Latin America is popular for its tasty food, and Colombia does not dissatisfy. In reality, tasting Colombian food is among the leading factors to check out Colombia. Like its nation, Colombian food varies and amazing.
You might find the odd Caribbean food or Peruvian meal in these 28 finest meals– Colombian food is enormously affected by its surrounding areas and colonial history. The nation is divided into 6 areas, each of which has its own local specializeds also. Keep in mind that there are local distinctions when circumnavigating Colombia’s must-see cities — you do not wish to lose out on a specialized meal.
28 Standard Colombian Meals
Prepared to check out the very best Colombian food? Whether you wish to attempt some Colombian food in your home or are checking out Colombia and are thrilled to attempt regional meals, this guide will present you to the very best. We’ll cover whatever, from Empanadas to Frijoles Rojos. Let’s dive directly in.
1. Colombian Empanadas
Colombian empanadas have actually been a preferred meal given that colonial times. Its look is similar to a Cornish pasty, and the pastry is folded over with a filling within. It’s simple to find with its particular semi-circle shape and pinched edge.
You’ll discover ground meat, potatoes, cheese, and hogao (tomato salsa sauce) within. Naturally, there are some dish variations– specifically for meat-free variations of the meal. Colombian empanadas are simple to make in your home and tasty to consume in Colombia. If you desire a fast, simple treat, empanadas are among the very best Colombian meals.
If you wish to attempt an empanada prior to you take a trip to Colombia, you can follow this dish to make your own in your home.
2. Pandebono
The legend behind pandebono is that an Italian baker living in Cali developed the bread. When he offered it, he utilized to stroll the streets screaming ‘pane del buono’ (great bread); the name stuck, and the bread turned into one of the most popular Colombian foods.
So, what is it precisely? The bread is likewise nicknamed Colombian cheese bread, which ought to offer you an excellent tip. It is made with melted cheese, yuca flour, and eggs and formed into bagel or ball shapes. You can consume pandebono at breakfast, as street food, or as a side at supper– it is a versatile meal. Keep in mind that it is finest consumed when it is still warm out of the oven. Pandebono is a meal planned to be consumed as fresh as possible.
To get in the state of mind for your Colombian journeys, make your own Pandebono at house with this dish.
3. Bandeja Paisa
Bandeja paisa is most likely the most renowned Colombian food in this guide. Some even reach to call it the nationwide meal. Bandeja paisa is a platter-styled meal with a selection of meats, a fried egg, white rice, corn, plantain, red beans, and an avocado. The meats consist of minced beef and chorizo sausage to chicharron. You’ll typically discover an Arepa on the plate, too (more on that later).
Bandeja paisa is common of Colombia’s Antioquia area and, like frijoles rojos, was best for employees investing long days in the mountains and on farms. Bandeja paisa loads a healthy punch and is loaded with protein and carbs. It stays a popular lunch option and is one to attempt if you check out Colombia. Make your dish in your home by following this dish.
4. Frijoles Rojos
Frijoles Rojos is an unique Colombian meal that utilizes cargamento beans, likewise called red beans. This Colombian food is especially healthy, and red beans are an excellent source of iron, potassium, low-fat protein, and fiber. It is a stew-like mixture, and the red beans are blended with tomatoes, onion, and garlic. It is then typically served on top of a part of rice.
Frijoles rojos was initially a worker’s meal. It is affordable and jam-packed with energy and nutrients– best for sustaining a difficult day at work. Nevertheless, Frijoles Rojos have actually ended up being an extensively consumed meal in Colombian food. See this simple video to make it yourself.
5. Bananos Calados
Bananos calados is among Colombia’s finest desserts and originates from the Quindio area, near the Andes. It may not look (or noise) tasty, however it is quickly among the tastiest meals you can attempt from Colombian food. The dessert includes fried bananas blended with lime juice and served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, producing a sweet yet appetizing reward for your tastebuds. Periodically, you might likewise discover the lime juice changed by orange juice and cinnamon– so keep your eye out for any special dishes.
