Best Places to Eat in Cartagena
Foodie Paradise: Best Eats in Cartagena
Cartagena tantalizes your taste buds with a vibrant culinary scene! From fresh seafood to melt-in-your-mouth arepas, here’s a guide to some of the best places to eat, focusing on delicious and popular street food options:
Street Food Delights:
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Arepas de huevo: A Cartagena classic! These fried corn cakes filled with an egg and sometimes cheese are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Find them at stalls throughout the historic center, especially near Plaza de Bolívar.
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Empanadas: Another Colombian staple, empanadas come in various fillings like beef, chicken, potato, and even vegetarian options. Look for vendors with steaming baskets of these savory pastries.
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Patacones: Fried green plantains are a must-try! Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re often served with hogao (a tomato and onion sauce) or guacamole.
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Fruta fresca: Quench your thirst with fresh fruit juices from street vendors. Popular choices include mango, pineapple, passion fruit, and limonada con coco (lemonade with coconut milk).
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Bocados: These bite-sized snacks can be anything from fried cheese balls to seafood ceviche. Stroll through the streets and discover new flavors!
Restaurant Recommendations:
- La Cevichería: This casual spot is renowned for its fresh and flavorful ceviche, served in a variety of styles.
- El Boliche Cebicheria: For a more upscale ceviche experience, El Boliche offers innovative ceviches with unique ingredients and presentations.
- Don Juan: Enjoy traditional Colombian cuisine in a charming colonial setting. Their bandeja paisa (a platter of various meats, rice, beans, and plantains) is a local favorite.
Pro Tips:
- Haggle! Street food prices are often negotiable, especially if you’re buying multiple items.
- Carry cash. Many street vendors don’t accept credit cards.
- Ask locals for recommendations. They know the best hidden gems!
Enjoy the delicious culinary adventure that awaits in Cartagena!