Colombian cuisine is all about flavor, tradition, and regional diversity. From the misty Andes to the tropical Caribbean coast, Colombia’s culinary landscape is shaped by Indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Whether it's hearty stews, savory appetizers, or sweet treats that you’re looking for, Colombian food has something memorable for everyone.
Arepas: The Heart Of Every Meal
One of Colombia’s most classic foods is the simple but versatile arepa. Made from ground maize dough, arepas appear all across the country in countless variations. In Antioquia, arepas are thin and buttered, often served with cheese or eggs. On the Caribbean coast, you’ll find arepa de huevo—a deep-fried arepa stuffed with egg, often with meat added in too. They’re great as a breakfast, snack, or side dish to any meal.
Bandeja Paisa: A Robust National Symbol
Arguably the most famous dish in Colombia is bandeja paisa. Originally from the Paisa region, this dish is a protein-packed platter that usually comes with grilled steak, ground beef, chorizo, pork belly (chicharrón), fried egg, rice, red beans, avocado, sweet plantain, and an arepa. That’s a serious feast, and it reflects Colombia’s love of robust, filling food. It’s considered by many to be a national dish.
Digitalizando el pasado, Wikimedia Commons
Ajiaco: A Soup
In the capital city of Bogotá, ajiaco is a favorite comfort food. This thick, flavorful soup combines chicken, three kinds of potatoes, corn on the cob, and guascas (a native herb with a distinctive taste). It’s served with cream, capers, and a side of avocado. Ajiaco is a soup hearty enough to be a full meal, reflecting the mountainous cold climate where it comes from.
Empanadas: Crispy Street Food Perfection
No list of Colombian appetizers would be complete without empanadas. These golden-fried cornmeal pastries are generally filled with seasoned beef and potatoes and served with a spicy cilantro sauce called ají. Found on almost every street corner, they’re the basic snack for Colombians on the move. Their delectable crunch and savory filling make them a universal favorite.
Sancocho: A Flavorful Family Favorite
Sancocho is a traditional stew that varies regionally but usually contains meat (beef, chicken, or fish), yucca, green plantains, corn, and potatoes. A common dish at Sunday family gatherings or special events, it’s slow-cooked to bring out the rich flavors. On the coast, you’ll find fish-based sancochos; in the interior, beef or chicken versions are the norm.
Caldobasico, Wikimedia Commons
Ceviche Colombiano: Tradition With A Twist
Peru is more famous for its ceviche, but Colombia puts its own spin on this citrusy seafood dish. Ceviche Colombiano often uses cooked shrimp instead of raw fish. It adds ketchup, mayonnaise, and onions to the lime juice base. The result is like a shrimp cocktail: sweet, tangy, and served with soda crackers or patacones (fried green plantain rounds).
Desserts And Sweets: A Sugar Fix In The Making
Colombians love sweets. Arequipe is a popular caramel-like confection often eaten on its own or with wafers. Buñuelos, deep-fried cheese dough balls, and natilla, a cinnamon custard served around Christmastime, are other dessert staples. Many desserts highlight tropical fruits like guava, passion fruit, and lulo, which are made into jellies or juices.
Drinks To Try: Beyond Coffee
Colombia is famous for its coffee, but it offers more to drink than java. Agua de panela (a warm or cold drink made from unrefined cane sugar) is common, especially in rural areas. Chicha, a fermented corn drink with ancient Indigenous roots, is in the middle of a cultural comeback. On the Caribbean coast, corozo juice, a tart berry drink, is a refreshing treat.
simenon simenon, Wikimedia Commons
A Diverse Cuisine
Colombian cuisine is as diverse as it is tasty, and it is rooted strongly in the country's many geographic regions. Whether you're trying it for the first time at a restaurant or taking a stab at cooking these dishes at home, every bite is a hint at Colombia’s rich culture.
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