Colombian cuisine is truly amazing, with everything from street food to hearty soups and sweet baked goods. Over three months in Colombia, I ate my way around Bogota, Medellín, and Cartagena, and tried numerous must-try dishes.
If you’re curious about what to eat in Colombia, here’s a list of my favorite dishes and the best places to find them. Colombia offers an incredible variety of food due to its size, and I’ve picked some traditional dishes and top spots where you can enjoy these treats.
In the highlands and central regions, Ajiaco is a beloved dish. It’s a chicken and potato soup with capers, cream, and corn, typically served with avocado and rice. My favorite place for Ajiaco in Bogota is La Puerta de la Catedral near Simon Bolivar Square. It’s authentic and affordable.
Another popular soup is Sancocho, a thick, hearty broth made with plantains, yucca, and potatoes, to which different meats are added. In Cartagena, it has a Caribbean twist with white fish and coconut milk. Cocina de Pepina in Cartagena is a great place to try it.
Changua is a breakfast soup made from milk, water, coriander, parsley, onions, and egg. It’s served with bread and is supposedly great for hangovers. It has ancient roots and is a perfect breakfast in cooler parts like Bogota. Mama Lupe, near the cathedral in Bogota, is a good spot to try this.
Empanadas are fantastic street food in Colombia, typically deep-fried with fillings like beef, chicken, or cheese. Vegetarian options are also available. In Medellin, check out Empanadas El Machetico for some of the best.
Arepas are another staple, made from cornflour and stuffed with various fillings. Arepa de queso and arepa de huevo are popular varieties. Plain arepas are often served in restaurants, but street food stands tend to offer tastier options. La Pepiada in Cartagena offers a great variety of stuffed arepas.
Patacones, made from smashed and deep-fried plantains, are delicious and usually served with a variety of dipping sauces. In Medellin, try them at Mamasita Medallo.
Tamales, often eaten for breakfast on Sundays, consist of maize filled with meat and veggies wrapped in a plantain leaf and boiled. La Puerta Falsa near Simon Bolivar Square in Bogota serves some great tamales.
Bandeja paisa is a hearty dish known as the countryman’s platter and includes a mix of ground meat, chorizo, fried pork belly, eggs, plantain, rice, avocado, and a plain arepa. Mondongo’s in Medellin is a must-visit for this dish.
On the coast, seafood dishes reign supreme. Cazuela de mariscos is a creamy stew with shrimp, clams, and fish in a coconut broth. Buena Vida Marisquería in Cartagena is an excellent choice for this dish.
Ceviche in Colombia comes in two main types: one similar to the traditional Peruvian dish with seafood marinated in citrus, and another like a tangy prawn cocktail served in cups. La Cevicheria in Cartagena’s Old Town is highly recommended.
Mango biche, spears of unripe mango with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and sometimes hot sauce, are refreshing and make a perfect snack on the go.
Cholao is a dessert from Cali made of layers of fruit with condensed milk and syrup. It’s refreshing and great for anyone with a sweet tooth. Cholados Gourmet in Cali is a great place to try it.
Chocolate Santaferaño, or chocolate con queso, is a hot chocolate served with cheese to melt and mix in. It’s an unusual but delicious combination. The Chocolate House in Medellin offers this treat.
Pandebono, a small sweet cheese bread, is perfect with hot chocolate or coffee and is widely available. Árbol de Pan in Bogota’s Chapinero area is a nice spot for these pastries.
Finally, obleas are wafer discs with sweet fillings like chocolate, jam, and caramel. They’re a popular street food, especially in Bogota. Obleas de Doña Berta is a notable vendor.
To experience the best of Colombian food, consider joining a food tour. These tours are a fantastic way to taste typical dishes and learn about their history and cultural significance. Happy eating!