Colombia has great deals of native fruit, and you can quickly see that this has actually influenced lots of conventional dishes. Bananos calados are one food to attempt if you wish to experience Colombia’s dessert scene. Make this tasty sweet in your home to revive memories of your journeys to Colombia.
6. Chicharron Colombiano
Chicharron Colombiano is fried pork stubborn belly, a hearty meal covered in onions, bay leaves, and spices for a marvelous taste. Chicharron is loaded with taste and served with a crisp texture that has actually been refined over generations of cooking. It is a common supper meal and is connected with household and custom.
The meal is common of Colombia’s Andean area. Nevertheless, it came from Spain and was presented to Colombia by Spanish colonizers. The Spanish dish differs significantly; skin or stubborn belly cuts can be utilized, unlike the Colombian variation. You’ll discover that many nations in Latin America have their own variation of chicharron. Prepare to attempt as various variations as possible. Colombia has actually given that taken a firm spin on the meal, however, and chicharron has well and really got in Colombian food.
7. Coconut rice
Forget white rice; coconut rice is the tastiest. As its name might recommend, coconut rice is prepared with coconuts, providing it a tasty taste and getting it a put on this list as a meal in its own right. There are 2 primary methods coconut rice is prepared: cooking it in coconut milk or blending it with shredded coconut. Cooking it in coconut milk is the very best, as you get a more powerful coconut taste.
The history of coconut rice is a little bit of a secret. The meal is spread around the world, specifically in Asia and South America. Nevertheless, given that coconuts are among Colombia’s most typical tropical fruits, it is no secret why they are so common in Colombian food. If you get the possibility to attempt it, coconut rice is a yummy meal.
8. Pescado Frito
Pescado Frito is a timeless, conventional Colombian food. Pescado Frito equates as fried fish and is served entire, with skin and head undamaged. It can be a little complicated if you aren’t utilized to consuming fish like this. Nevertheless, you’ll quickly be won over, as preparing the fish in its skin increases its taste and keeps the fish meat moist. You can anticipate much juicer meat than you ‘d get consuming fillets and fish steaks.
In Colombia, the fried fish is typically mojarra or red snapper. The fish is sliced and after that seasoned with lime and spices, frequently being in the juice for a while to actually absorb the taste. It is served with rice, plantain, and salad– the best lunch meal.
9. Arepa de Huevo
Arepa de huevo is a variation of basic arepas, which are fried corn cakes. Arepas are an enormously popular breakfast food and are likewise thought about rather of a home cooking. Arepa de huevo are among the tastiest variations with egg. Preparing them includes frying a corn cake, splitting it, and filling it with an egg, then frying it once again to prepare the egg inside. The outcome is a fried egg covered in fried bread.
It is no shock that arepas de huevos are among the most popular meals– specifically for breakfast. They are served in stacks (like pancakes) as a standalone meal. Simply select your sauce to match, salsa and sour cream are fantastic options. See this dish to get up with a taste of Colombia.
10. Sopa de Pollo
Sopa de pollo equates as chicken soup, and it is another soothing meal in Colombian food. It is reasonable to state that it is most likely the most common Colombian soup and is extensively consumed throughout the nation. The chicken soup is likewise loaded with plantain, corn, potatoes, and yuca. In reality, it is so filled with active ingredients that it frequently appears more like a stew than a soup.
Naturally, chicken soup is discovered worldwide, however Colombia’s variation is especially tasty. The mix of active ingredients like plantain and yuca is a lot more special, and frequently Colombian dishes utilize a whole chicken.
Sopa de pollo is an exceptional Colombian food to attempt when checking out or to recreate in your home. It is finest prepared slow-cooked and served piping hot and is among those one-pot meals the entire household enjoys.
