The traditional sweets and cocadas of Santiago de Tolú are a delight that will sweeten your special moments. These recipes date back to the ancestors of African descent and are an important part of the local gastronomy. They are made with coconut, panela and papaya, following the tradition of the sweets of Palenque de San Basilio.
The cocadas are coconut sweets that are characterized by their white color. They are prepared without the coconut shell and mixed with panela to give them their characteristic sweetness. These cocadas have a soft and creamy texture that melts in the mouth, providing an intense flavor of coconut and panela. On the other hand, panelites are coffee-colored sweets that are made with coconut shells and panela. This combination gives them a more intense flavor and a firmer texture. Panelitas are a delicious choice for those who enjoy the most intense and rustic flavors.
In addition, in Santiago de Tolú you will also find the "caballitos", sweet sticks made with green papaya and panela. These sweets have a unique flavor and a soft and sticky texture, thanks to the combination of green papaya and panela sweetness. The traditional sweets and cocadas of the region can be found in the beach areas, transport stations and central streets of the municipality. They are a perfect option to sweeten your walks around the city and take with you a bit of the local culture and tradition.