Need a sugar-rush in central Cali? Look no further than a guarapo stand, where freshly peeled sugar cane, or “caña”, is crushed up, mixed with a little lemon juice and served over ice.
Tasting somewhere between a non-alcoholic caipirinha and mojito, a guarapo is refreshing and energising and enjoyed by locals and “gringos” alike.
An orderly queue was formed when we decided on braving the new taste. The guarapo-maker forced a sugar cane through a strange-looking wooden contraption with an engine attached to large wheels. He caught the syrupy liquid in a jug before adding his own mix of lime juice and ice and serving it in a plastic cup with a straw.
Guarapo promises to be “rico”, or “tasty”, a promise it certainly lives up to.
There are several guarapo stands in Cali; the one I found was one block from the main square and cost 1,000 COP, around $0.50 USD.
By Maximilian Thurlow
May 2, 2011 at 1:22 am
Excellent post today! I really enjoyed it. I enjoy making great food for my family and friends when they come over for entertainment. Food can also be entertaining in itself. Thanks again for sharing this.
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