The meals in Colombia is unimaginable, from road meals distributors to hearty soups, unimaginable candy baked items, and desserts ‘postres’. Throughout my 3 months in Colombia, I ate my means round Bogota, Medellín, and Cartagena, sampling a number of the most must-try dishes in Colombia.
For those who’re questioning what to eat in Colombia, here’s a listing of my favourite dishes, together with my suggestions as to the most effective locations to eat in Colombia.
15 Meals To Attempt in Colombia
There’s some unimaginable meals to be present in Colombia, and resulting from its dimension, an enormous selection too. I’ve picked out a few of my favourite conventional dishes in Colombia, in addition to some suggestions for the place to strive these tasty delights.
1. Ajiaco (Most Well-known Meals to Attempt in Colombia General)
Within the highlands and central area, Ajiaco is without doubt one of the hottest meals in Colombia. It’s finest described as a sort of rooster and potato soup with capers, cream, and corn. The capers and cream are normally served on the aspect so as to add to your style.
It’s given its attribute taste by the addition of the Colombian herb, guasca. Ajiaco is often accompanied by avocado and rice, so it’s a full meal in itself. Within the cooler components of Colombia, like Bogota, it’s my favourite Colombian meals. It’s filling, warming, and really moderately priced.
For those who’re in Bogota, undoubtedly be sure to cease for a bowl of this unimaginable soup. I’d extremely suggest La Puerta de la Catedral which is near Simon Bolivar Sq., the primary sq. in Bogota. It’s splendidly genuine and serves some nice meals.
Ajiaco is a superb instance of conventional meals in Colombia and is severely scrumptious.
La Puerta de la Catedral Data
Handle: Cl. 11 #6-26, La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia
Telephone: +573138002181.
Working Hours: Open 7 am – 7.30 pm every single day besides Sunday, when it closes at 6 pm
Common Value of the Dish: $8
Web site: www.lapuertadecatedral.com
2. Sancocho
One other vastly standard soup in Colombia is Sancocho. This one is known all through Latin America, and also you’ll see that every nation has its personal twist on the essential recipe.
In Colombia, Sancocho is much like a stew and is made with plantain, yucca, and potato, making it a thick and filling broth. To this, numerous sorts of meat are added, together with rooster or fish. In Cartagena, for instance, Sancocho contains scrumptious white fish and coconut milk in its recipe, which supplies it an actual Caribbean twist.
It’s one other scrumptious, conventional meals in Colombia. Even in Cartagena, the place the climate is often sizzling, I undoubtedly suggest the soup. You received’t be upset.
Head to Cocina de Pepina in Cartagena to do that well-known dish in Colombia.
Cocina de Pepina Data
Handle: Cl. 25 #9a-06 local 2, Getsemaní, Cartagena
Telephone: +573008565189
Working Hours: 12 pm – 4 pm every single day, and moreover 7 pm to 9.30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday
Common Value of the Dish: $7-$8
Web site: Try their Facebook page for extra info
3. Changua
Final, so as to add to the superb listing of soups in Colombia, I’ve to incorporate changua. This one is barely completely different because it’s usually eaten for breakfast in Colombia, or not less than in Bogota and the highlands.
Changua is produced from milk, water, coriander, parsley, onions, and egg. It’s served with bread and is even rumored to treatment hangovers – it’s obtained to be price a strive.
This deliciously creamy soup has a wealthy heritage within the Andes and is assumed so far again to the Muisca civilization in 1500 BC. For me, it’s an effective way to start out the day within the cooler components of Colombia. It’s additionally one thing completely different from normal breakfast choices and I like to strive completely different traditions while touring.
To do this wonderful Colombian meals, maintain your eyes out round Bogota. I personally appreciated Mama Lupe which is situated near the cathedral within the middle of town.
Mama Lupe Data
Handle: Cl. 11 #6-14, La Candelaria, Bogotá
Telephone: +5712818717
Working Hours: 7 am – 9 pm every single day
Common Value of the Dish: $4
4. Empanadas
One in all my absolute favourite issues to eat in Colombia is the unimaginable road meals on provide, and near the highest of that listing are empanadas.
