The meals in Colombia is unimaginable, from avenue meals distributors to hearty soups, unimaginable candy baked items, and desserts ‘postres’. Throughout my 3 months in Colombia, I ate my manner round Bogota, Medellín, and Cartagena, sampling a few of the most must-try dishes in Colombia.
If you happen to’re questioning what to eat in Colombia, here’s a record 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 attributable to its measurement, 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 attempt these tasty delights.
1. Ajiaco (Most Well-known Meals to Attempt in Colombia General)
Within the highlands and central area, Ajiaco is among the hottest meals in Colombia. It’s finest described as a kind of hen 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 elements of Colombia, like Bogota, it’s my favourite Colombian meals. It’s filling, warming, and really fairly priced.
If you happen to’re in Bogota, positively 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 significantly scrumptious.
La Puerta de la Catedral Info
Deal with: Cl. 11 #6-26, La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia
Cellphone: +573138002181.
Working Hours: Open 7 am – 7.30 pm on daily basis besides Sunday, when it closes at 6 pm
Common Price of the Dish: $8
Web site: www.lapuertadecatedral.com
2. Sancocho
One other massively well-liked 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 fundamental 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, varied forms of meat are added, together with hen 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 scorching, I positively suggest the soup. You gained’t be dissatisfied.
Head to Cocina de Pepina in Cartagena to do that well-known dish in Colombia.
Cocina de Pepina Info
Deal with: Cl. 25 #9a-06 native 2, Getsemaní, Cartagena
Cellphone: +573008565189
Working Hours: 12 pm – 4 pm on daily basis, and moreover 7 pm to 9.30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday
Common Price of the Dish: $7-$8
Web site: Try their Fb web page for extra data
3. Changua
Final, so as to add to the superb record of soups in Colombia, I’ve to incorporate changua. This one is barely completely different because it’s sometimes eaten for breakfast in Colombia, or a minimum of in Bogota and the highlands.
Changua is constituted of milk, water, coriander, parsley, onions, and egg. It’s served with bread and is even rumored to treatment hangovers – it’s received to be value a attempt.
This deliciously creamy soup has a wealthy heritage within the Andes and is believed up to now again to the Muisca civilization in 1500 BC. For me, it’s a good way to begin the day within the cooler elements of Colombia. It’s additionally one thing completely different from standard breakfast choices and I like to attempt completely different traditions while touring.
To do this wonderful Colombian meals, maintain your eyes out round Bogota. I personally preferred Mama Lupe which is positioned near the cathedral within the heart of town.
Mama Lupe Info
Deal with: Cl. 11 #6-14, La Candelaria, Bogotá
Cellphone: +5712818717
Working Hours: 7 am – 9 pm on daily basis
Common Price of the Dish: $4
4. Empanadas
One in all my absolute favourite issues to eat in Colombia is the unimaginable avenue meals on provide, and near the highest of that record are empanadas.
These little pockets of pleasure aren’t unique to Colombia and are discovered throughout Latin America in varied 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 full of beef, hen, cheese, and ham. More and more well-liked are vegetarian empanadas containing cheese, spinach, and combined greens.
You’ll generally discover avenue distributors in each main Colombian metropolis serving these from pop-up stalls. If you happen to’re in Medellin, attempt Empanadas El Machetico. You’ll be able to inform the empanadas listed here are nice from the lengthy queues! Be affected person, they’re well worth the wait.
Empanadas El Machetico Info
Deal with: Cl. 9 #42-38, El Poblado, Medellín
Cellphone: +576044079925
Working Hours: 5 am – 10 pm on daily basis, open till 12 am on Friday and Saturday
Common Price of the Dish: lower than $1 per empanada
Web site: Try their Instagram web page for extra data
5. Arepas
One other excellent choice for a grab-and-go snack, arepas are a very frequent chew in Colombia.
