Table of Contents
Introduction
I did a Cartagena street food tour in Colombia and loved it. My time in Colombia as a solo traveller was everything I needed after a 7-day group trip in Peru. I think the colours, rhythm, food and soul all attracted me to this beautiful country. Naturally, while in Cartagena, I had to experience the local food scene. I booked a Cartagena street food tour, and it gave me so much history and different foods to taste in this South American gem.
Related – An Amazing Travel Guide for Cartagena, Colombia: 5-Day Itinerary
The History Behind
Colombian food is a real mix of Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, shaped further by the country’s varied geography. It has influence from the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, Andean mountains, and Amazon rainforest all within its borders. And get this, Colombia’s food varies hugely depending on which region you’re in. As I was mainly in Cartagena, I will be sharing the best street food Cartagena has to offer!
On the coast, where Cartagena sits, the food leans heavily on seafood, coconut, plantain, and tropical fruit, with a noticeably Caribbean influence. Inland and in the Andes, you’ll find starchier dishes built around potatoes, corn, and beans, reflecting the cooler climate and indigenous farming traditions.
Staples like maize (corn) and rice show up everywhere like they do anywhere in the world. You will find maize and rice in everything from arepas to chicha, one of their famous drinks. Maize in particular has indigenous roots going back centuries, while rice became a staple through colonial-era agriculture. Meanwhile, African culinary traditions brought through the transatlantic slave trade and concentrated in port cities like Cartagena show up in ingredients like coconut, plantain, and certain seafood preparations, as well as in the rhythms and flavours of coastal Colombian cooking more broadly.
What I Ate in The Cartagena Street Food Tour
The tour took us through Cartagena’s historic streets, with a few stops for street food snacks and drinks along the way. Here’s what I tried:
- Chicha de arroz is a traditional rice juice, sweet and creamy. This was a genuinely new one for me; I’d never had a drink made primarily from rice before, and it had an almost horchata-like quality to it.
- Arepas are the classic maize dough that you’ll see everywhere in Colombia. Chewy and filling, though I’ll be honest, on their own they were a little plain. They’re more of a vehicle for other flavours (cheese, meats, sauces) than a standout on their own.
- Coroso juice is made from plums, and easily the best thing I had on the entire Cartagena street food tour. If you see this on offer anywhere in Cartagena, I would highly recommend getting it. It’s a nice, fresh, tangy, slightly tart, and incredibly drinkable.
- Coctel de camarón, a seafood cocktail served cold in a cup. This one wasn’t really my favourite, but it was worth a try and quite interesting to taste. It’s a popular Cartagena street food snack in coastal Colombia, and is usually served with a tomato-based sauce, and if you like seafood, you’ll probably enjoy it more than I did.
If you’re expecting a full-on meal, this isn’t it. It’s more of a light food historical walk with small tastings and drinks spread across a couple of hours rather than a sit-down feast. I’d recommend having a light breakfast beforehand and not skipping lunch entirely, or expecting the tour to fill you up.
What I appreciated most was the glimpse into the local, everyday Cartagena street in Colombia. You know, trying the things people actually eat on the street, rather than the usual curated “tourist menu” version of Colombian food. You can book the tour here.
What I Learned on The Cartagena Street Food Tour
Beyond the food, I actually learnt about Cartagena’s Afro-Colombian heritage. And how food traditions were influenced by colonial history. As well as why some ingredients (like rice and maize) are staples in daily meals.
Conclusion – Cartagena Food Tour
Would I recommend this specific street food tour? Only if you’re curious and want a relaxed, introductory taste of the city. You book the tour here.
Next time, I’ll probably go for a market visit or hands-on cooking class to dive deeper. But I loved getting a feel for Cartagena through its food and stories.
Have you done a food tour while travelling? Would you do a Cartagena street food tour? Let me know in the comments.
Are you a food traveller like me?
Why not grab my e-book: Taste The World: A Beginner’s Guide to Global Gastronomic Adventures.
It’s packed with all the essentials to kickstart your own global food journey from dishes to try, destinations to visit, and tips on making the most of every bite abroad. And if you are looking for a free guide on all the things to do, where to stay, and eat in Cartagena, then you can read it here.
Have you ever done a Cartagena street food tour or just a street food tour around the world? Let me know in the comments.
Speak soon,
MBV x
