Have you tried Colombian food? South American food is not only known for its delicious meat dishes, and nowhere is this more evident than in Colombia.
The country’s unique food culture is shaped by its history of regional diversity and altitude, which make up its unique culinary styles and tastes.
Colombian food is incredibly versatile and often surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or gathering with friends or family, there are many unique Colombian dishes to explore. Let’s take a look!
The Best Colombian Soups
Colombia offers a delightful array of soups from Sancocho to Ajiaco.
1. Ajiaco
Bogota Home to some of the best soups in the country, Ajiaco is its signature dish.
Corn Ajiaco made with chicken and potatoes is a delicacy not to be missed. Its distinctive flavor comes from a combination of local herbs called guava found in Bogota.
2. Caldo de Costilla
If you’re craving something hearty, this beef broth is sure to hit the spot. Caldo de Costilla, a rich Bogota stew, is made with shredded beef shanks, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and cilantro in broth.
It is usually served with white rice and fried plantains or yuca (cassava) chips.
3. Cazuela de Mariscos
For seafood lovers, Cazuela de Mariscos (seafood stew) is a must-try dish in Colombia.
Hailing from Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, this rich stew is made with freshly caught shrimp and crabmeat, squid rings, clams, mussels, and vegetables, all cooked in a flavorful broth infused with garlic and cumin. become. Serve it with some white rice for a memorable meal.
4. Sancocho
Sancocho is arguably the best soup in Colombia. It is widespread throughout the country and is especially popular in the coastal city of Cartagena.
Sancocho is often served on special occasions like birthdays or holidays, but you can enjoy it any day.
Best Colombian Street Food
Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer lighter dishes, the country offers a wide variety of culinary delights. Here are a few.
5. Mango Beach with Salt and Lemon
If you’re looking for classic Colombian street food, make sure you try Mango Biche con Sal y Limon.
This green mango specialty from the port city of Cartagena is heavily seasoned for real flavor.
6. Arepas
Arepas are versatile tortilla that goes with just about anything. Often served as a sandwich, they can be devoured with cheese, egg, meat, or bean fillings.
Magdalen’s arepas are often stuffed with ground beef, pork, or chicken.
Meanwhile, those from the Cartagena region are usually made with tapioca flour and unrefined sugar and have a light and fluffy texture.
7. Empanadas
If you’re looking for great food in Colombia, the delicious empanadas are not to be missed.
Empanadas, deep-fried cornmeal dough pastries filled with savory toppings such as cheesy chicken or beef, are common across the country and vary by region. It can be found everywhere in Colombia. In Bogotá, empanadas can be either a delicacy or a dessert, depending on the filling. +
8. Tamales
If you’re looking for the best Colombian street food, head to Medellin’s La Perseverancia market for classic tamales.
Tamales are a traditional Latin American dish of corn-based dough filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and proteins.
Colombians have been savoring these handcrafted delicacies for centuries, and La Perseverancia Market is known for having the finest tamales.
9. Salchipapa
For sausage and mash with a South American twist, try the Salchipapa. Picture fried potatoes with chopped sausage, all doused in coleslaw chili and tomato sauce.
Whether it’s their signature spicy flavors or the homely vibe of street vendors selling this beloved dish, you won’t be disappointed stopping by Bogotá with a stack of salchipapas, a great Colombian snack.
Best Colombian Meat Dishes
Each region has its famous dishes, but some of the best meat dishes in Colombia are listed below.
10. Sobrebarriga Sudada
Colombians take their meat dishes seriously, as evidenced by the Sobrebarriga Sudada (braised sirloin steak) from the Cundiboyacense region.
This traditional dish takes a tough flank steak and cooks it slowly until it’s terribly tender—the kind of food that falls apart in a gentle way. Stimulate.
Mixed with onion garlic and tomato, it is a delicious dish served with rice and ripe plantains.
11. Carne Oreada
The Colombian Santander Cured Steak known as Carne Oreada is a popular and delicious dish that is rarely found outside of the region. By marinating the steak with spices before drying it outdoors, this specialty offers an unrivaled flavor and chewy consistency.
The marinades used to make Carne Oreada typically contain ingredients such as white vinegar, garlic, salt, and cumin, which combine to produce delicate flavors unique to South American cuisine.
Best Colombian Restaurant Dishes
For a unique culinary experience, head to a local Colombian restaurant. Undoubtedly, you don’t have to look far to find unrivaled flavors and dishes that will keep you coming back for more
12. Patacones
To experience the best Colombian cuisine, you must try Patacones (Tostones). This Caribbean coastal dish originated in Colombia but can be found all over Latin America.
