Colombia is a colorful and nuanced country. A product of cultural diversity, Colombian gastronomy is as varied as its own regions. It has been enriched by several ethnic and cultural influences, as well as the techniques, traditions, and practices of Indigenous peoples, Spaniards, Africans, and Arabs. Eating in Colombia is an inexplicable pleasure. Colombians love good, rich, and varied meals. But if you decide to go, what should you eat in Colombia?
The Caribbean is characterized by the use of coconut, banana, cassava, and tropical fruits like corozo and mango to accompany fish and seafood. The Andean region tends to consume a lot of meat, potatoes, beans, and corn, while in the Pacific, all meals consist of rice, lentils, and fish. In the Orinoquia, veal and cassava are preferred.
Between ajiaco, bandeja paisa, egg arepa, and dozens of fruits, Colombians have a huge selection of dishes to choose from. Here are the most typical dishes from Colombia’s regions:
What to eat in Colombia?
Bandeja paisa
One thing you definitely have to eat in Colombia is bandeja paisa. It is typical of the department of Antioquia and its surrounding areas. Its main ingredient is beans grown in the region; Colombia is the leading producer of beans in the Andean region, and it is the most consumed product in Colombia. The dish also includes rice, a fried egg, chicharron, meat, avocado, and chorizo.
L’Ajiaco santafereño
Ajiaco santafereño, typical of Bogota, is a soup prepared with several varieties of potatoes grown in the highlands of Cundinamarca and Boyaca, it also contains guascas (aromatic herbs), corn and peasant chicken from the region.
The Patacon
Patacon is Colombia’s most popular dish. These are pieces of green plantain bananas that are flattened and then fried. Served as a starter or side dish, they are found throughout the country. The difference between regions lies in the shape of the patacon: sometimes small and round, sometimes oval and thick, or thin and large.
Sancocho
Sancocho soup is prepared in different ways, depending on the region of the country. Fish can be used in the recipe, but it is most often prepared with different types of meat such as chicken, beef, and pork.
Lechona
This typical dish from the Tolima region consists of pork stuffed with peas, onions, and rice, served with arepas. To ensure the meat is tender, the lechona pork is cooked for 10 hours over low heat.
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Desserts
Desserts are a very important part of Colombian gastronomy. You can find several “classic” fruits (apples, citrus fruits, bananas, strawberries) plus many tropical fruits (don’t miss a great video on exotic fruits here), unknown in Europe such as curuba, zapote, uchuva, guanabana.
For pastries, there are coconut flans and cakes, as well as some specialties such as:
Mantecada which is a corn flour cake flavored with vanilla.
Cuajada con melao which is a piece of fresh cheese wrapped in a banana leaf and drizzled with a sugar syrup.
The postre de nata which is a milk cream cake from the region of Cundinamarca and Boyaca.
Drinks
There are several different types of drinks to accompany some dishes. Soft drinks are very popular due to the intense heat, and Colombians are big fans of fruit juices, which they consume throughout the day. Agua de panela is a very high-calorie, but surprisingly refreshing drink. Panela is a molasses made from sugar cane. And coffee, which is of course the national drink and is served everywhere.
At the same time, alcoholic beverages are widely consumed in Colombia. In Colombia, you will find excellent lagers, the most popular being Aguila, Club Colombia, Costeña, Poker, and Pilsen. You will also find white rum, used mainly in cocktails, as well as amber rum known as “Rum of Medellín.” This is a favorite among the costeños. Another must-try in Colombia is aguadiente, “fire water,” made from anise.
Tourists are pleasantly surprised by the diversity and richness of Colombian cuisine, which Colombians living abroad also showcase and who are true ambassadors of Colombian culture and traditions.
Here are some good places to eat in Colombia:
Chia, Cundinamarca
Cl. 11 #6-50, Bogotá
Cra. 5 #17-76, Bogotá
Cra. 10 #Lote 46, Cartagena, Bolívar
Calle del Colegio # 34-60 Local 1, Centro Histórico, Cartagena, Bolívar
El Bistro
Cl. 19 #3-68, Santa Marta, Magdalena
Villa de Leyva, Boyacá
San Andrés, San Andrés y Providencia
Calle 18 #35-50, Medellín, Antioquia
Av. 3 Norte # 7-19, Cali, Valle del Cauca
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