These little pockets of pleasure aren’t unique to Colombia and are discovered throughout Latin America in numerous guises, however in Colombia, you’ll discover nearly all of them deep-fried, which differentiates them from the remainder of the continent.
They’re generally filled with beef, rooster, cheese, and ham. More and more standard are vegetarian empanadas containing cheese, spinach, and blended greens.
You’ll generally discover road distributors in each main Colombian metropolis serving these from pop-up stalls. For those who’re in Medellin, strive Empanadas El Machetico. You’ll be able to inform the empanadas listed here are nice from the lengthy queues! Be affected person, they’re definitely worth the wait.
Empanadas El Machetico Data
Handle: Cl. 9 #42-38, El Poblado, Medellín
Telephone: +576044079925
Working Hours: 5 am – 10 pm every single day, open till 12 am on Friday and Saturday
Common Value of the Dish: lower than $1 per empanada
Web site: Try their Instagram page for extra info
5. Arepas
One other very good choice for a grab-and-go snack, arepas are a extremely frequent chunk in Colombia.
There are over 30 various kinds of arepas in Colombia, however in essence, they’re cornflour pockets stuffed with a wide range of fillings. Among the hottest varieties are arepa de queso which is savory and created with a cheese filling, and arepa de huevo which is (in some way) cooked with an egg inside.
You may also get candy arepas, that are cooked with a distinct sort of corn, extra like sweetcorn. They’ve a scrumptious taste, and so they’re surprisingly filling.
You’ll discover that plain arepas are served on the aspect of meals in eating places, notably with breakfast. These generally is a little plain and I undoubtedly suggest heading out and discovering arepas road meals stands that are significantly better and much tastier.
Alternatively, strive La Pepiada in Cartagena for a fantastic number of stuffed arepas.
La Pepiada Data
Handle: Cra. 6 #35-17, Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena
Telephone: +573138451682
Working Hours: Open 24 hours, Thursday to Saturday, 8 am – 10 pm, Sunday to Tuesday, and eight am – 11 pm on Friday
Common Value of the Dish: Round $5
6. Patacones
Patacones are a staple meals in Colombia and I discover them completely scrumptious. They’re usually served as a aspect or a starter and are produced from plantain, which is smashed after which deep-fried.
They’ll be served as ’rounds’ and if introduced as a starter you’ll get a wide range of sauces to dip them in, from ketchup and mayo to native, selfmade sizzling sauces.
Patacones are produced from unripe plantains, from which the dish will get its identify. The riper, sweeter plantains are known as platanos and can be deep-fried to make a a lot sweeter aspect.
You’ll discover this tremendous typical meals in Colombia in every single place you go, however when you’re in Medellin, strive conventional Colombian meals, together with patacones and extra at Mamasita Medallo.
Mamasita Medallo Data
Handle: Cra 43D # 10 – 77, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín
Telephone: +573223591901
Working Hours: 12 pm – 12 am every single day. Closes at 2 am on Friday and Saturday
Common Value of the Dish: $3-5 as a aspect, or strive loaded patacones (pataconda) for $11
Web site: https://www.mamasitamedallo.co/inicio
7. Tamales
Tamales are usually eaten at breakfast on a Sunday in Colombia, though you’ll discover them accessible at any time of day in many alternative locations all through the nation.
These tasty parcels comprise a mix of maize, meat (usually rooster, pork, or each), peas, carrots, and different greens relying on the area. The filling is then blended collectively and wrapped in a plantain leaf.
The leaf and its filling is then positioned in boiling water for round 5 hours to let the flavors all combine into one another. It’s a hearty, warming, and easy dish.
You could find tamales in lots of typical eating places in Bogota, notably round Simon Bolivar Sq.. They’re notably scrumptious in La Puerta Falsa, however it’s also possible to purchase them from the grocery store or native distributors and cook dinner them your self at residence.
