Colombia, a country of vibrant landscapes and diverse cultures, boasts a rich culinary heritage shaped by indigenous traditions, Spanish influences, and Afro-Colombian flavors.
From hearty stews to savory snacks, Colombian cuisine delights the palate with its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and colorful presentation. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Bogotá, the lush coffee plantations of the Andean region, or the tropical coastlines of Cartagena, here are nine traditional dishes you simply must try during your vacation in Colombia:
Key Takeaways
- Whether you’re savoring a steaming bowl of ajiaco in Bogotá, indulging in bandeja paisa in Medellín, or enjoying fresh seafood on the coast, each bite offers a taste of Colombia’s vibrant culinary tapestry and cultural heritage.
- Chicha is a traditional Colombian beverage made from fermented maize (corn) that dates back to pre-Columbian times
- Lechona is a festive and indulgent dish that is often served at celebrations and special occasions in Colombia
Ajiaco: Hearty Chicken and Potato Soup
Ajiaco is a hearty and comforting soup that is a staple of Colombian cuisine, particularly in the capital city of Bogotá.
This thick and creamy soup features shredded chicken, three varieties of potatoes (creole, white, and Andean), corn on the cob, and a fragrant herb called guascas. Ajiaco is typically served with a side of avocado, capers, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime, adding layers of flavor and texture to this beloved dish.
Where to Try It
For an authentic taste of Ajiaco, visit a traditional Colombian restaurant or family-run eatery in Bogotá, where you can savor this iconic soup served piping hot with all the traditional accompaniments.
Bandeja Paisa: Colombia's Ultimate Meat Feast
Bandeja Paisa is a hearty and indulgent dish that is a source of national pride in Colombia.
This generous platter typically features a variety of meats, including grilled steak, chorizo sausage, pork belly, and blood sausage, served alongside rice, red beans, avocado, fried plantains, arepa (corn cake), and a fried egg. Bandeja Paisa is a feast for the senses, offering a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that showcase Colombia’s rich culinary heritage.
Where to Try It
Bandeja Paisa can be found at many traditional Colombian restaurants and steakhouses throughout the country, but for an authentic taste, head to the city of Medellín, where this iconic dish originated.
Arepa: Colombia's Versatile Corn Cake
Arepa is a staple of Colombian cuisine, made from ground maize dough that is shaped into a flat, round cake and cooked until golden and crispy on the outside. Arepas can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with a variety of fillings, including cheese, shredded chicken, avocado, or eggs. These versatile corn cakes are a popular snack or accompaniment to meals and are enjoyed by Colombians of all ages.
Where to Try It
Arepas can be found at street food stalls, markets, and restaurants throughout Colombia. For an authentic taste, visit a local market or street vendor in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena.
Sancocho: Hearty Colombian Stew
Sancocho is a hearty and nourishing stew that is a beloved comfort food in Colombia.
This traditional dish features a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork, simmered with a medley of root vegetables, including yuca (cassava), plantains, potatoes, and corn on the cob. Sancocho is seasoned with garlic, onions, cilantro, and other herbs and spices, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic stew that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Where to Try It
Sancocho is a popular dish served in Colombian homes and restaurants, particularly during family gatherings and special occasions. Look for it on the menu at traditional Colombian eateries or visit a local market where vendors dish out steaming bowls of Sancocho.
Empanadas: Savory Stuffed Pastries
Empanadas are a popular snack or appetizer in Colombia, featuring crispy, golden pastry shells filled with a variety of savory fillings. Common fillings include seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, cheese, or potatoes, which are typically seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices. Empanadas are often served with aji (spicy salsa) or chimichurri sauce for dipping, adding a burst of flavor to each bite.
Where to Try It
Empanadas can be found at street food stalls, bakeries, and cafes throughout Colombia. For an authentic taste, visit a local market or street vendor in cities like Bogotá, Cartagena, or Cali.
Lechona: Slow-Roasted Pork Stuffed with Rice
Lechona is a festive and indulgent dish that is often served at celebrations and special occasions in Colombia.
This traditional dish features a whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, onions, garlic, and spices, creating a flavorful and aromatic filling. The pig is slow-roasted until the skin is crispy and golden brown, while the inside remains tender and succulent. Lechona is typically served with arepas, avocado, and ají sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Where to Try It
Lechona is a specialty of the Tolima region in central Colombia, particularly in the town of Espinal. Visit a local lechonería (roast pork restaurant) or attend a festival or celebration where lechona is served to experience this traditional Colombian dish.
Bandeja de Mariscos: Seafood Platter
Colombia’s coastal regions are renowned for their abundance of fresh seafood, and Bandeja de Mariscos is a delicious showcase of the country’s coastal cuisine. This seafood platter typically features a variety of grilled or fried fish, shrimp, squid, octopus, and crab, served with coconut rice, fried plantains, and a selection of sauces and condiments. Bandeja de Mariscos is a celebration of Colombia’s culinary diversity and is enjoyed by seafood lovers throughout the country.
Where to Try It
Head to Colombia’s coastal cities and towns, such as Cartagena, Barranquilla, or Santa Marta, to savor the freshest seafood dishes, including Bandeja de Mariscos. Visit waterfront restaurants, seafood markets, or beachside eateries to indulge in a feast of flavors from the sea.
Bocadillo con Queso: Sweet and Savory Snack
Bocadillo con Queso is a popular Colombian snack that pairs sweet guava paste (bocadillo) with salty cheese (queso blanco). This simple yet satisfying combination of flavors and textures is enjoyed throughout Colombia and is often served as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. The sweet and tangy guava paste complements the mild and creamy cheese, creating a delicious contrast that is both comforting and indulgent.
Where to Try It
Bocadillo con Queso can be found at bakeries, cafes, and street food stalls throughout Colombia. Look for it on the menu at traditional Colombian eateries or visit a local market to sample freshly made bocadillo and queso blanco.
Chicha: Traditional Fermented Corn Beverage
Chicha is a traditional Colombian beverage made from fermented maize (corn) that dates back to pre-Columbian times. This mildly alcoholic drink is brewed by soaking maize in water and allowing it to ferment naturally, resulting in a tangy and slightly effervescent beverage. Chicha is often enjoyed during festivals, celebrations, and social gatherings and is a symbol of Colombia’s rich cultural heritage.
Where to Try It
Chicha can be found at traditional Colombian markets, festivals, and cultural events, particularly in rural areas and indigenous communities. Look for it served in clay or wooden cups at local taverns or chicherías (chicha bars) for an authentic taste of this ancient Colombian beverage.
Final Word
Embark on a culinary vacation in Colombia and experience the rich diversity of flavors, ingredients, and traditions that define Colombian cuisine. Whether you’re savoring a steaming bowl of ajiaco in Bogotá, indulging in bandeja paisa in Medellín, or enjoying fresh seafood on the coast, each bite offers a taste of Colombia’s vibrant culinary tapestry and cultural heritage.
Check out a free gastronomic itinerary to Colombia here:
