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Arepa con queso

What: Thick corn cakes made with white cheese, served hot and topped with butter. The grated cheese is mixed into the cornmeal, lending a subtle salty kick that balances well with the sweet butter on top.

Where: You can find arepas prepared like this all over the country; we spied the most on the streets of Cartagena. Buttery disks glistening in the sun, they’re nearly impossible to pass up when you pass them.

Good to know: Though we cover arepa con huevo in the Santander section, it’s most common along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Look for this deep-fried treat in Cartagena, too.