Top Ten Foods You Must Try in Colombia

Colombia is a country rich in culinary delights, with a diverse range of flavors and ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds.

From hearty stews to mouthwatering street food, Colombian cuisine offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience.

Top ten foods you simply must try when visiting Colombia

Arepas

Considered a national dish, arepas are thick, round cornmeal pancakes that can be enjoyed in various forms. Whether stuffed with cheese, meat, or served plain as a side dish, arepas are a staple in Colombian cuisine. These delicious treats have a crispy exterior and a soft, doughy center that will leave you craving more.

Bandeja Paisa

Prepare your appetite for the hearty Bandeja Paisa, a typical dish from the Paisa region. This massive platter includes red beans, rice, ground beef, fried pork belly, fried egg, plantains, avocado, and arepas. It’s a meal fit for champions and will surely satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

Sancocho

Sancocho is a comforting and flavorful soup that varies its ingredients across the country. Typically made with chicken, plantains, yuca, potatoes, and other vegetables, this hearty dish is perfect for a chilly evening. The combination of flavors and the richness of the broth make it a beloved dish in Colombian cuisine.

Empanadas

Colombian empanadas are a must-try street food delicacy. These crispy, deep-fried pastries are usually filled with meat, potatoes, and spices, creating a savory and satisfying snack. You’ll find them in food stalls and on street corners throughout the country, ready to be enjoyed with a side of ají sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a traditional soup originating from Bogota. Made with chicken, three different varieties of potatoes, corn on the cob, capers, and a touch of cream, this thick and hearty soup is bursting with flavor. It’s often served with rice and avocado, adding an extra layer of richness to the dish.

Lechona

Lechona is a classic dish from the Tolima region and a staple at festive occasions. It consists of a whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, onions, and spices. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a crispy skin that will leave you wanting seconds.

Cazuela de Mariscos

For seafood lovers, the Cazuela de Mariscos is a seafood platter that shouldn’t be missed. Packed with a variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, fish, squid, and mussels, this dish is usually served with coconut rice, fried plantains, and a tangy lime-based sauce.

Chicharron

Colombians take pride in their chicharron, which is deep-fried pork belly with crispy skin. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or served as a main dish alongside arepas, yuca, or potatoes. The combination of tender meat and crunchy skin creates a delightful contrast of textures.

Posta Negra

Posta Negra is a mouthwatering beef dish that originated in the Pacific region of Colombia. It consists of slow-cooked beef stewed in a dark, sweet sauce made from panela (unrefined cane sugar), spices, and cola. The result is tender, succulent meat with a unique and tantalizing flavor.

Pandebono

To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in pandebono, a traditional Colombian cheese bread made with yuca flour and cheese.