Food in Colombia

A culinary journey through the best food in Colombia to discover more of the flavors of Latin America.

Travelers often ask, ‘What food in Colombia shouldn’t be missed?’ In this article, we answer that question by exploring Colombia’s diverse gastronomy, where every ingredient has a tale and regional dishes provide a feast for the senses. Expect a journey through the essential flavors and culinary customs that make Colombian cuisine so rich and distinctive.

Colombian food culture

• Colombian cuisine is diverse and reflects a cultural blend of indigenous, European, Afro-Caribbean, and Arab influences, with each of the six main regions (Pacific, Amazonian, Andean, Orinoco, Caribbean, Insular) offering its unique flavors and ingredients.
• Iconic Colombian dishes include Bandeja Paisa, a generous platter reflecting the Paisa people’s warmth, and coastal specialties like Pescado Frito y Arroz Con Coco. Street food like arepas and empanadas capture the essence of Colombian flavors.
• Traditional Colombian soups and stews are a pillar of family meals, with Ajiaco and Sancocho reflecting the rich heritage and warmth of Colombian hospitality. Desserts like obleas and beverages like coffee and aguardiente highlight Colombia’s love for sweet and spirited indulgences.

Exploring Colombian cuisine through its tapestry of flavors

Colombian cuisine is a result of a rich cultural mélange, including indigenous, European, and Afro-Caribbean influences with notable impacts from indigenous groups such as the Tairona and Muisca, and even an Arab influence in some regions. The diversity of Colombia’s culinary landscape is represented by traditions from its six main regions:

• Pacific
• Amazonian
• Andean
• Orinoco
• Caribbean
• Insular

Each region weaves its unique flavors into the culinary tapestry that forms traditional Colombian food. Staple ingredients across these cultural and regional variations include:

• rice
• maize
• potato
• cassava
• assorted legumes
• various meats
• a wide array of tropical fruits

The result is an array of dishes with distinct flavors that reflect the rich tapestry of Colombian culture and its people’s love for food.

The heart of Colombian meals is a bandeja Paisa

If there is one dish that stands as a testament to the generous nature of the Paisa people, it is the bandeja Paisa. This quintessential national dish, known for its bountiful portions, is a traditional Antioquian meal that paints a perfect picture of the Colombian spirit.

This hearty platter includes:

• White rice
• Black or red beans
• Fried plantains
• Pork crackling
• Chorizo and blood sausages
• Ground beef
• An arepa
• A fried egg

It is often accompanied by an avocado slice. Originally crafted to provide ample nourishment for field workers, bandeja Paisa reflects the diverse and generous nature of the Paisa people.

Even in its scaled-down form, the mini bandeja Paisa proves to be a substantial and fulfilling representation of the traditional dish.

Seafood along the Caribbean brings coastal delicacies

As we journey along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, we’re greeted by the aromatic scents of seafood delicacies. Here, the bounty of the sea meets the richness of Colombian culinary traditions, resulting in dishes that are as visually enticing as they are delicious.

Pescado Frito, served with skin and head intact, is paired with coconut rice, patacones, and a simple salad to make the coastal classic Pescado Frito y Arroz Con Coco. Cazuela de Mariscos, a rich seafood stew found on the Caribbean coast, is loaded with a variety of seafood like prawns, oysters, octopus, and squid, often cooked in coconut milk with vegetables. Coconut milk, a central ingredient in many coastal dishes, mirrors the blend of Caribbean and other cultural influences on the region’s culinary profile.

Street eats and treats from Colombian street food culture

Imagine strolling through the vibrant streets of Colombia, where every corner is a culinary delight waiting to be discovered. This is where you’ll find the real essence of Colombian cuisine, in the streets bustling with vendors serving up traditional treats, from savory to sweet.

Colombian street food offers a variety of delicious options, including:

• Arepas: an iconic Colombian food with over 40 varieties reflecting different cities and regions
• Colombian empanadas: made with corn dough and typically filled with minced meat and potatoes, though variations include different meats, vegetables, and even eggs in the mix
• Almojábana: bun-style cheese breads
• Churros: fried sweet treats
• Patacones con hogao: savory plantain patties served with a tomato and onion sauce
• Picada platters: a mix of various savory items

Regional differences in Colombian street food are notable, with dishes like patacones and arepas taking on local flavors.

Soup's On: Traditional Soups and Stews

In the heart of Colombian family meals, you’ll find a comforting bowl of soup or stew. These are more than just dishes. They are memories, traditions, and stories passed down through generations. They are the embodiment of Colombian hospitality and warmth.