11. Morcilla
Morcilla is a blood sausage made with ground pork and pork blood. Morcillas are quickly spotted due to the fact that of their dark, deep reddish-brown color. They are an extremely conventional meal throughout Latin America. You ought to have no issue discovering some to attempt if you check out Colombia. And if you like black pudding, you remain in for a reward.
Morcillas are prepared from scratch, and the procedure includes squeezing the mix into sausage cases. The ground meat is blended with pork blood, onions, and rice prior to being taken into cases. Colombian dishes tend to include cilantro and periodically green peas also. The sausages are then typically boiled to prepare.
12. Cazuela de Mariscos
Ready for a Colombian seafood meal? Cazuela de mariscos is among the most popular Colombian meals in seaside areas, specifically along the Caribbean Coast and Cartegena. It is a common food and seafood casserole or seafood stew– loaded with whatever from prawns to mussels and lobster. The meats are prepared in coconut milk with a mix of veggies. You may even have gewurztraminer and cheese contributed to the mix if you are fortunate.
Cazuela de mariscos is a renowned meal when checking out Colombia’s shoreline. What is much better than a fresh seafood meal? The majority of the time, the active ingredients have actually been simply captured out of the Caribbean Sea. This is absolutely one for your list when you check out Colombia. Or attempt making it at house with this delicious dish.
13. Colombian Bunuelos
Bunuelos are deep-fried balls loaded with fresh cheese– an ideal afternoon treat or breakfast bite. Oddly enough, they are frequently served along with hot chocolate and coffee, so you can frequently discover bunuelos at coffee shops in Colombia.
Bunuelos are among the most popular Colombian foods. The dish develops dough from yucca flour, cornstarch, eggs, milk, and sugar. The deep-fried dough is then made, with the bunuelos organized into their particular appetizer-sized ball shape and drifted in a pan of boiling grease.
It is believed that bunuelos were presented to Colombia by Spanish intruders. The treat is now consumed throughout Colombia as street food and coffee shop or dining establishment reward. Bunuelos are specifically popular at Christmas time. We discovered this simple to follow dish on YouTube
14. Obleas
Obleas is not simply a common Colombian meal; it is delighted in all over Spain and Latin America. Obleas appears like a sandwich, which’s exactly what it is. The timeless dessert includes 2 wafers that sandwich a filling of dulce de leche and frequently a mix of fruit, whipped cream, and jam. The Colombian variation is practically similar however includes one unique component– Colombian caramel.
If you have actually got a craving for sweets, obleas are among the very best common Colombian desserts to attempt. You’ll discover them all over, from coffee shops to street stalls.
15. Lechona
Lechona is a Colombian food for unique celebrations. The meal includes an entire roasted pig packed with onions, peas, potatoes, pork fat, white rice, garlic, and spices like cumin. After the pig has actually had its bones gotten rid of and has actually been packed, it is put in the oven and slow-cooked (frequently for as much as 10 hours).
Needless to state, lechona is planned to be the cooking work of art of the table. It is a meal developed to be shown big groups of individuals when you wish to sprinkle out on an elegant meal. You will frequently discover specific portions of lechona at dining establishments around Colombia, however, so keep your eyes peeled.
16. Cholado
Let’s set Colombian foods aside for a minute. Cholado is among the very best beverages in Colombia, so let’s present you. The beverage is a revitalizing mix of shaved ice, fresh fruit, and sweetened condensed milk. Depending upon where you get one, you might likewise discover the beverage served with ice cream, wafers, and whipped cream.
Cholado stems from Jamundi in Valle de Cauca. It is a mix in between dessert, fruit mixed drink, and beverage– ticking all packages artistically and delightfully. If you like fresh fruit and sweet deals with, it is an excellent beverage to attempt when checking out Colombia, yet basic sufficient to recreate in your home.
17. Carimanola
Carimanolas are simple to area. The small fritters are formed into particular torpedo shapes, typically served wholesale as bitesize appetisers. They are a standard Colombian food, although you’ll likewise discover carimanolas in other Southern American nations like Panama.
