Cartagena’s food is a delicious mix of Spanish, African and Indigenous influences, with plenty of coconut, plantain and fresh seafood. If you’re wondering what to eat in Cartagena, start with these ten local favorites.
1. Arepa de huevo
The coast’s signature street snack: a corn arepa fried until puffy, opened up, filled with an egg (often with seasoned meat) and fried again. Crispy, rich and best eaten hot from a street stand.
2. Fried fish with coconut rice and patacones
The classic Caribbean lunch. A whole fried fish — often mojarra or red snapper — served with arroz con coco (sweet-savory coconut rice), crispy smashed plantains called patacones and a simple salad. Order it at a beach shack or a seafood restaurant.
3. Posta negra cartagenera
Cartagena’s own beef dish: a slow-cooked cut of beef in a dark, glossy sauce made with panela (raw cane sugar), cola or spices. Sweet, savory and very traditional.
4. Cazuela de mariscos
A creamy seafood stew of shrimp, fish, squid and mussels, often made with coconut milk. Perfect with rice and patacones.
5. Seafood cocktails from the street
Carts around the Old Town and the beaches sell cups of shrimp, oysters or mixed seafood in a tangy tomato-lime sauce with crackers. Choose busy vendors with fresh-looking ingredients.
6. Carimañolas
Torpedo-shaped fritters made from yuca dough, stuffed with meat or cheese and fried golden. A great breakfast or snack.
7. Empanadas and buñuelos
Crispy corn empanadas filled with meat or potato, and buñuelos — round cheese fritters — are everywhere and easy on the wallet.
8. Cocadas and other sweets
Head to the Portal de los Dulces by the Clock Tower for coconut cocadas, tamarind balls, milk sweets and more. Fun to try a little of everything.
9. Limonada de coco
Coconut lemonade — blended lime, coconut cream, sugar and ice — is the most refreshing drink in town. You’ll want one every afternoon.
10. Fresh tropical fruit
Street vendors (often the famous palenqueras in colorful dresses) sell mango, papaya, pineapple and watermelon. Try local fruits like lulo, maracuyá or guanábana as fresh juices.
Where to eat like a local
- Getsemaní: street food around Plaza de la Trinidad at night — see our Getsemaní guide.
- Mercado de Bazurto: Cartagena’s chaotic, authentic central market. Go with a guide for the best experience.
- On the islands: fried fish lunch on a Rosario Islands day trip.
Finish with coffee
End a big meal with a Colombian coffee — or go deeper with a coffee tasting. More ideas in our top things to do in Cartagena.