Colombian Food: What to Eat and Where?

Colombian Food might not be the first cuisine you think of when it comes to exploring gastronomic delights – but this South American country has its fair share of incredible local food experiences for anyone who loves explosive flavours and traditional dishes.

Locals in Colombia are passionate about their food, their farms and the way they cook – and exploring these parts of Colombia is an experience you won’t find in the tourist guidebooks. On our Ultimate Journey Through Colombia you will have the opportunity to visit some amazing food spots for produce, street food and so much more. Colombian food includes so much of what we love, with a lot of influences from Mexico (though not usually as spicy) as well as influences from other central and south American countries. We’ve spoken to a local about what makes Colombian food so special.

Colombian Empanadas

What is Colombian Food? From a Local

Nidia, a Colombian foodie, explained to us that people often think Colombian food will be like Mexican food, because the countries are so close together.

“A lot of people around the world think Colombian food is just like Mexican food, because it’s so close to Latin-America. But it’s so much more than this. Most Colombians, including myself, don’t like spicy food and we don’t really use chilli in our recipes, which is a huge part of Mexican food.”

Of course, we wanted to dig a little deeper into what food Colombians do enjoy, and what they eat in their everyday lives outside of the tourist hotspots and chain restaurants in the cities. Her answers below have given us lots of amazing ideas and inspiration, and we think they will give you many reasons to seek out the best food experiences in Colombia when you arrive.

Nidia says:

“There are some dishes across Colombia that are famous, it depends on the region of Colombia you are in. In the centre of the country, the capital Bogota, the most famous dish is Ajiaco. Ajiaco is a soup, a big hearty dish and you eat it with rice, avocado and corn.

In other regions of Colombia, there are other dishes that are quite famous. Around the coffee region and Medellin is Bandeja Paisa. This is the Colombian equivalent of an English breakfast, usually containing red kidney beans, rice, chorizo, beef, eggs, avocado, fried plantain. It’s a big dish and you feel very full afterwards.

Another food very famous in Colombia is arepas and empanadas, we share these with Venezuela and Argentina, most South American countries eat these. Then, of course, in the Caribbean coast – there are wonderful fish choices, people love any type of fried fish and seafood”

Chicken Sancocho Soup

Bogota cuisine: traditional food & produce

Bogota is a great place to try some incredible food, with so many traditional food stalls and restaurants for you to try from.

If you have time while there you should try visiting some of Bogota’s oldest and most traditional produce streets, Plaza de Paloquemao. It’s not only a feast for the mouth but also the smells and sights of this area are truly something to behold. You’ll also be interacting with some of the nicest people and they’re the ones who’ll really make you feel at home. This is the perfect place to gather fresh ingredients to build the most amazing dishes.

In Bogota you can also find some bustling food markets where you can enjoy delicious street food all served freshly in front of you. This is a great way to eat like a local, and it’s always a good idea to trust a queue of locals to tell you which stalls are good.

Bogota’s famous dessert district should also be on your list of spots to visit, a place popular with friends and families, especially on the weekends. There will be so many delicious things to try here, such as tres leches cake, flan and milhojas. It’s the ideal ending for anyone with a sweet tooth!