La Puerta Falsa Data
Handle: Cl. 11 #6-50, Bogotá, Colombia
Telephone: +5712865091
Working Hours: 7 am – 7.30 pm Monday to Saturday, 7 am – 6 pm on Sundays
Common Value of the Dish: $2-$5 (relying on the place you eat them)
Web site: www.restaurantelapuertafalsa.inf.travel
8. Bandeja Paisa
Maybe among the finest examples of conventional native meals in Colombia is bandeja paisa. It’s often known as the countryman’s platter and may be very standard in each Bogota and Medellin.
This big plate of meals will certainly fill even the hungriest of vacationers. It’s an enormous serving of floor meat, chorizo, chicharon (fried pork stomach), fried eggs, plantain, rice, avocado, and a plain arepa.
It additionally has an fascinating cultural relevance because it incorporates many alternative influences on Colombia. The arepas come from the indigenous, the beans and plantain from African influences, and the chorizo and floor meat from the Spanish.
For those who’re in Medellin, head to Restaurante Mondongo’s for bandeja paisa, one of many must-try dishes in Colombia.
Restaurante Mondongo’s Data
Handle: Cl 10 #38-38, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín
Telephone: +576046048116
Working Hours: Opens at 11.30 am every single day, closes at 9.30 pm Monday to Friday, 10 pm on Saturday, and eight pm on Sunday
Common Value of the Dish: $8
Web site: www.mondongos.com.co/carta-menu/1/#main
9. Cazuela de Mariscos
As you head in direction of the coast of Colombia, the hearty stews and platters of the highlands are changed by unimaginable fish dishes.
One in all my absolute favorites is cazuela de mariscos, or seafood stew. This can be a rather more typical meals in Colombia once you attain the Caribbean coast. It’s a creamy stew with shrimp, clams, and white fish cooked in a coconut broth.
For those who’re in a neighborhood restaurant, then the exact contents of the cazuela will rely upon what’s been caught on the day.
As with Sancocho, that is one other wonderful sizzling dish to be loved by the coast regardless of the temperature. It’s tremendous contemporary and attractive and is certainly among the finest meals to strive in Colombia. I’d suggest having it at Buena Vida Marisquería in Cartagena.
Buena Vida Marisquería Data
Handle: Centro histórico, Cl. del Porvenir #Esquina, Cartagena
Telephone: +573223061025
Working Hours: 8 am – 11.30 pm every single day
Common Value of the Dish: $10
Web site: www.gela.co/menu_buenavida.pdf
10. Ceviche
The ceviche in Colombia is really scrumptious. Neglect what you could know of ceviche from residence and remember to do that scrumptious Colombian meals.
Historically, ceviche is made with uncooked white fish cured in citrus juice and blended with completely different flavors. In Colombia, there are two sorts of scrumptious ceviche to get pleasure from.
The primary is nearer to the standard Peruvian dish, with completely different sorts of seafood marinated in tiger’s milk. This produces an extremely fresh-tasting dish which is commonly topped with patacones.
Alternatively, when you’re on the seaside, look out for carts promoting ceviche or cocteles de camarones, the second sort of ceviche. This well-known dish of Colombia is extra like a tangy prawn cocktail served in a plastic or styrofoam cup. It could not sound a lot however belief me, it’s unimaginable.
When in Cartagena, head to La Cevicheria in Outdated City for unimaginable ceviche in a superbly Colonial road setting.
La Cevicheria Data
Handle: Calle Stuart por el hotel Santa Clara Calle 39 #7 14, Cartagena
Telephone: +5756798743
Working Hours: 1 pm to 10.30 pm, 7 days per week
Common Value of the Dish: $10
Web site: www.lacevicheriacartagena.com
11. Mango Biche
The fruit in Colombia is unbelievable, with many, tremendous contemporary varieties. A few of my favourite fruit-based meals in Colombia is mango biche.
These spears of unripe mango are offered by road sellers throughout Colombia. You’ll get a small plastic cup of mango spears that are sprinkled with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and, in order for you it, sizzling sauce. It could sound like an unlikely mixture however strive it, it’s actually good.
These are tremendous low cost snacks that you could decide up throughout Colombia. They’re good to eat on the go and are actually refreshing within the hotter components of Colombia. Or when you’re taking an extended bus journey, look out for the sellers coming onto the bus and seize your self a cup for the trip.