Colombian soups and stews, known for their variety and depth, are staples in family meals across the country and are renowned for their comforting qualities. Some traditional soups and stews in Colombia include:

• Ajiaco, a traditional dish from Bogotá
• Sancocho, a hearty stew
• Cuchuco de cebada (meat and barley soup with vegetables)
• Mondongo soup
• Sopa de pollo (chicken soup)

Each soup and stew has a unique story to tell and exemplifies the diversity of Colombia’s culinary offerings and the role soups play in uniting family meals.

Ajiaco is Bogotá's beloved potato soup

One can’t talk about Colombian soups without mentioning ajiaco, a beloved potato soup which most popular form hails from Bogotá. This traditional dish is a testament to the culinary creativity of the people of Bogotá, and a must-try for any food lover.

Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian potato soup that has a flavorful chicken broth base and is characterized by a distinctive herb named guascas. It is customarily garnished with table cream, capers, and avocado which complement the rich flavors of the soup. The heartiness of ajiaco makes it an ideal dish for the cool climate of Bogotá, where it is particularly cherished.

Sancocho is the ultimate Colombian comfort stew

Another staple in Colombian kitchens is sancocho, a comforting stew that reflects Colombia’s ties to Africa. This hearty dish is a celebration of the bounty of Colombia’s land and sea, and a testament to the country’s culinary diversity.

Sancocho is a comforting stew that varies based on the region and family recipes. The basic ingredients of sancocho de gallina include:

• Yuca
• Potatoes
• Plantains
• Corn
• Large pieces of chicken
• Hot broth

Variations of sancocho may include different types of meat such as beef or fish, along with plantains, yuca, and potatoes.

Sancocho, a popular Colombian dish, is often seen as Colombia’s national dish and is typically enjoyed with a side of rice.

From the ground up with corn and plantain staples

The foundation of Colombian cuisine lies in its simple yet versatile staples, corn, and plantains. These ingredients form the backbone of many Colombian dishes and showcase the creativity and resourcefulness of Colombian cooks.

Arepas, a fundamental part of Colombian cuisine, are believed to have originated from the indigenous word for corn in the Chibcha languages. Tamales, another quintessential Colombian dish, are created by steaming a filling of maize, meat, peas, carrots, and other vegetables inside banana leaves. The white corn flour dough used in Colombian dishes is not only versatile but also nutritious, providing:

• Carbohydrates
• Protein
• Fat
• Fiber
• Vitamins and minerals

These nutrients are maintained through traditional cooking methods.

Patacones, a beloved side dish in Colombia, are made of flattened green plantains that are deep-fried, also known as fried plantain, and can be found everywhere from street stalls to restaurants.

Sweet Indulgences in Colombian desserts and sweets

Now, let’s indulge in the sweeter side of Colombian cuisine. Colombian desserts and sweets are a delightful blend of tradition and creativity, offering a range of treats to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Obleas are a recognized dessert in Colombia, consisting of two thin wafers with sweet fillings like:

• chocolate sauce
• jam
• shredded coconut
• arequipe (dulce de leche)
• caramel

Arequipa enhances the flavor of the obleas, making them a beloved treat that can be found at street stalls and cafes all over Colombia.

Merengón stands out as a fluffy meringue dessert that can be enjoyed throughout Colombia’s street food scene, often topped with strawberries, mango, or guanabana and whipped cream.

Tropical fruits exhibit their vibrancy in Colombian sweets, with desserts such as the super sweet cocadas blancas, featuring shredded coconut and maracuya-based treats like fruit juices and ice cream.

Coffee and hot chocolate in Colombian culture are liquid gold

Colombia is not only known for its vibrant food but also for its beverages. The country’s coffee and hot chocolate culture is as rich and diverse as its culinary heritage, offering a unique taste of Colombian tradition and craftsmanship.

Colombia is famed for its coffee culture, producing high-quality beans with distinct flavors, particularly Arabica beans. Colombian hot chocolate, or santafereño, stands out for using dark, unsweetened chocolate typically prepared in water and often flavored with cinnamon or cloves. The tradition of chocolate santafereño, involves melting cheese within the hot chocolate, a treasured practice in cities like Bogotá and Medellin.

Colombian hot chocolate is crafted with an olleta and frothed using a molinillo, with doble crema or paipa cheese being the recommended additions for an authentic experience.

The spice of Life are sauces and condiments

Every great cuisine has its secret weapon, and for Colombian cuisine, it’s the sauces and condiments. These versatile companions add a burst of flavor to dishes, making every bite a delightful experience.

Hogao is a Colombian creole sauce that is versatile, being used as a cooking base, dipping sauce, or topping for many local dishes. The primary components of hogao sauce include:

• Tomatoes
• Onions or scallions
• Garlic
• Oil
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

When properly stored in refrigeration, hogao can be kept for up to a week, and for up to three months when frozen. In traditional Colombian fare, hogao sauce enhances dishes like papas chorreadas, adding rich flavor to the creamy potato-based meal.

