When visiting Colombia, you must indulge in the delicious and diverse cuisine the country has to offer. Here are some of the best Colombian dishes you need to try:
- Arepas: A staple of Colombian cuisine, arepas are cornmeal patties cooked on a griddle or fried. They can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with various fillings like cheese, meat, avocado, or beans.
- Bandeja Paisa: A hearty and iconic Colombian dish, Bandeja Paisa is a platter piled high with beans, rice, grilled meat (such as steak or chorizo), fried egg, plantains, chicharron (crispy pork belly), and an arepa. It’s a true feast for the senses.
- Sancocho: This comforting soup is made with meat (chicken or beef), plantains, yuca (cassava), potatoes, and other vegetables, simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s often enjoyed with a side of rice and avocado.
- Ajiaco: A traditional soup hailing from Bogotá, Ajiaco is a hearty chicken soup made with corn, three different types of potatoes, capers, avocado, and herbs. It’s a delicious and aromatic dish.
- Empanadas: These savory pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients such as beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables. They are deep-fried until golden and served with aji (spicy sauce) for dipping.
- Ceviche: A popular coastal dish, ceviche combines fresh raw fish or seafood marinated in lime juice, onions, cilantro, and spices. It’s a refreshing and tangy delight.
- Bandeja de Mariscos: If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss out on this seafood platter with a variety of marinated and grilled seafood, including shrimp, octopus, squid, and fish served with coconut rice and plantains.
- Lechona: A traditional dish from the Tolima and Quindío regions, lechona is a whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, onions, and spices. The result is tender meat and crispy skin, often served with arepas.
- Posta Negra: This slow-cooked beef dish is made with tender beef, cooked with panela (unrefined cane sugar), coffee, and spices. It’s rich, flavorful, and often served with rice and plantains.
- Changua: A typical breakfast soup, Changua is made with milk, water, eggs, and herbs. It’s simple yet comforting and often enjoyed with bread.
These are just a few highlights of the vast culinary landscape Colombia has to offer. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the regional specialties and street food delights, as they are an integral part of the Colombian food experience.