Hello there, folks! I hope you are having a good time. We are back with more of the food-related themes you all love. And this time, we are going to a country that is known for its coffee and its food: Colombia. Colombian cuisine varies depending on its regions, and it is heavily influenced by Spanish, African, and Indigenous Colombian cuisine, while in some specific regions like the coast, we can find some Arab influences too. Colombian food is characterized by its hearty dishes and rich flavors, and it reflects the country’s geographical diversity, from the lush coastal regions to the Andean highlands.
Despite the rich flavors and diversity, the majority of Colombian food is not healthy at all because most of the food is fried. The Colombian diet is not as healthy as the Haitian and the Ecuadorian ones, and that is one of the reasons why a lot of Colombians decided to go full vegetarian or vegan; because of their health. Also, there are not many celiac-safe or gluten-free restaurants in the Colombian territory, so it would be smart if you bring your own gluten-free snacks.
But not everything is bad. Colombian cuisine features a wide variety of fruits, such as granadilla, pitaya, guanabana, papaya, and many more. Add to that some influences from neighboring countries, such as Venezuela (check our article about that country’s cuisine for more details), and you have a cuisine that is a lot more varied than what most people might think at first.
Let’s see some Colombian dishes:
1. Bandeja Paisa
We are going to see some of the best Colombian dishes, and we have to begin with one of Colombia’s most representative dishes: the Bandeja Paisa. This dish includes carne molida, white rice, black pudding, arepa, chorizo, and red beans cooked with pork, plantain, and fried egg.
Some of the side dishes served with Bandeja Paisa include mazamorra with milk and panela. Due to the amount of food, this dish is often served in a large and oval tray. Thanks to tourism, the bandeja paisa is considered the most typical Colombian fish.
That is a very good combination of many different ingredients that are not only typical of Colombia but also of Latin American cuisine as a whole, as shown by our articles regarding Ecuadorian and Venezuelan food. Furthermore, it is a very complete dish, so if people are hungry and want to eat something that can fill their stomachs, this is a very good choice.
2. Ajiaco
This soup is something that you either can love or hate, and that is quite normal when we talk about this dish. The Ajiaco is a soup made with chicken, three potato varieties, and guascas, which is a unique Colombian herb and is often served with thick cream, capers, and avocado.
Ajiaco is often considered an ultimate comfort food and is one of the most famous foods from Bogotá. This dish is extremely popular in Bogota, and if you ever come to this city, you should try this soup as soon as possible.
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and can be considered a bit more cosmopolitan than other parts of the country. However, this place hasn’t forgotten its roots, and Ajiaco is a very good example of that notion.
3. Arepas
One of the biggest debates in history in the world of food is the debate between Colombia and Venezuela about who invented this food, but we are not going to talk about this debate right now. We are going to talk about the food itself.
Arepas are often considered the world’s best breakfast, and many Colombians enjoy eating them every day. They can be stuffed with cheese, meat, egg, avocado, chicken, and many other things. They can also be served for lunch, breakfast, and dinner. You will find them all over the country.
Arepas are also a very flexible dish, which can be very useful for people who want a simple yet effective meal. Furthermore, they have a great taste and can be cooked with ease, thus adding to the allure of the dish itself.
4. Cazuela de Mariscos
This next dish is one of the most beloved Colombian foods in the coastal region of the country, and if you decide to go to the city of Cartagena, it is the perfect dish for you and your friends. The Cazuela de Mariscos is a delicious seafood stew that can be made with a variety of ingredients; it can feature squid, clams, shrimp, and, if you are lucky enough, lobster, as well as vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and onions.
All these ingredients are cooked in coconut milk with spices. It can be argued that this is a direct result of the coastal region of Colombia, which has many interesting dishes of its own, but regardless of that, it is a unique meal that needs to be treated at least once.
5. Lulada
Colombia has its own smoothies, and probably the most famous one comes from a city named Cali. The Lulada is a drink that uses the lulo fruit as the main ingredient and is combined with sugar and water. In some cases, the vendor adds chunks of fruit to the drink.
This fruit looks like an orange tomato, and its flavor is both sour and sweet. Because of this, it is often compared with kiwi and pineapple. The Lulada is rehydrating and is perfect for a hot day or when you come from dancing or playing sports. Therefore, if there are people who enjoy doing a lot of physical activities, this is a very good choice for them.
6. Caldo de Costilla
This next soup comes from the Andean region of the country and is often served as a breakfast. The Caldo de Costilla is a soup made from beef ribs with garlic, onion, cilantro leaves, and slices of potato. The beef ribs must be boiled in water.
The caldo de Costilla is usually eaten with bread, arepas, and even chocolate and is eaten mainly during breakfast. This soup is good for hangovers, which is called “Guayabo” by Colombians, which, funny enough, often serves a similar function in Venezuela. This amazing soup is often served in restaurants located in high-concentration areas.
It is a very special dish that can be served in many different ways. In fact, the way it is served can vary greatly depending on which part of Colombia you are in.
7. Chocolate con Queso
Chocolate can be mixed with many things, and Colombians decided to create a really weird combination with it. Once they tried it, they knew that this combination was mesmerizing. Chocolate con queso is real, and the flavor is not as bizarre as the combination; the cheese is served on the side, so you can dip or dunk it. Also, on some occasions, this dish is served with bread.
Chocolate with cheese is perfect for warming your bones and regenerating yourself after a busy and cold day. It is also a very simple meal, which can be very useful for people who perhaps don’t have a lot of time to cook on their regular schedule.
8. Sancocho
Last but not least, we have a very popular Colombian food that is perfect for reunions with friends and family, and which has been proposed numerous times as a national dish. The Sancocho is a traditional soup made with plantain, cassava, potato, meats like chicken, fish, ox tail, and vegetables such as cilantro, corn, and tomato, but the ingredients depend on the region in which the Sancocho is prepared. This soup is often shared with loved ones and is very popular in Antioquia but is eaten in every Colombian region or city.
The best way to order Colombian food is to check the ingredients of every dish they offer. This way, you will select the one you like the most or whatever craving you have at that moment. Sometimes, recommendations won´t satisfy you with Colombian food, so the best way to enter this world is to check the dishes by yourself.
Finding Colombian Food Near You
Are you eager to try all these dishes but not sure where to start? Finding Colombian food near you might be easier than you think. Check out local Latin American markets and restaurants specializing in Caribbean cuisine, or use food apps to discover hidden gems. And remember, the best way to enjoy Colombian cuisine is to dive in with friends, share dishes, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that each bite offers.
Colombia is by far one of the most popular and known countries in Latin America, so it makes sense that a lot of people would want to know about its cuisine. And rest assured that is worth the wait!
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