12. Cholao
Persevering with the fruit theme, cholao (often known as cholado), is a loopy combination, however a really well-known dish in Colombia.
It’s an excellent concoction of fruit and condensed milk that makes a scrumptious snack or dessert. It’s normally served in a big glass with ice within the backside. To this, layers of fruit are added equivalent to papaya, soursop, and pineapple. It’s completed off with fruit syrup and condensed milk, that are added to make the essential cholao.
You could discover cholao with added coconut or cherries on prime, or sometimes with whipped cream and wafers for an actual deal with.
For anybody with a candy tooth, this little gem is scrumptious and likewise surprisingly refreshing. It’s frequent everywhere in the nation, notably by the coast. It’s initially from Cali, so when you’re within the south, take a look at Cholados Gourmet in Cali for this superb Colombian meals.
Cholados Gourmand Data
Handle: Cra. 34 #3-47, El Sindicato, Cali
Telephone: +573054272087
Working Hours: 1 pm to 9 pm every single day, opens at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday
Common Value of the Dish: $2 – $3
13. Chocolate Santaferaño
For those who like distinctive combos, then it is advisable to look out for chocolate Santaferaño or chocolate con queso. Sure, for those who perceive Spanish, that does translate to chocolate with cheese.
Historically, eaten or drunk as a meal between lunch and dinner, this mix of sizzling chocolate and cheese has been a standard meals in Colombia for hundreds of years. It includes a cup of sizzling chocolate with cheese, and typically bread, on the aspect.
The cheese is reduce or ripped into small items and dropped into the chocolate to soften. Give it a stir and revel in this style sensation. It could look like a loopy mixture to many people, however in Colombia, it’s completely regular.
It’s usually loved on weekends, with sizzling chocolate being a well-liked drink to be served with breakfast (with or with out cheese!). For those who’re staying in El Poblado in Medellin, head to The Chocolate House to get pleasure from this unusual however delicious favourite.
The Chocolate Home Data
Handle: Cl. 8 #34-33, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín
Telephone: +5743222214
Working Hours: 1 pm – 8.30 pm every single day, open till 9.30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Common Value of the Dish: $1 – $2
Web site: www.thechocolatehouse.com.co
14. Pandebono
For a fast snack to be eaten with a sizzling drink, pandebono is a superb choice. This small, spherical, bread-like chunk is stuffed with a refined candy cheese.
You’ll see pandebono offered by road sellers and accessible in most espresso retailers in Colombia. It’s historically eaten with sizzling chocolate, however can it can be eaten alongside espresso or by itself.
It’s a fantastic grab-and-go choice when you’re on the transfer or in order for you a fast snack. For those who’re staying within the standard Chapinero in Bogota, head to Árbol de Pan for unimaginable pastries and brunches, together with pandebono.
Árbol de Pan Data
Handle: Cl. 66 Bis #4-63, Localidad de Chapinero, Bogotá
Telephone: +573127039828
Working Hours: 8 am – 7.30 pm Tuesday to Friday, 8 am – 6 pm Saturday, 8.30 am – 4 pm Sunday, closed Monday
Common Value of the Dish: Lower than $1 for pandebono
15. Obleas
Lastly, when you’ve got a candy tooth, be sure to strive obleas once you’re in Colombia.
Generally offered by road distributors with carts in Bogota, an obleas consists of two skinny, spherical wafer discs with candy fillings added between. You’ll be able to select from chocolate sauce, blackberry jam, shredded coconut, arequipe, or caramel. The 2 wafers are then caught collectively and voila, you’ve gotten your self a scrumptious, candy deal with.
For those who’re wandering by means of the middle of Bogota, you’ll discover obleas carts with footage of Mick Jagger on them. Apparently, in 2016, Mick Jagger was photographed consuming an obleas purchased from one such cart (practically all of them declare to be the one cart that offered that obleas to the worldwide star).
Obleas de Doña Berta appears to have a superb declare to be the precise road stall that offered to Mick. If not, its price realizing that she nonetheless serves mighty high quality obleas.
