CartagenaTraveller Could you provide a detailed guide on what to eat in Cartagena, including traditional dishes, street food, seafood specialties, and any must-try local drinks or desserts that visitors should experience?
SabadellTraveller Here are some excellent foods to try when visiting Cartagena — highlighting local specialties, street eats, and must‑have treats. Seafood & Coastal Dishes Whole fried fish (often mojarra), usually served with coconut rice and fried plantains (tostones). Cazuela de mariscos: A rich seafood stew made with shrimp, clams, fish, coconut milk, and spices. Arroz con mariscos: Rice cooked with a mix of seafood such as shrimp, squid, and fish. Ceviche: Fresh fish or shrimp marinated in citrus with onions and herbs. Camarones al ajillo: Shrimp cooked in garlic and butter, a local favorite. Local Snacks & Street Food Arepa de huevo: Fried corn dough stuffed with an egg and sometimes meat, then fried again. Carimañolas: Fried yuca or cassava dough filled with meat or cheese. Patacón con todo: Fried plantain topped with meat, cheese, and sauces. Fresh tropical fruit juices and coconut-limeade (limonada de coco). Traditional Dishes & Desserts Posta Negra Cartagenera: Slow-cooked beef in a sweet-savory sauce, often served with coconut rice. Sancocho: Hearty soup made with seafood or fish, root vegetables, and herbs. Enyucado: A sweet cassava and coconut dessert, sometimes with cheese and brown sugar. Tips Seafood is especially fresh due to Cartagena’s Caribbean location. Street food is abundant, but it’s best to choose stalls that look clean and busy. Desserts often include coconut, cassava, and local fruits, giving a unique coastal flavor.