There are over 30 several types of arepas in Colombia, however in essence, they’re cornflour pockets crammed 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 (by some means) cooked with an egg inside.
You too can get candy arepas, that are cooked with a unique kind 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, significantly with breakfast. These generally is a little plain and I positively suggest heading out and discovering arepas avenue meals stands that are a lot better and much tastier.
Alternatively, attempt La Pepiada in Cartagena for an incredible number of stuffed arepas.
La Pepiada Info
Deal with: Cra. 6 #35-17, Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena
Cellphone: +573138451682
Working Hours: Open 24 hours, Thursday to Saturday, 8 am – 10 pm, Sunday to Tuesday, and eight am – 11 pm on Friday
Common Price of the Dish: Round $5
6. Patacones
Patacones are a staple meals in Colombia and I discover them completely scrumptious. They’re typically served as a aspect or a starter and are constituted of 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, do-it-yourself scorching sauces.
Patacones are constituted of unripe plantains, from which the dish will get its title. The riper, sweeter plantains are known as platanos and may also be deep-fried to make a a lot sweeter aspect.
You’ll discover this tremendous typical meals in Colombia in all places you go, however for those who’re in Medellin, attempt conventional Colombian meals, together with patacones and extra at Mamasita Medallo.
Mamasita Medallo Info
Deal with: Cra 43D # 10 – 77, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín
Cellphone: +573223591901
Working Hours: 12 pm – 12 am on daily basis. Closes at 2 am on Friday and Saturday
Common Price of the Dish: $3-5 as a aspect, or attempt loaded patacones (pataconda) for $11
Web site: https://www.mamasitamedallo.co/inicio
7. Tamales
Tamales are sometimes eaten at breakfast on a Sunday in Colombia, though you’ll discover them obtainable at any time of day in many various locations all through the nation.
These tasty parcels include a mix of maize, meat (typically hen, pork, or each), peas, carrots, and different greens relying on the area. The filling is then combined 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.
Yow will discover tamales in lots of typical eating places in Bogota, significantly round Simon Bolivar Sq.. They’re significantly scrumptious in La Puerta Falsa, however you can even purchase them from the grocery store or native distributors and prepare dinner them your self at residence.
La Puerta Falsa Info
Deal with: Cl. 11 #6-50, Bogotá, Colombia
Cellphone: +5712865091
Working Hours: 7 am – 7.30 pm Monday to Saturday, 7 am – 6 pm on Sundays
Common Price of the Dish: $2-$5 (relying on the place you eat them)
Web site: www.restaurantelapuertafalsa.inf.journey
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 well-liked in each Bogota and Medellin.
This large plate of meals will certainly fill even the hungriest of vacationers. It’s a large 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 various 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.
If you happen to’re in Medellin, head to Restaurante Mondongo’s for bandeja paisa, one of many must-try dishes in Colombia.
Restaurante Mondongo’s Info
Deal with: Cl 10 #38-38, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín
Cellphone: +576046048116
Working Hours: Opens at 11.30 am on daily basis, closes at 9.30 pm Monday to Friday, 10 pm on Saturday, and eight pm on Sunday
Common Price of the Dish: $8
Web site: www.mondongos.com.co/carta-menu/1/#important
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. It is a far 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.
If you happen to’re in an area restaurant, then the exact contents of the cazuela will depend upon what’s been caught on the day.
As with Sancocho, that is one other wonderful scorching dish to be loved by the coast regardless of the temperature. It’s tremendous recent and engaging and is unquestionably among the finest meals to attempt in Colombia. I’d suggest having it at Buena Vida Marisquería in Cartagena.
Buena Vida Marisquería Info
Deal with: Centro histórico, Cl. del Porvenir #Esquina, Cartagena
Cellphone: +573223061025
Working Hours: 8 am – 11.30 pm on daily basis
Common Price of the Dish: $10
Web site: www.gela.co/menu_buenavida.pdf
10. Ceviche
The ceviche in Colombia is really scrumptious. Neglect what chances are you’ll know of ceviche from residence and make sure to do this scrumptious Colombian meals.
