Spice level warning — Fritanga is not what I expected

I underestimated Fritanga. The savoury and satisfying description didn't prepare me for the reality. Colombian hogao tomato sauce brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

Colombian cuisine varies dramatically between the coastal Caribbean, Andean, and Amazonian regions. The a Bogotá corrientazo lunch counter setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. lulada lulo fruit drink cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.