Cartagena
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2024 | 3 minute read | Updated at Tuesday, Feb 13, 2024
Seafood Symphony of Caribbean Delight: Cartagena’s Banquet
🌞 Cartagena: A Culinary Paradise! 🌴
Welcome, foodies, to the vibrant, colorful, and gastronomically rich city of Cartagena, Colombia! Here are some 🍲🥘🥬🥩 crazy fun facts about the best foods you absolutely must try when you visit this Caribbean gem.
-
🏆 Bandeja Paisa: This traditional Colombian dish is not from Cartagena, but it’s a must-try! Imagine a platter loaded with white rice, red beans, fried plantain, chorizo, ground beef, an arepa (cornmeal bread), and a crisp, fresh lettuce salad with a side of avocado. 🍎🥗🥔🐄🍴 It’s the ultimate hearty meal!
-
🍤 Ceviche: Fresh fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and spices? Yes, please! Cartagena is known for its delicious ceviche, made with local seafood caught daily. 🐠🦬🥘Pair it with some crispy plantain chips (Tostones) or a fresh arepa, and you’ve got a dish that’s as refreshing as the Caribbean Sea itself!
-
🌮 Arepas: These cornmeal flatbread pockets are a staple in Colombian cuisine. In Cartagena, you can find them stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings, such as shrimp (camarón), cheese (queso), or even plantain and beans (hogao). 🌮🍞🥔
-
🍗 Pollo Guisado: Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices is a comforting classic you’ll find in many restaurants throughout Cartagena. 🥘🥔🍗
-
🍦 Ice Cream (Helado): The tropical climate of Cartagena means there’s always room for ice cream! Try flavors inspired by local fruits like mango, guava, and passion fruit. 🍌🥭🍓
-
🍸 Aguardiente: This potent anise-flavored liquor is a traditional Colombian drink, often enjoyed after meals. Just be warned: it’s strong! 🥃💣
-
🌮 Lechona: A whole pig roasted with various seasonings and stuffed with a mixture of pork meat, rice, vegetables, and sometimes plantain. It’s a dish fit for a celebration and one you won’t want to miss! 🐖🥘🤤
-
🍽️ Fish Market (Mercado Bazurto): If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the bustling Mercado Bazurto for a taste of fresh seafood cooked right before your eyes! Don’t forget to haggle for the best prices. 🐠🦈🏪
-
🍞 Empanadas: These delicious, savory pastries can be found all over Cartagena. They come in various fillings, such as beef, chicken, or seafood, and are a perfect snack on-the-go. 🥧🥔🐠
-
🍹 Champús: A refreshing drink made from fermented cassava root, pineapple juice, and lime. It’s often garnished with chopped onion, chili peppers, and sometimes even peanuts! 🥭🌶️🥒
So there you have it, fellow food enthusiasts! A taste of the incredible culinary experiences that await you in Cartagena, Colombia. Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your appetite and get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure you’ll never forget! 🥘🌴🍽️💃