Born from the fusion of ingredients and culinary traditions of local Amerindian, European, African, and mestizo cultures, Colombian cuisine offers a fabulous blend of flavors. We invite you to discover the culinary specialties to try in Colombia, whether at restaurants, in fondas (family-run eateries), estaderos (inns), or roadside vendors!

Typical Dishes of Colombia

Sancocho (National Specialty)

Colombians have a passion for soups, so much so that they've made sancocho their national dish. It's a hearty soup made with chicken, plantains, corn, and potatoes. Depending on the region, the chicken is sometimes replaced with beef, pork, or even fish.

It's served with rice, salad, and sometimes half an avocado. A classic Sunday and holiday favorite, sancocho is eaten for breakfast, lunch, as an appetizer, or as a main course. 

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a soup originating from the Cundinamarca region (Bogotá). It consists mainly of a chicken broth, several varieties of potatoes grown on the high plateau of Cundinamarca and Boyacá (criollas, blancas, and sabaneras), and corn. What gives it its distinctive flavor, however, is guasca, an aromatic herb nicknamed the "chili herb." Ajiaco is enjoyed with some capers, thick sour cream, and avocado. The quintessential Andean dish, this soup is the perfect meal after a trek in the region!

Bandeja Paisa

As its name suggests, this dish originates from the Paisa region and more specifically from Antioquia, a region of coffee plantations in northern Colombia. That said, you'll find it in most restaurants across the country. It's a plate comprising no fewer than 14 ingredients: rice, red beans, plantains, beef, chicharrón (fried fat), chorizo, black pudding, fried egg, hogao sauce, avocados, tomatoes, arepa (bread), mazamorra, and refai. Designed to sustain workers through long days of harvesting, this dish is ideal for those with hearty appetites. 

Ceviches

As throughout the Caribbean and South America, fish lovers will delight in a ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice). In Colombia, the most commonly used fish for ceviche are trout, cachama, bocachico, and catfish. Ceviches are generally served with rice and plantains. 

Typical Snacks and Sides of Colombia

Arepa

The arepa is to Colombians what the baguette is to the English-speaking world. It's a round, bread-like patty made from cornmeal. It's eaten as a side dish or snack, topped with meat, eggs, cheese, or vegetables. You'll find white or yellow arepas depending on the type of cornmeal used. 

Tamales

Tamales are comparable to Amerindian parcels. They consist of a cornmeal dough accompanied by meat, fish, cheese, or vegetables. Everything is wrapped in large banana leaves (sometimes corn husks or avocado leaves) and steamed. You'll find all sorts of tamales throughout Colombia

Patacones

Patacones (patacón in singular) are simply sliced plantain rounds flattened and fried to form crispy chips that are crunchy on the outside and creamy inside. Served as an appetizer or side throughout the country, patacones can also be enjoyed as a snack topped with various ingredients (avocado, cheese, vegetables...). 

Empanadas

Empanadas are filled pastries that rank among the most widespread street food specialties in South America. In Colombia, the pastries are made from cornmeal and fried in oil. They come filled with potatoes, ground meat, cheese, vegetables, and are enjoyed with ají sauce (a sauce made from tomato, cilantro, lime, and onion).

Buñuelos

Buñuelos are fritters typically filled with potatoes, cheese, and onions. Taking the shape of a tennis ball, they too are fried in oil and eaten at any time of day.

Typical Desserts of Colombia

Arequipe

Arequipe is, in some sense, the Colombian caramel. It's a dulce de leche (sweetened milk spread) enjoyed the same way as a spread: on crackers, wafers, or in dessert preparations. 

Obleas

Obleas are thin, round brown wafers. They're spread with all sorts of toppings: arequipe, jam, candies, chocolate chips, coconut... Some vendors also use two wafers with fillings sandwiched between them to create a sweet sandwich. 

Postre de Nata

Originating from Colombia's Andean region, postre de nata is a Colombian dessert comparable to rice pudding. It's a cake made with milk cream, sugar, eggs, and currants. 

Chocolate con Queso

Here's one of the most surprising culinary specialties! Simply translated as "hot chocolate with cheese," chocolate con queso is, as its name suggests, a cup of hot chocolate (made with delicious Colombian cocoa) into which you dip or dunk cheese. It can be served with arepas. 

Bocadillo

Bocadillo is a traditional Colombian confection. It's a fruit paste made with guava and panela (sugar cane juice). Locals enjoy it both as a candy and to accompany certain savory snacks like cheese.