Historically, ceviche is made with uncooked white fish cured in citrus juice and combined with completely different flavors. In Colombia, there are two forms of scrumptious ceviche to get pleasure from.
The primary is nearer to the normal Peruvian dish, with completely different sorts of seafood marinated in tiger’s milk. This produces an extremely fresh-tasting dish which is usually topped with patacones.
Alternatively, for those who’re on the seashore, look out for carts promoting ceviche or cocteles de camarones, the second kind of ceviche. This well-known dish of Colombia is extra like a tangy prawn cocktail served in a plastic or styrofoam cup. It might not sound a lot however belief me, it’s unimaginable.
When in Cartagena, head to La Cevicheria in Previous City for unimaginable ceviche in a superbly Colonial avenue setting.
La Cevicheria Info
Deal with: Calle Stuart por el lodge Santa Clara Calle 39 #7 14, Cartagena
Cellphone: +5756798743
Working Hours: 1 pm to 10.30 pm, 7 days every week
Common Price of the Dish: $10
Web site: www.lacevicheriacartagena.com
11. Mango Biche
The fruit in Colombia is unbelievable, with many, tremendous recent varieties. A few of my favourite fruit-based meals in Colombia is mango biche.
These spears of unripe mango are offered by avenue 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, scorching sauce. It might sound like an unlikely mixture however attempt it, it’s actually good.
These are tremendous low-cost snacks which you can decide up throughout Colombia. They’re good to eat on the go and are actually refreshing within the hotter elements of Colombia. Or for those who’re taking a protracted bus journey, look out for the sellers coming onto the bus and seize your self a cup for the journey.
12. Cholao
Persevering with the fruit theme, cholao (also referred to as cholado), is a loopy combination, however a really well-known dish in Colombia.
It’s a superb 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 corresponding to papaya, soursop, and pineapple. It’s completed off with fruit syrup and condensed milk, that are added to make the fundamental cholao.
Chances are you’ll discover cholao with added coconut or cherries on high, or sometimes with whipped cream and wafers for an actual deal with.
For anybody with a candy tooth, this little gem is scrumptious and in addition surprisingly refreshing. It’s frequent everywhere in the nation, significantly by the coast. It’s initially from Cali, so for those who’re within the south, take a look at Cholados Connoisseur in Cali for this superb Colombian meals.
Cholados Connoisseur Info
Deal with: Cra. 34 #3-47, El Sindicato, Cali
Cellphone: +573054272087
Working Hours: 1 pm to 9 pm on daily basis, opens at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday
Common Price of the Dish: $2 – $3
13. Chocolate Santaferaño
If you happen to like distinctive mixtures, then it is advisable to look out for chocolate Santaferaño or chocolate con queso. Sure, for people who perceive Spanish, that does translate to chocolate with cheese.
Historically, eaten or drunk as a meal between lunch and dinner, this mixture of scorching chocolate and cheese has been a typical meals in Colombia for hundreds of years. It contains a cup of scorching chocolate with cheese, and generally 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 luxuriate in this style sensation. It might look like a loopy mixture to many people, however in Colombia, it’s completely regular.
It’s typically loved on weekends, with scorching chocolate being a preferred drink to be served with breakfast (with or with out cheese!). If you happen to’re staying in El Poblado in Medellin, head to The Chocolate Home to get pleasure from this unusual however delicious favourite.
The Chocolate Home Info
Deal with: Cl. 8 #34-33, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín
Cellphone: +5743222214
Working Hours: 1 pm – 8.30 pm on daily basis, open till 9.30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Common Price of the Dish: $1 – $2
Web site: www.thechocolatehouse.com.co
14. Pandebono
For a fast snack to be eaten with a scorching drink, pandebono is a good choice. This small, spherical, bread-like chew is crammed with a refined candy cheese.
