Embark on a culinary journey through Colombia, where the food is as vibrant and diverse as the landscapes. From the hearty, energy-packed Bandeja Paisa to the comforting warmth of a coastal Cazuela de Mariscos, Colombian gastronomy offers a unique blend of flavors that every traveler must experience.
Whether you are grabbing a quick, crispy empanada on the street or sitting down for a traditional Almuerzo Corriente, this guide highlights the essential dishes that define the rich and meaty soul of Colombian cuisine.
Bistec a la Criolla
Bistec a la Criolla is a flavorful staple of Colombian home cooking, featuring tender beef simmered in a rich tomato and onion-based sauce.
Bandeja Paisa
The bandeja paisa is the national dish of Colombia. Originally, this mega-calorie meal was invented to give peasant workers enough energy to keep them going throughout the day. Nowadays, it’s a substantial lunchtime meal, eaten on special occasions or just when you’re feeling starving. It consists of rice, plantain, arepa (corn cakes), avocado, minced meat, chorizo, black sausage and fried pork rind, and a fried egg served on top for good measure.
Sancocho
Many Colombian dishes are based on making a meal out of essential ingredients. A great way to get the most flavor out of tougher cuts of meat is to cook them for a long time in soups and stews. The traditional Colombian stew is called sancocho. Chicken, pork, and beef sancochos are all delicious, but for a real hearty dish, opt for mondongo or tripe soup.
Almuerzo Corriente
Colombians know how to do lunch. Almuerzo Corriente is the day's main meal, with a soup to start followed by a big main, invariably consisting of rice, meat or fish, some lentil and a little salad on the side, the Colombian version of this midday meal is an absolute must-try.
Empanadas
The perfect snack to eat on the move, empanadas are much like an English pasty or Jamaican patty. The stuffed pastries can be filled with whatever you like, but popular fillings include meat, chicken or cheese. Empanadas are eaten all over Latin America, but the distinctive aspect of Colombian empanadas is that they’re almost always deep-fried.
Arroz con pollo
In Colombian cuisine, rice isn’t just a side dish but the base of some brilliant main meals. Arroz con pollo translates as rice and chicken stewed together with chicken stock. The dish is hugely popular and simply delicious. Traditionally served with a hefty squeeze of tomato ketchup, this is an excellent, cheap eat that will fill anyone up.
Chuzo Desgranado
Chuzo desgranado is the ultimate post-party snack, often served in 24-hour cafes that fill up once the clubs close. The dish is a mixture of sausage, chicken, beef and pork, served on a bed of lettuce. It’s topped with sweetcorn and crisps, and a triple hit of salsa – tartare, burger sauce and pineapple. This meal won’t win any health prices. However, visitors should at least try it once, and they’ll see why it’s so popular.
Cazuela de Mariscos
Cazuela de mariscos (seafood pot) is a creamy seafood stew along the coast. It’s made with coconut milk, various vegetables and spices, and you can use whatever seafood you have at hand, although prawns are almost always used. Although it’s a hot soup, people will often enjoy this on the beach in the blazing sunshine, so it’s the perfect dish for any day of the year.
Fritanga
Fritanga is a majestic mix of fried offal. While it doesn’t sound delicious and is most certainly an acquired taste, fritanga is a great way to try out bits of meat you wouldn’t normally eat.
Pandebono
Pandebono is a small, round bread-like bite accompanied by sweet cheese. Popular all over the country, pandebono is eaten as a snack throughout the day and is often served alongside a delicious hot chocolate early in the morning. For bread lovers, this Colombian bread specialty is delicious.
Chocolate con queso
Chocolate con queso translates as chocolate and cheese. Cheese dipped in hot chocolate might not be your go-to meal, but Colombians love it. Particularly popular in Bogotá, chocolate con queso is eaten for breakfast or at around 4 pm as an afternoon snack. The hot chocolate and stringy, melted cheese are a surprisingly good combination.
