy texture. Best enjoyed on hot afternoons while strolling through the city, and if you're lucky, you might find a street vendor serving it from a cart!