FIVE FOODS YOU MUST TRY IN CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA - By: Néstor Meléndez
Hello, if you are a good traveler, you know from experience that part of a trip involves discovering the local cuisine of the places you visit. Trying local dishes makes you feel closer to the place and the people who live there. That's why I made this list of the 5 foods you must try if you visit Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
1- Arepa de huevo.
The arepa de huevo is a disc-shaped corn flour arepa that is fried, and in a moment of inspiration, of true magical realism, it is filled by an opening made for an egg to pass through. It is then reinserted into the oil, achieving the delicious union of corn and egg. Newer versions add other proteins, such as meat, chicken, pork, chorizo, chicharrón… they are a perfect breakfast that you won't find at McDonald's. And it's not just for breakfast; it's good any time of day.
2- Shrimp Cocktail.
This is a Colombian-style shrimp cocktail that includes finely chopped red onion, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, garlic, lime, and other, almost secret, ingredients, which are mixed, after being ordered, with a flick of the wrist that gives a personal touch to each serving. If you wish, you can ask for the "Bomba" which comes with a powerful mix of seafood. I am sure you will like it because it is like an explosion of the senses, and if you like spicy food, ask for it to enhance the Cartagena flavor that you will be putting into your body.
3- Fried Fish with Coconut Rice.
This tastes like a beach day in the Colombian Caribbean paradise. You will forever remember how they fry fish in Cartagena; in truth, they fry almost everything, so they are very good in that department. Both marine and freshwater fish are fresh and varied, so eating fish is highly recommended. The fish should be accompanied by coconut rice, salad, and patacones (fried and flattened green plantain).
4- The Palenquera's Fruits:
You'll be walking through the streets of the city's historic center, traveling back in time, imagining what life was like in those days, and you'll feel the need to cool off because the heat is overwhelming. Suddenly, you'll see them, and these beautiful women will revive your freshness with the best fruits from the region. Let the Palenqueras tell you about their stories and marvel at how they walk with a tray of fruits on their heads. If you want, it's one of the best photos you can take in the city, but don't forget to tip.
5- Portal de los Dulces (Sweets Gateway).
There are so many temptations in the Portal de los Dulces that one doesn't know which to choose. I always recommend that the best thing to do is grab one of the trays with mixed sweets sold by the heirs of the tradition of this landmark in the city. The portal was the place where passengers waited for carriages and then buses to travel to and from the surroundings of Cartagena. To sweeten the wait, some sweets began to be sold, bringing recipes inherited over generations; these are the same ones sold today by the descendants of the matrons who, more than 130 years ago, settled under the arches to sweeten the moment. Don't miss out on eating the panela cocada.
So now you know what food you can't miss eating in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. If you are in the city, follow my gastronomic advice, and if you are coming, take note of what you can't miss tasting.
You can also take a GPS audio tour of Cartagena de Indias, "Into the walls of the city." Get it at https://voicemap.me/ on the App Store or Google Play. Enter the new way of traveling and getting to know the places you visit; soon, the tour will also be available in Spanish.
https://voicemap.me/tour/cartagena/cartagena-de-indias-into-the-walls-of-the-city
Have a great time and enjoy your life. Remember that traveling makes us better people.
By:
Néstor Meléndez Soler
https://tousrcolombia.blogspot.com.co/
@NestorMel15