Inside, carimanolas are packed with hamburger or shredded chicken, cheese, and spices. The fritters are then deep-fried to develop a sort of meat pie. They are light and crispy on the outdoors yet soft on the within. Usually, carimanolas feature aji sauce. This intense green sauce primarily includes cilantro and is great and spicy– the best side. Wish to attempt them prior to your journeys? Head over to follow this dish
18. Colombian Sopa de Mondongo
While mondongo frequently has a stew-like consistency, it is really another common Colombian soup. The soup includes onion, potato, beef tripe, chorizo, and pork, all served piping hot in a little bowl. It is an extremely conventional Colombian food, and you’ll discover mondongo at many dining establishments throughout the nation.
Like lots of Colombian meals, sopa de mondongo is thought to have actually been presented by Spanish colonizers. The tomato-based soup has actually been securely embraced into the Colombian cooking scene, however, and Colombian variations of the dish have a certain twist.
19. Fritanga
Fritanga is a plate meal. The meal is extensively offered among street food suppliers and includes a mix of foods loaded onto a big plate– typically grilled on the street. So, what foods will you discover in fritanga? Typically, chorizo, sausage, plantain, and a mix of veggies.
Fritanga is a Nicaraguan meal, although it has actually ended up being embraced into Colombian food. The story behind its origin is a terrible one. The meal was very first developed after the 1931 earthquake, which struck Nicaragua, and individuals prepared food on the street with barbecues.
Now, you’ll discover fritanga prepared all over Latin America and Colombia. It is a historic, yummy, and filling meal to attempt.
20. Bocadillo
A bocadillo is a tasty Colombian food made with guava paste– an item of a popular tropical fruit. The meal is very sweet and an unique reward and dessert. It has a melt-in-your-mouth texture however is otherwise not sticky to the touch. Bocadillos just need a couple of active ingredients, mainly panela and guava pulp, so they are simple to make if you wish to recreate the meal in your home.
You’ll frequently discover bocadillos served at coffee shops, typically along with a piece of salted white cheese. They come cut into little rectangular shapes or squares and are the best bitesize deals with.
21. Aborrajados
Aborrajados are one meal that you do not discover as quickly. It came from the Valley de Cauca and is a local specialized. The imaginative (if a little bizarre-sounding) meal includes deep-fried plantain packed with cheese to develop a crispy, healthy cheese bite. The absolute best location to attempt aborrajados remains in the area of the Valley de Cauca itself, where you’ll discover the meal most prevalently anyhow.
Aborrajados are functioned as treats or appetisers prior to a big meal. Do not eliminate the meal at pudding time, however, as you can include guava paste to the fried meal to develop a sweet reward for dessert.
22. Arroz con Pollo
Arroz con pollo actually equates as rice with chicken. It is a basic however essential Colombian food and similar to Spanish paella. The meal includes rice, chicken, onion, and veggies, with saffron tossed through the mix for extra taste.
If you desire a filling meal, arroz con pollo is a fantastic option. Plus, it is simple to discover and is extensively served at dining establishments and street supplier stalls throughout Colombia. It is thought that arroz con pollo came from Spain while the nation was under Moorish impact. When Spanish colonizers shown up in Colombia, it is presumed that the meal was presented to Colombian food culture.
23. Cocadas Blancas
We have actually covered lots from Colombia’s seaside area. However what about a dessert from the Caribbean Coast? Cocadas blancas is an incredibly sweet dessert for your list. The meal is made with a mix of shredded coconut, sugar, milk, and coconut water. Depending upon where you attempt it, you might likewise discover additional active ingredients like cinnamon– many people have their own twist on the timeless dish.
Cocadas blancas are typically offered on the street and along Colombia’s beaches. Nevertheless, you can discover them on dessert menus in dining establishments too. They are tasty food, sticky and sweet. You remain in for a reward attempting one.
