Arepas
I've been living in FNQ for about 10 months now. I'm still touristing around and enjoying a lot going here and there, visiting waterfalls and islands, trying tropical flavours and getting used to the culture.
One the good things around here is the food. So fresh! There are many amazing options where to eat between Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas. From Barramundi to Mangoes, it's fascinating how flavours here seem somehow more real.
Tropical Juices
Kuranda, a small town up in the mountains, is probably one of the most touristic spots to visit when in Cairns. To be honest, even if you are the type of person that avoids "touristic", you have to. It has this charm hardly found anywhere else.
This "happy hippie town" as I call it, has a lot to offer. From waterfalls, animals, touristic attractions, clothes, art, indigenous culture and food. Everything is so unique!
To my surprise, after 10 months exploring around this area and literally Googling "
where to find Latin food in Cairns?" - just to get a couple of Tex-Mex results - now there's "
A vibrant and healthy Latin American restaurant, serving traditional food of Central and South America made from local, fresh ingredients." as they describe themselves:
La Fonda Latina.
With a very warm welcome from the owners ( they are from Colombia and Panama), La Fonda Latina exceeded my expectations with a combination of great flavours, ingredients and humble but exquisite cuisine. Everything is freshly made and made with love.
Fresh Produce
Walking into this place makes you feel good! Feeling the aromas, the amazing coffee, looking at your options of tropical fruit for juices and a small but very tasty menu that includes my favourites: Arepas, Empanadas and plantains, is just priceless!
Empanaditas
Plantain with Guava and Cheese
Their coffee is like if you're in a Hacienda in Colombia! You need to try it to understand why is it so famous. They also have hot chocolate and other produces that will make you travel and think they have their grandma cooking in the kitchen, but is actually them, cooking with tasty passion!
Colombian Coffee
Colombian Hot Chocolate
As almost everything is made to order to guarantee the freshness of your dish, you might have to wait a little bit, so I suggest to order something as entrée to enjoy while you wait for your Arepa or tacos (they have Taco Tuesday by the way!)
Chili Sin Carne Tacos
If you happen to be around, don't miss the opportunity to visit Kuranda Markets where La Fonda Latina is located and try real Latin American food, sustainable, healthy and with plenty of vegan options!
My recommendation: Empanada stuffed with a delicious Chile sin Carne (mushrooms) and Cheese empanada. Ask for the sauce!
Empanadas
