10 Must-Try Foods in Colombia
Colombian cuisine is just as diverse and colorful as the country of Colombia. The food is versatile and flavorful with recipes that trace back to Indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures and traditional dishes that are characterized by their native regions.
One of the most exciting aspects of traveling is indulging in new foods and, although, Colombia does not typically top the list for its culinary contributions, I’m here to tell you that Colombian food cannot be missed, and here’s why.
1. Arepas
Arepas are native to the northern region of South America but are primarily found in Colombian cuisine. It is a flat, round “bread” made with harina de maíz (cornmeal). Arepas are diverse and can be ate by themselves, paired with a meal, or accompanied by other ingredients and had as the main course.
Arepas can also be stuffed with a variety of foods. For example, if you’re in the Caribbean coastal region of Colombia, such as the city of Cartagena, it is popular to find them filled with an egg. They are a must-try! Delish!
2. Buñuelos
Buñuelos are a round, slightly sweet, cheese fritter made mainly with maizena (cornstarch), harina de yuca (cassava flour), and queso fresco (Colombian fresh cheese).
They can be found at every bakery and tienda (store) that sell baked goods. A must-have in the mornings with a cup of coffee.
3. Empanadas
Empanadas are a crescent-shaped baked or fried turnover found in Latin American, Asian, and European cuisine. Their fillings vary and may include beef, chicken, seafood, vegetables, cheese, rice, and are nicely seasoned with flavorful spices.
In Colombia, empanadas are considered an antojo or a craving, and can be found in every corner. Vendors will typically have them inside of a glass display containing baked goods.
4. Fritanga
Fritanga is a fried food platter of picaderas or fried snacks. Its ingredients vary but the platter usually includes a plethora of meats such as morcilla (blood sausage), chorizo (sausage), chicharron (pork belly), longaniza (long sausage), chunchullo (fried pork intestine), patacones (fried plantains), plátanos maduros (fried sweet plantains), papas criollas (Colombian small potatoes), yuca frita (fried cassava), and arepas (flat, round bread).
Fritanga can be seen shared in gatherings among family and friends and paired with a cold beer.
5. Bandeja Paisa
Bandeja Paisa is a traditional meal in Colombia that is native to the department of Antioquia in the Paisa region.
The ingredients for a Bandeja Paisa include arroz blanco (white rice), frijoles rojos (red beans), plátanos maduros (ripe plantains), carne molida (ground beef), chicharrón (pork belly), chorizo (sausage), huevo frito (fried egg), aguacate (avocado), and arepa (flat, round bread).
You cannot visit Colombia without trying a Bandeja Paisa.
10 Must-Try Foods in Colombia - Pescado Frito at Eco-Hotel La Cocotera in Isla Grande, Islas del Rosario
6. Pescado Frito
Pescado Frito translates to “fried fish” so as the name indicates its main ingredient is a local fish that’s coated in flour and then deep fried.
Pescado Frito is a dish native to the Caribbean coastal region of Colombia and served with arroz con coco (coconut rice), patacones (fried plantain), vegetables or a salad, and commonly includes a side dish of sancocho (stew).
It is DE-LI-CIOUS!
7. Lechona
Lechona is a meal typically reserved for special occasions and a staple during the holiday season. It’s said to be originally from the department of Tolima in Colombia.
Lechona is a roasted piglet cooked in an oven or over a fire and stuffed with rice, peas, herbs, spices and its own pork meat.
10 Must-Try Foods in Colombia - Sancocho isleño and agua de panela con limón from a restaurant in San Andrés
8. Sancocho
Sancocho is a popular stew in many Latin American countries and Colombia is no exception. The hearty stew varies in recipe depending on the region, however, they all essentially include meat and/or fish, vegetables, herbs, and spices.
For example, here are some Colombian sancochos: Sancocho de pescado (fish stew) popular in the Caribbean coastal region of Colombia, sancocho trifásico (beef, pork, and chicken stew) popular in the department of Antioquia, and sancocho con cola de res (oxtail stew) popular in the department of Valle del Cauca.
9. Ajiaco
Ajiaco is a hearty soup made with mainly chicken and potatoes and represents Colombia’s capital city of Bogotá. The soup also includes corn on the cob, sour cream, herbs, and spices such as the native herb, guascas.
You can pair the soup with a side dish of white rice and a slice of avocado.
10. Cazuela de Marisco
Cazuela de Marisco is a seafood dish native to the Caribbean coastal region of Colombia. The soup is made with fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and coconut milk while also adding to its delicious flavor are vegetables, herbs, and spices.
For seafood lovers, this is a must!
Now that you have learned the 10 Must-Try Foods in Colombia, what are you excited to try?
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Enjoy,
-Natali-
Updated: December 9, 2021
Noted photos are owned by the author Natali Martinez and others were sourced from Pexels