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Food & drink in Colombia
Indulging in new flavours and expanding your palate is one of the best ways to experience a new culture, and Colombia is no different. The cuisine is hearty, meaty and rich, filled with well-seasoned stews, soups, meat barbequed to perfection and heavenly desserts.
There’s an array of exotic, fresh fruit to snack on or blend into smoothies, and Colombia has some of the best street food options in the world. With a mixture of European and indigenous influences, Colombian food is unique, flavoursome and a highlight of any tour.
What is Colombia's national dish?
Bandeja Paisa
The national dish of Colombia is bandeja paisa, originally from the Antioquia region. It’s a popular meal for those who want a substantial lunch. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, bandeja paisa consists of chicharrones, rice, arepa, beans, arepa, ground beef, steak, chorizo, pork, sausages, avocado and fried eggs.
Did you know?
Colombia is the third-largest coffee producer in the world.
Vegetarian food in Colombia
It is well-known that Colombian cuisine favours meat-heavy dishes. But that doesn’t mean that a vegetarian will starve. Many traditional snacks and meals can be meat-free, and vegetarian options are becoming a much more frequent sight. The tropical climate of Colombia produces an excellent selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, rice and legumes making fantastic vegetarian dishes. Some of our favourite are obleas, mazamorra Colombiana, patacones, changua, arepa and vegetarian tamales.
Drinks in Colombia
Coffee
Colombia's tropical climate provides the perfect conditions for growing a rich, full-flavoured and strong coffee bean.
Aguardiente
The national liquor of Colombia is Aguardiente or ‘firewater’. Made from sugar cane with a strong anise flavour.
Craft Beer
Colombia has a vast selection of microbreweries producing top quality craft beers, everything from Pale Ales to Stouts.
Cholado Colombiano
Crushed ice, fresh fruit, condensed milk and coconut pieces are blended with blackberry syrup and topped with a cherry.
Where's good to eat in Bogota?
On a Budget
- Quinua y Amaranto
(Calle 11 # 2-95 La Candelaria, Bogota, Colombia) - La Puerta Falsa
(Calle 11 No 6-50, Bogota 250051, Colombia) - Local By Rausch
(Calle 90 11 - 13, Bogota 110221, Colombia)
Won’t Break the Bank
- La Jugueteria Macarenao
(Calle 27 No 4A-03 | Macarena., Bogota, Colombia) - Cafe Restaurante El Gato Gris
(Carrera 1A No 12b _ 12 | La Candelaria, Bogota 111511, Colombia) - Prudencia
(Carrera 2 No. 11 - 34 | La Candelaria, Bogota, Colombia)
Treat Yourself!
*Please note that these recommendations are a current guide only.
What food should I try in Colombia?
Ajiaco
A traditional Colombian stew, popular in Bogota, made with chicken, a variety of potatoes and a unique Colombian herb - guascas. Ajiaco is served with corn on the cob, avocado and capers and drizzled with sour cream. It’s hearty, warm and filling.
View tours to Colombia
Arepa
This circular cornmeal bread is one of the most Colombian things you could eat. They are often the base or the side of many meals, but can also be eaten alone with either butter, cheese, meat or vegetables.
Sancocho
Sancocho is one of the most popular things to eat in Colombia. Essentially it’s a flavourful broth or stew, with chunky pieces of plantain, yuca, corn and usually chicken, but sometimes beef, pork or tripe. It’s traditionally served with a herb sauce or salsa.
Mango Biche
One of the most famous street foods in Colombia is the delicious mango biche. An unripe mango coated in salt, pepper and lime. This unique mixture of salty and sour will undoubtedly have you going back for more!
Cazuela de mariscos
If you like seafood, a must-try dish in Colombia is cazuela de mariscos - a seafood pot. A coconut stew consisting of vegetables, spices and a mix of prawns and other types of seafood.
Empanadas
Empanadas are found all over South America with each country creating its own twist. In Colombia they are filled with either beef, chicken or cheese, coriander and rice then fried, not baked.
Chocolate con queso
Chocolate con queso, meaning chocolate and cheese, is a typical Colombian snack that is adored. Essentially its cheese dipped in hot chocolate — usually eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
Buñuelos
Bunuelos is a hugely popular street food in Colombia, consisting of fried dough balls sprinkled with sugar powder. You’ll find it everywhere during the holidays in November and December.
Fritanga
Fritanga is a meat-heavy traditional Colombian dish made for sharing. It’s a huge basket of food including grilled chicken, beef, sausages, pork rinds and patacones, arepas, corn, chips or potatoes.
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