Obleas de Doña Berta Data
Handle: Cl. 11 #6-42, Bogotá
Working Hours: 10 am – 6 pm every single day
Common Value of the Dish: Lower than $1
Meals Excursions in Colombia
To strive a number of the finest meals in Colombia, I extremely suggest becoming a member of a meals tour. These are wonderful methods to not solely strive nice typical meals in Colombia however to additionally study the historical past and cultural components behind these well-known dishes.
Listed here are a few of my favourite excursions for attempting Colombian meals:
Medellin Avenue Meals and Rooftops Tour
Uncover the colourful neighborhood of El Poblado on this brilliant food tour whereas sampling a number of the finest Colombian road meals like arepas (corn desserts) or palitos de queso (cheese sticks).
As a bonus, you’ll head as much as a few the most effective rooftops within the space, with superb views and nice atmospheres. Click here to book a spot.
Santa Marta Strolling Meals Expertise
Pattern some typical meals in Colombia on this fantastic foodie tour in Santa Marta. You’ll get to strive the well-known Arepa de huevo (corn cake with egg) which is made on the coast.
As well as, you’ll additionally meet some super-talented baristas and study all about Colombian tradition and historical past by means of the scrumptious meals. Click here to book now.
Bogota Meals Discovery Tour
Because the capital of Colombia, Bogota is residence to some unimaginable eating places. I like to recommend becoming a member of this 3-hour food tour on the begining of your journey to Bogota.
The tour helps you study and style some regional and conventional dishes, in addition to obtain the information’s skilled suggestions of the most effective locations to eat within the metropolis. Click here to book the tour.
Cartagena: Finest Avenue Meals with Native Chef
Uncover Cartagena’s authentic street food within the firm of a educated, native chef. Not solely will he educate you all concerning the delicacies, and the completely different cultures which have influenced it, however you’ll get to study slightly concerning the metropolis too.
You’ll go to 10 must-see locations and pattern authentic recipes made by conventional cooks in between. Book here for a delicious day out.
Flavors of Cali
Take a break from salsa dancing, and style and study all concerning the completely different flavors in Cali. This food tour focuses on tropical fruits, which is considered one of my favourite issues about Colombia and South America general.
It’s a distinct twist to a conventional meals tour, and also you’ll study concerning the practices of the completely different cultures which give life to the scrumptious contemporary meals within the area. Click here to book.
Finest Colombia Meals FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to ceaselessly requested questions concerning the meals of Colombia:
Soups are highly regarded in Colombia, with essentially the most conventional dishes being Ajiaco and Sancocho. Arepas are additionally a typical meal in Colombia and are available plain or with completely different toppings in eating places.
To flee the warmth, dinner is eaten late in Colombia, normally between 8 pm and 10 pm. You’ll discover that eating places get busier from round 9 pm with locals nonetheless arriving.
Lunch is the most important meal of the day and is commonly eaten at mid-afternoon, between 1 and three pm. That is possible as a result of dinner is eaten later in Colombia.
Like in North America, breakfast is eaten between 7 and 9 am. It’s normally eaten earlier, with a snack (like a pandebono) eaten at mid-morning with a espresso or sizzling chocolate.
Sure. Most eating places will embrace a voluntary tip on the invoice (propina voluntaria) which is normally round 10%. Double-check whether or not that is included on the invoice. If not, 10-15% is an effective quantity to go along with, relying on the kind of restaurant.
Bandeja Paisa is formally Colombia’s nationwide dish, and undoubtedly essentially the most filling. It comes on an enormous plate and consists of beans, pork, rice, chicharron, avocado, arepa, chorizo, and eggs. It’s a monster dish, so be sure to’re particularly hungry earlier than ordering it.
Arepas are in all probability probably the most standard as they make nice aspect dishes or will be eaten as a snack. You’ll additionally discover them in every single place; in eating places, road distributors, and within the supermarkets too.
In Conclusion
The meals in Colombia may be very diversified. From scrumptious ceviche on the coast to variations of arepas relying on which area you go to, from candy to savory, fried to contemporary. One factor is for certain, you actually go hungry in Colombia.
There are such a lot of wonderful dishes past this listing, however these are certainly my favorites. Now, get pleasure from sampling the most effective meals in Colombia!