24. Colombian Hot Chocolate
Mentioning desserts, hot chocolate is another sweet reward that Colombia stands out at. The Colombian variation of hot chocolate is called Santafereno. It is really various from the European and American variations of the beverage. Rather of sweet milk chocolate, the Colombian variation utilizes dark, unsweetened chocolate. Santafereno is generally made in water, not milk, with cinnamon or cloves frequently contributed to combat any bitterness. It might sound unusual, however Colombians are likewise popular for dipping cheese in their hot chocolate– which you might or might not wish to attempt.
Another thing that is very important to understand is that Colombia has actually been utilizing chocolate for centuries. Chocolate is made from cacao trees, which are discovered in locations of Colombia and the Amazon basin. Colombia isn’t alone either; cacao has actually been utilized all throughout Latin America as far back as the Aztecs and Mayans.
25. Calentado
Calentado is a staple in Colombian gastronomy and is a meal rooted in recycling leftovers from the night previously– its name actually equates as ‘heated’. The meal was substantiated of hardship to restrict waste, and now it is among the most conventional foods in Colombia.
The most typical active ingredients in a calentado meal are white rice, plantain, and steak. It is then frequently topped with a fried egg and arepas, maybe even served with a hot chocolate or coffee. By the nature of the meal, calentado was primarily prepared in your home. Naturally, now you’ll discover it on menus throughout the nation. At dining establishments, you tend to likewise discover avocado and sausage served along with the basic active ingredients.
26. Fried Plantain
Fried plantain is delicious Colombian food. To the inexperienced eye, you can be forgiven for misinterpreting them for bananas. They look similar, other than plantains are much bigger, less sweet, and just end up being ripe once they turn black. In their yellow phases, plantains are best for frying, which is where deep-fried plantain can be found in.
The very best feature of fried plantain is its flexibility. You might have it tasty with breakfast, lunch, or supper. Or you might caramelize it and have it as a dessert. You might combine it with an egg, or you might combine it with ice cream.
Fried plantain tastes like a potato, and the crisp external layer paves the way to a soft, squishy within. You will not have any problems discovering fried plantain in Colombia (or Latin America), so attempt it yourself.
28. Colombian coffee
If you like coffee, you remain in for a reward. This conventional Colombian beverage is world-famous, and the quantity of coffee beans grown in Colombia is amazing for any caffeine lover. For the a lot of part, Colombia grows Arabica beans, which are light and sweet to taste, unlike the extreme Robusta. The reality that Arabica is a bit weaker than Robusta is most likely an advantage, however, given that, in Colombian coffee culture, it is intoxicated most from late afternoon to early night. Not from the early morning to early afternoons like in the United States and Europe.
A terrific method to experience Colombian is to go coffee tasting. And if you wish to go coffee tasting in Colombia, focus on checking out Medellin or Manizales. These areas are well known for their coffee beans and have actually ranges called after them. You can schedule trips around regional coffee plantations or go to regional coffee shops.
27. Maracuya
Maracuya may sound unknown, however the opportunities are high that you have actually seen one previously. Enthusiasm fruit may not be a meal as such. Still, tropical fruits are such a recognized part of Colombian gastronomy that we needed to include them on this list. Enthusiasm fruits are a deep purple on the outdoors, with a waxy, protective external skin. Cut open, they expose a tasty, tasty bed of yellow seeds. These seeds can be consumed directly from the enthusiasm fruit or utilized as a component for items like ice cream or juice.
Enthusiasm fruits grow all over South America and are thought to have actually initially originated from the Northern Argentina area prior to expanding in appeal throughout the continent. Not preparing a see to Colombia? No issue. You can attempt enthusiasm fruit around the world given that it is a substantial export item.
Colombian food is among the very best foods on the planet. There is a lot to attempt, so get going as quickly as possible. Fortunately, if you are checking out Colombia, there are a lot of food trips to sample conventional Colombian food– leading you around the very best areas. You can have a look at our finest travel suggestions here also.
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