This is an addictive appetizer made with unripe green plantains.
Making these tasty treats involves lightly frying or pan-frying green plantains, mashing them between two plates until flattened, then frying them.
13. Ceviche
If you like raw seafood, the ceviche is worth a try. Made with raw prawns marinated in lime or lemon juice and parsley, it has a strong coastal flavor that is sure to entice your tongue.
For a truly authentic Colombian experience, try ceviche from coastal regions. It’s sure to leave you wanting more.
14. Bandeja Paisa
If you’re visiting the Andes region of Colombia, no culinary journey is complete without a taste of the local national dish, the Bandeja Paisa.
This hearty entrée includes grilled steak rice with beans, plantain chicharrón (crispy pork belly), and arepa; it’s a treat For taste buds and appetite.
The fusion of textures and flavors makes it a must-have on every foodie’s itinerary. And if that’s not enough to make this delicious plate unbeatable, the servings are big enough to share with the whole family.
Best Colombian Drinks
Have you ever wanted to pamper yourself with the bold and sweet flavors of Colombia? Colombia’s delicious drinks rank among the best in Latin America.
15. Champu
Originating in the coastal city of Santa Marta champús is a favorite source of refreshment for locals and tourists alike.
This incredible drink is beloved for its unique and delicious combination of ingredients such as lulos (also known as naranjilla), cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. It consists mostly of ice, which is great for cooling down on hot days.
16. Lulada
Lulada is a refreshing drink made from lulo fruit.
Lulada has a tangy flavor, is sweetened with sugar or honey, and can be made into smoothies or mixed into ice cream for an extra special treat. If you visit Colombia, try this delicious drink.
17. Coco Loco
If you’re a fan of coconut-flavored cocktails, the Coco Loco from Colombia is sure to become your new favorite. This crazy blend hails from the Caribbean city of Barranquilla. It’s equal parts rum tequila and vodka with coconut cream, coconut water, and lime juice poured over an ice Coconut half shell.
18. Aguardiente
Aguardiente (or “Aguardiente Antioqueño”) is a popular spirit in many cities in Colombia, but is especially famous in Medellín.
It is the most consumed spirit in the region and is deeply rooted in the culture and customs of the people of Antioquia where it is produced. It is often used as a seasoning in traditional dishes.
Best Colombian Fruits To Try
19. Granadilla (sweet passion fruit)
Also known as sweet passion fruit, passionflower is a delicious fruit native to Colombia. The pulp and edible seeds make for a healthy and natural dessert, full of sweet and tart flavors. Originating from the Amazon Basin region of Colombia, its bright yellow-orange appearance reveals its succulence The pulp is great for making preserves, preserves, and ice cream.
Passion fruit is sold in markets all over Colombia, making it one of the best fruits this Latin American country has to offer.
20. Natural Juice (Fresh Juice)
One of the best foods you can try while visiting Colombia is jugos naturales, or fresh juices! You can find this delicious and refreshing treat on almost any menu across the country.
Local chefs create these drinks by combining sweet fruit sugar with a magical combination of milk or ice. Many of these delicious concoctions feature native Colombian fruits like guanabana maracuya lulo and naranjilla.
Other Delicious Colombian Dishes
With plenty of delicious food on hand, there’s never been a better time to explore Colombian cuisine.
21. Calentado
Calentado is a delicious and nutritious traditional food found throughout Colombia. Often made with leftovers from the previous day’s meal, it combines carne asada (roast beef) with beans, plantain rice, and toppings such as eggs, avocado, or cheese.
Often served for breakfast or brunch, the Calentado is beloved by Colombians for its flavor and comfort food status. Often considered a “hangover cure,” it can also be served at any time of the day and caters to a variety of culinary preferences.
22. Obleas (thin wafer sandwiches)
Obleas are made of two thin wafers filled with a range of sweet or savory fillings, such as white cheese guava sauce and condensed milk.
Obleas can be found all over Colombia, and each region has its own take on this classic delicacy. For example, in Bogotá, obleas are often served with chocolate sauce, while in Medellín they are served with guava sauce. No matter how you enjoy them, they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth. +
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Final Thoughts
Colombian cuisine is a must-try for everyone with its natural ingredients, savory seasonings, herbs, and spices. The options listed above are just some of the delicious dishes the country has to offer.
Try these unique traditional foods for a great culinary experience while you’re in Colombia. You can even try it at home!
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