Hearty and healthy beans and lentils in Colombian dishes

Beans and lentils are prominent sources of protein in Colombian cuisine and are widely consumed across different regions. These hearty and healthy ingredients make a great addition to many traditional dishes, adding nutrition and flavor.

Calentado de lentejas is a nourishing Colombian dish made from reheated leftovers typically including rice, beans or lentils, potatoes, ground meat such as beef, and chorizo, topped with a fried egg.

Frijoles rojos is a traditional Colombian stew prepared with cargamento beans, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, often ladled over rice to make a satisfying meal.

A simple Colombian lentil dish features the lentils cooked with the following ingredients:

• Water
• Chopped tomato
• Onion
• Cumin
• Salt
• Vegetable oil
• Cubed yellow potatoes

This dish showcases lentils’ adaptability and can be served as a hearty soup or a side.

Local Spirits provide beverages and libations

Colombia’s beverages and libations are as diverse and flavorful as its food. From the potent aguardiente to refreshing fruit juices and traditional cocktails, these beverages offer a taste of Colombia’s vibrant culture and traditions.

Aguardiente is a potent, anise-flavored liquor with deep roots in Colombian culture. This local spirit originated with the Quechua Indigenous people and its name aptly translates to ‘burning water’ due to its strong flavor and alcoholic content.

Colombia is recognized for its high consumption of fruit juices, known as jugos, which are widely available and come in a variety of local flavors, including lime juice.

Canelazo, a warm concoction mixed with Aguardiente, sugar or panela, and infused with cinnamon, is especially popular in the Andean region during cold nights.

Regional specialties show the culinary diversity across Colombia

Colombia’s culinary diversity is best experienced through its regional specialties. Each region contributes its signature flavors to the country’s culinary mosaic, showcasing unique ingredients, cooking methods, and cultural traditions.

From the San Andres Islands’ rondon, a seafood stew with coconut milk, to the Amazon’s exotic fruit-based dishes, each Colombian region has its unique dishes that reflect its cultural identity and traditions. The Atlantic coast of Colombia is renowned for dishes like enyucado, a cake made with shredded yuca, cheese, coconut, and star anise seeds.

The coffee region of Quindio offers trout dishes (trucha) that showcase the freshwater bounty of the area. The regional culinary diversity in Colombia not only illustrates the abundance of local ingredients and cooking methods but also tells stories of cultural identity and traditions that are savored with every dish.

Celebrating with food and festive Colombian dishes

Food is at the heart of every Colombian celebration. From festive occasions to holiday feasts, traditional dishes like lechona tolimense and buñuelos bring families together, adding flavor to memorable moments.

The pork dish known as lechona tolimense in Colombia, is a mix of rice, yellow peas, pork meat, and spices originating from the Tolima region and cooked within the pig. This dish is often shared among large groups and can be sold by street vendors alongside arepas and tamales. Buñuelos, Colombian cheese-flavored fritters, are a traditional breakfast and Christmas delicacy, representing a must-have component of holiday celebrations.

During the celebration of Noche Buena, families come together on Christmas Eve to share in a joyous meal with music and dancing, where traditional dishes like lechona and buñuelos are served.

Colombian cuisine

From the hearty Bandeja Paisa to the comforting Ajiaco, the diverse flavors of Colombia’s culinary landscape tell a story of a rich cultural heritage and bountiful natural resources. Each dish, from the street food of bustling cities to the seafood delights along the Caribbean coast, is a testament to the country’s passion for food and its commitment to preserving its culinary traditions.

Whether you’re a food lover eager to explore new flavors or a culinary enthusiast looking to expand your cooking repertoire, Colombian cuisine offers a world of flavors to explore. So, why not embark on your own culinary adventure and dive into the rich tapestry of flavors that Colombia has to offer?

Some traditional Colombian dishes you should try are bandeja paisa, ajiaco, sancocho, arepas, tamales, and patacones. Enjoy exploring the diverse flavors of Colombian cuisine!

In Colombia, arepas and empanadas are popular street foods, with over 40 varieties reflecting different cities and regions. They are a must-try when visiting Colombia!

A traditional Colombian dessert is obleas, which consists of thin wafers with sweet fillings like chocolate sauce, jam, shredded coconut, arequipe, or caramel. It's a recognized and beloved dessert in Colombia.

Colombia is famed for its coffee culture, producing high-quality beans with distinct flavors, particularly Arabica beans. Colombian hot chocolate, or santafereño, is also popular, especially during festive seasons.

A festive dish in Colombia is lechona tolimense, a mix of rice, yellow peas, pork meat, and spices, and buñuelos, Colombian cheese-flavored fritters. They are traditional dishes often enjoyed during festive times in Colombia.