Travel Blog Colombian Culinary Guide: What to Eat and Where

Colombia is a feast for the senses, and nowhere is this more evident than in its rich and diverse cuisine. A melting pot of indigenous, Spanish, African, and Arab influences, Colombian food is as diverse as its geography. From the snow-capped Andes to the steamy Caribbean coast, each region offers its own unique spin on traditional dishes. If you're planning a trip or want to explore South American flavours, this Colombian food guide will take you through what and where to eat in Colombia.

Must-Try Colombian Foods

Start your culinary journey with some of the must-try Colombian foods that are staples across the country:

1. Arepas

No Colombian cuisine guide is complete without arepas. These cornmeal cakes come in countless varieties, from the buttery, cheese-filled Arepa de Queso in Antioquia to the thinner, crispier Arepa Boyacense. They’re eaten for breakfast, as a snack, or even with meals.

2. Bandeja Paisa

This hearty dish is the crown jewel of the Antioquia region and a rite of passage for food lovers. It includes grilled steak, chorizo, pork rind (chicharrón), rice, beans, a fried egg, avocado, and sweet plantain. It's not for the faint of appetite!

3. Ajiaco

A beloved dish from Bogotá, ajiaco is a rich chicken and potato soup flavoured with guasca, a local herb. It’s traditionally served with capers, avocado, and cream on the side.

4. Lechona

Originating from the Tolima region, lechona is a whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, onions, and spices. It's slow-cooked for hours, resulting in crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat.

5. Empanadas

These fried pockets of dough filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese are a staple of Colombian street food. They're cheap, portable, and absolutely delicious perfect with a dollop of spicy ají sauce.

Best Food Cities in Colombia

Colombia’s regional diversity makes every destination a fresh culinary adventure. Here are the best food cities in Colombia where you can experience the full spectrum of flavours.

1. Bogotá

The capital is a great place to try highland specialities like ajiaco, tamales, and changua (milk and egg soup). Visit La Candelaria for rustic eateries or head to Zona G for fine dining and modern twists on traditional Colombian dishes. If you wish to learn more and plan to visit Bogota, please consider our cooking class tour. Alternatively, if you have more time, explore our 3-day tour to Uncover the local flavours of Bogota.

2. Medellín

The City of Eternal Spring is home to the iconic bandeja paisa and excellent Colombian street food. Try the local chorizo in Envigado or grab a buñuelo (fried cheese ball) from a street vendor. For upscale Colombian fusion, restaurants like El Cielo offer unforgettable tasting menus.

f you're visiting Medellín and want an authentic local food experience while connecting with the community, be sure to check out our 3-day tour in Medellín.

3. Cartagena

A coastal gem where Caribbean influences shine. Cartagena offers incredible seafood dishes like ceviche, fried fish with coconut rice, and cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew). Don’t miss the street arepas filled with egg (Arepa de Huevo) or cheese.

4. Cali

Famous for its salsa dancing, Cali also has a dynamic food scene. Here, you'll find sancocho de gallina (chicken stew), tamales Vallunos, and local desserts like manjar blanco (similar to dulce de leche). Street food vendors serve up aborrajados, plantains stuffed with cheese and deep-fried.

5. Barranquilla

Located on the northern coast, Barranquilla is another hotspot for coastal cuisine. Sample dishes like arroz de lisa (mullet rice), bollo de yuca, and enyucado (cassava cake). This city shines during Carnival, when food stalls burst with local treats.

Colombian Street Food: A Flavourful Adventure

If you're wondering what to eat in Colombia beyond restaurant fare, the streets are a treasure trove. Colombian street food is vibrant, varied, and budget-friendly.

• Arepa de Huevo: Particularly popular in the Caribbean coast, this is a deep-fried arepa with a whole egg inside.
• Chorizo and Chunchullo: These grilled meats are often sold at roadside stands and night markets.
• Salchipapas: A fast-food favourite of sliced sausage and fries topped with pink sauce or cheese.
• Obleas: Wafer-thin discs filled with arequipe (caramel), jam, or shredded cheese.

Street vendors can be found in nearly every city, but places like Bogotá’s Usaquén market or Cartagena’s Plaza de los Coches offer especially dense concentrations of delicious bites.

Where to Eat in Colombia: From Markets to Gourmet

Still asking yourself where to eat in Colombia? It really depends on your taste and budget:

• Local Markets: Cities like Medellín (Plaza Minorista) and Bogotá (Paloquemao Market) are great for sampling authentic flavours. Try a fresh jugo natural (fruit juice) or grab a tamal to-go.
• Family-Run Fondas: These rustic eateries serve home-cooked, traditional Colombian dishes. They’re especially common in the coffee region and rural towns.
• Fine Dining: Colombia's culinary scene has matured rapidly. Restaurants like Leo in Bogotá and Carmen in Medellín are elevating Colombian ingredients with modern techniques.
• Beachfront Shacks: Along the Caribbean coast, nothing beats eating fried fish with a cold beer while your feet are in the sand.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of rustic stews, grilled meats, or exotic tropical fruits, Colombia is an unforgettable destination for food lovers. This Colombian food guide is just a starting point each town, market, and street stall tells its own flavourful story. From hearty mountain meals to fresh coastal cuisine, Colombian cuisine is as colourful and diverse as its people.

So pack your appetite and dive into this incredible country. With so many must-try Colombian foods, traditional Colombian dishes, and vibrant Colombian street food, you'll soon see why Colombia is one of the best food cities in Latin America. Get in touch if you are interested in a gastronomy tour in Colombia.

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