Every May, without fail, I find myself in Cartagena 🌴.
This vibrant tourist haven, while brimming with passion, lacks a touch of Chinese cuisine. So, I decided to give a Caribbean-infused restaurant a try. As someone who isn’t overly fond of Western dishes, I was pleasantly surprised and instantly fell in love 😍.
**Restaurant Name:** Restaurante Candé
**Address:** San Diego, Cra 10, Cl. de la Serrezuela 39-02, Cartagena de Indias, Province of Cartagena
*Pro Tip:* The restaurant is nestled in the charming old town. It’s best to take a taxi and, most importantly, book ahead 📅. Despite its spacious seating, it fills up quickly during meal times [wink]. Trust me, reserving your spot will save you from waiting in line.
The ambiance? Flawless. The taste? Beyond impeccable ~ [grin]. Every dish on their menu is worth trying, as seen in the pictures below.
**Coconut Ceviche:** This dish redefined ceviche for me. Unlike others I’ve tried, this one strikes a perfect balance with its mild acidity and intoxicating aroma of fresh coconut 🥥. Visually stunning, it’s an absolute must-order when dining at Candé.
**Crispy Fried Pork:** A Colombian classic that feels like a nod to Chinese cooking! The pork is perfectly crispy on the outside yet tender within. With every bite, the rich flavors explode in your mouth—it was gone before we knew it!
**Signature Seafood Paella 🥘:** This showstopper graces almost every table. At its heart lies a majestic lobster, surrounded by an array of succulent seafood. The flavor? Simply irresistible.
**Beef Bone Soup:** One of my personal favorites, this dish feels like a warm hug 🇨🇴. Its resemblance to Chinese soups makes it especially comforting. The beef is cooked to perfection—tender yet slightly chewy—and paired with locally sourced cassava, adding a unique twist. If you enjoy the creamy texture of potatoes, this soup will be right up your alley. Paired with a scoop of rice, it’s pure bliss! I’ll definitely order it again next time.
Let me repeat this three times: You must visit this place! You must visit this place! You must visit this place! I’ll be back next year, and there are still so many dishes left to discover 🔓.