You’ll see pandebono offered by avenue sellers and obtainable in most espresso retailers in Colombia. It’s historically eaten with scorching chocolate, however can it may also be eaten alongside espresso or by itself.
It’s an incredible grab-and-go choice for those who’re on the transfer or in order for you a fast snack. If you happen to’re staying within the well-liked Chapinero in Bogota, head to Árbol de Pan for unimaginable pastries and brunches, together with pandebono.
Árbol de Pan Info
Deal with: Cl. 66 Bis #4-63, Localidad de Chapinero, Bogotá
Cellphone: +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 Price of the Dish: Lower than $1 for pandebono
15. Obleas
Lastly, in case you have a candy tooth, be sure to attempt obleas once you’re in Colombia.
Generally offered by avenue 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 could have your self a scrumptious, candy deal with.
If you happen to’re wandering via the middle of Bogota, you’ll discover obleas carts with photos of Mick Jagger on them. Apparently, in 2016, Mick Jagger was photographed consuming an obleas purchased from one such cart (almost 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 very good declare to be the precise avenue stall that offered to Mick. If not, its value figuring out that she nonetheless serves mighty fantastic obleas.
Obleas de Doña Berta Info
Deal with: Cl. 11 #6-42, Bogotá
Working Hours: 10 am – 6 pm on daily basis
Common Price of the Dish: Lower than $1
Meals Excursions in Colombia
To attempt a few of the finest meals in Colombia, I extremely suggest becoming a member of a meals tour. These are wonderful methods to not solely attempt nice typical meals in Colombia however to additionally be taught 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 Road Meals and Rooftops Tour
Uncover the colourful neighborhood of El Poblado on this good meals tour whereas sampling a few of the finest Colombian avenue 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 on right here to ebook a spot.
Santa Marta Strolling Meals Expertise
Pattern some typical meals in Colombia on this unbelievable foodie tour in Santa Marta. You’ll get to attempt 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 be taught all about Colombian tradition and historical past via the scrumptious meals. Click on right here to ebook 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 meals tour on the begining of your journey to Bogota.
The tour helps you find out about and style some regional and conventional dishes, in addition to obtain the information’s knowledgeable suggestions of the most effective locations to eat within the metropolis. Click on right here to ebook the tour.
Cartagena: Greatest Road Meals with Native Chef
Uncover Cartagena’s genuine avenue meals 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 be taught a bit concerning the metropolis too.
You’ll go to 10 must-see locations and pattern unique recipes made by conventional cooks in between. Ebook right here for a scrumptious time out.
Flavors of Cali
Take a break from salsa dancing, and style and be taught all concerning the completely different flavors in Cali. This meals tour focuses on tropical fruits, which is considered one of my favourite issues about Colombia and South America general.
It’s a unique twist to a conventional meals tour, and also you’ll be taught concerning the practices of the completely different cultures which give life to the scrumptious recent meals within the area. Click on right here to ebook.
Greatest Colombia Meals FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to steadily requested questions concerning the meals of Colombia:
Soups are very fashionable in Colombia, with probably 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 biggest meal of the day and is usually eaten at mid-afternoon, between 1 and three pm. That is probably 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 scorching 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 efficient quantity to go together with, relying on the kind of restaurant.
Bandeja Paisa is formally Colombia’s nationwide dish, and positively probably 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 most likely probably the most well-liked as they make nice aspect dishes or might be eaten as a snack. You’ll additionally discover them in all places; in eating places, avenue distributors, and within the supermarkets too.
In Conclusion
The meals in Colombia may be very different. From scrumptious ceviche on the coast to variations of arepas relying on which area you go to, from candy to savory, fried to recent. One factor is for certain, you actually go hungry in Colombia.
There are such a lot of wonderful dishes past this record, however these are unquestionably my favorites. Now, get pleasure from sampling the most effective meals in Colombia!
