Colombia’s Cuisine Unveiled in New Documentary

“De Colombia pa’l mundo” is a recent documentary that embarks on a captivating exploration of Colombia’s diverse culinary landscape. Renowned chef Guillo Vives, brother of Colombian singer Carlos Vives, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of Colombian cuisine, unraveling the authentic flavors, ingredients, landscapes, and cultures that define this rich culinary tapestry. The documentary is now available on HBO Max and Discovery platforms.

De Colombia pa’l mundo: discovering Colombia’s identity through its cuisine

In this production, Chef Guillo Vives traverses the various regions of Colombia, delving into stories, characters, and ingredients that form the essence of Colombian cuisine. This culinary adventure pays homage to agriculture, a sector pivotal to economic and social development across the nation.

From San Andres to the Caribbean Coast, through the Andean mountains, down to the Pacific Coast and the tip of the Amazon, the exploration is guided by an expert in culinary flavors. Chef Vives intricately details the heritage and roots embedded in Colombian cuisine, unveiling the common threads that unite Colombian palates. The documentary identifies a signature dish that represents Colombia on the global culinary stage.

Andrea Hernandez, Sales Director at Warner Bros. Discovery Colombia, expressed pride in showcasing Colombian culture through storytelling: “We are proud to highlight the magic of our national territory through its culinary roots, bringing the Colombian countryside to our audience’s screens. At Warner Bros. Discovery, we aim to connect with the Latin American audience through productions that celebrate their roots, culture, and traditions.”

In search of the Colombian dish

Chef Guillo Vives, undertakes the task of finding the dish that “unites us as Colombians.”

Unlike countries like Italy with pasta, Spain with paella, or Peru with seafood, identifying a single dish that encapsulates Colombian gastronomy is complex due to the country’s regional diversity. Each region, such as Antioquia, the central part of the country, Cartagena, and Tolima, is associated with its distinct culinary offerings.

While Chef Vives hinted at discovering a national dish that unites the entire country, he kept details under wraps, adding an element of anticipation to the documentary.

This culinary exploration adds to the array of local productions aiming to portray and connect with the diverse heritages of the region. Warner emphasizes that the documentary seeks to underscore cultural identity by acknowledging the origins of traditional foods, such as corn, considered a sacred symbol by indigenous communities.