Cartagena food guide
Cartagena Food Guide: 12 Colombian Dishes + Where to Eat Them
Cartagena’s food culture blends Caribbean coast + African + Spanish + Indigenous influences. Coconut rice + fresh seafood + tropical fruits. Here are 12 must-try dishes.
Arroz con coco
Coconut rice. The Caribbean coast specialty. Try at La Cevichería or street stalls.
Price: 8,000-18,000 COP
Ceviche colombiano
Cartagena ceviche differs from Peruvian, sweeter, with mango or shrimp + ketchup. La Cevichería is the famous spot.
Price: 25,000-45,000 COP
Bandeja paisa
Colombian national dish (technically Antioquia/Medellín origin). Massive plate: rice, beans, plantain, chicharron, fried egg, arepa, sausage. La Mulata.
Price: 35,000-60,000 COP
Patacones
Twice-fried plantains. Served with everything along the coast. Side at any restaurant.
Price: 8,000-15,000 COP
Sancocho de pescado
Fish stew with coconut milk. The Caribbean comfort soup. La Bruja serves the famous version.
Price: 25,000-45,000 COP
Arepa de huevo
Cartagena specialty — fried arepa with egg cooked inside. Street vendors morning + evening.
Price: 3,000-6,000 COP
Posta cartagenera
Beef in caramelized sauce with patacones. La Mulata or El Boliche Cebichería.
Price: 28,000-50,000 COP
Limonada de coco
Coconut lemonade: Cartagena’s famous drink. Available at most beach restaurants.
Price: 8,000-15,000 COP
Tropical fruit at La Cevichería
Mango + papaya + soursop + tamarillo + tree tomato. Served fresh at most cafes.
Price: 6,000-12,000 COP per portion
Buñuelos
Cheese fritters. Cartagena Christmas tradition but available year-round.
Price: 3,000-6,000 COP each
Cocadas
Coconut candies. Many varieties. Sold by vendors on beaches + Las Bovedas wall.
Price: 2,000-5,000 COP each
Coffee culture (Pergamino, Café del Reloj)
Colombian coffee at its source. Cartagena cafes increasingly serve specialty.
Price: 8,000-18,000 COP per cup