Sunday, April 1, 2018

Cartagena's Best Dishes


Part-time resident of Baltimore, Maryland, Alan Cohn is the CEO of AbsoluteCARE, which he has managed since 1999. In his free time, Alan Cohn likes leaving Baltimore to explore the world. 

Once considered a destination to avoid, South America's northern country of Colombia has quickly become a favorite spot for tourists looking to experience a unique culture at a low cost. One of the country's biggest attractions is the Caribbean coastal city of Cartagena. 

Of the various reasons to visit Cartagena, the city's stellar food tops the list. One dish not to be missed is Sancocho, the city's famous stew. Traditionally the dish is made with hen but due to Cartagena's proximity to the coast, chefs often substitute fish, alongside other Colombian staples including yucca, plaintains, and corn on the cob. 

Of course, another classic dish is the empanada, which can be found all over the city, in sit-down restaurants as well as on the streets. Alongside the empanada is the arepa, a corn pancake stuffed with filling, often cheese or eggs. 

Finally, you can't go wrong with ceviche, a dish made from diverse types of seafood that is "cooked" simply by being marinated in citrus juices. Cartagena has classic ceviche as well as unique variations.