Top 9 Colombian Food You Must Try Before You Die

How well do you know the flavors of Colombian food? A lot, a little, or have you never dared to try them?

The most effective way to discover them is by taking a culinary journey through the Andean country. It has many local dishes that will fascinate you.

Want to see for yourself? Here are ten options you can’t miss tasting in your lifetime. Take a look!

1. Arepas

They are a staple food for Colombians, especially those from the Andean region. They are always present in the diet.

These delicious corn tortillas have extraordinary versatility, making them perfect for any time of day.

You can fill them with whatever you like (cheese, meat, etc.) and serve them as a main dish or a side.

How are arepas made?

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of pre-cooked cornmeal
  • 2 cups of water
  • Salt to taste
  • Cheese, meat, chicken, or guacamole for filling (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine the cornmeal with water and a pinch of salt, stirring to form a smooth and uniform dough.
  2. Divide into portions and form dough balls, pressing them firmly until they are about 1 cm thick.
  3. Grill on a hot pan and let them brown for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Now, fill your delicious arepas.

2. Bandeja Paisa

This is the most beloved Colombian food, originating from Antioquia, and one you definitely have to try.

Imagine a hearty dish that brings together a variety of aromas and textures in a single presentation.

That’s bandeja paisa, a perfect fusion of rice, ground beef, beans, plantain, avocado, chicharrón, arepa, and a fried egg.

How is bandeja paisa made?

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of rice
  • 1 cup of red beans
  • 200 g of ground beef
  • 100 g of chicharrón (fried pork belly)
  • 1 ripe plantain
  • 1 fried egg
  • 1 arepa
  • Hogao (onion and tomato sauce)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice, beans, and ground beef separately, adding hogao to enhance their unique flavors.
  2. Fry the chicharrón until it’s crispy. Slice the plantain and fry it too.
  3. Serve everything on a nice plate along with the ripe plantain and the traditional arepa.

3. Sancocho

This traditional soup adapts to the flavors of each region but always includes meat, yuca, and plantain.

It’s ideal to enjoy with family or friends, especially on cold days, as it’s comforting.

You can make it with chicken, beef, or fish, and add vegetables and corn cobs to make it even richer.

How is sancocho made?

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg of meat (chicken, beef, or fish)
  • 1 ripe plantain
  • 1 peeled yuca
  • 1 corn cob
  • 2 liters of water
  • Onion, cilantro, and garlic to taste

Instructions:

  1. Start by boiling water in a large pot, then add the meat and seasonings like onion, garlic, and cilantro.
  2. Cook for half an hour and then add the corn, yuca, and ripe plantain. Let it simmer for another 30 minutes.
  3. Enjoy your hot sancocho with a touch of cilantro to elevate its flavor.

4. Ajiaco

This is another soup you must try, but it’s typical of Colombia’s capital. It captivates with its distinctive flavor and ingredients.

It includes three types of potatoes, as well as chicken, guasca (a local herb), capers, and avocado, giving it an exquisite taste.

Its flavor is unmatched, making it a perfect choice for cold weather.

How is ajiaco made?

Ingredients:

  • Criolla, sabanera, and pastusa potatoes
  • 1 kg of chicken
  • 1 sprig of guasca
  • 1 avocado
  • Capers to taste
  • 2 liters of water

Instructions:

  1. In a suitable pot, heat water and add the chicken along with the potatoes to create this delicious Colombian food.
  2. Cook for 30 minutes and enhance the flavor by adding guasca. Remove the chicken and carefully shred it.
  3. Return the chicken to the pot and continue cooking for 20 more minutes, allowing the potatoes to break down and release all their flavor.

5. Empanadas

In Colombia, these are highly appreciated because they are fried with a delicious filling and come out very crispy.

The ingredients vary depending on the region. In some areas, they prefer them with beef, chicken, cheese, potatoes, or rice.

Typically, these empanadas are served as a snack, accompanied by ají (a spicy sauce) and a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavor.

How are empanadas made?

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cornmeal
  • 1 cup of hot water
  • 300 g of beef or chicken
  • Oil for frying
  • Ají to accompany

Instructions:

  1. To create an irresistible dough, mix the cornmeal with hot water, add salt, and knead until smooth.
  2. Shape the dough into small discs, fill each with beef or chicken, and press the edges to seal. Fry them and they’re ready!

6. Bocadillo

This classic Colombian sweet is made from the natural sweetness of guava and the warm flavor of panela (unrefined cane sugar).

It delights your taste buds whether eaten on its own or paired with delicious cheese, making it a very tasty treat.

How is bocadillo made?

Ingredients:

  • 500 g of guava
  • 500 g of panela
  • Water

Instructions:

  1. Peel the fruit and cut it into pieces to cook with water and panela over low heat, stirring constantly.
  2. Don’t skip this step. Stir with a spoon until you achieve a thick, flavorful mixture.
  3. Then pour into a mold, let it cool, and cut into perfect squares. Serve with fresh cheese.

7. Lechona

At least once, you have to savor this exquisite and iconic dish, representative of the Tolima department.

It’s essentially a pig meticulously stuffed with peas and rice, along with a mix of rich spices.

It’s a culinary experience that captivates with its taste and the tradition it represents, commonly seen on the table at every celebration.

How is lechona made?

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole (deboned) pig
  • 2 cups of rice
  • 1 cup of peas
  • Spices to taste (cumin, garlic, salt)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice and peas separately to bring out the intensity of their flavors and achieve the perfect texture.
  2. Then, combine the two preparations with the spices and stuff the pig with this mixture.
  3. Be sure to seal it well so the flavors stay inside. Roast for several hours at 180°C.
  4. Once golden, remove it and enjoy the juicy meat with a salad.

8. Tamales

This Colombian food is not only delicious and hearty but also perfect for breakfast, as it energizes your day.

It’s a succulent combination of corn dough, filled with a stew of chicken, meat, or fresh vegetables.

Each tamal is delicately wrapped in banana leaves and steamed for several minutes.

How are tamales made?

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of corn dough
  • 1 cup of meat (chicken or pork)
  • Banana leaves
  • Spices to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the meat for your stew and, once tender, shred it.
  2. Add water and your choice of spices to the corn dough, mixing well to achieve a smooth texture.
  3. Cut the banana leaves into square shapes and place a portion of dough in the center.
  4. Fill, wrap, and tie securely with string. Steam for 1 to 2 hours.

9. Hot Chocolate with Cheese

This typical drink brings to mind fond memories of childhood, reviving moments filled with joy and nostalgia.

It consists of a rich blend of hot chocolate served with tasty pieces of cheese.

The cheese melts perfectly with the heat, creating an incredible gustatory sensation.

How is hot chocolate with cheese made?

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of milk
  • 100 g of dark chocolate
  • Fresh cheese

Instructions:

  1. First, heat the milk, and when it reaches the ideal temperature, add the chocolate.
  2. Stir until it completely melts, and serve in a cup. Add a piece of cheese and let it melt.
  3. As the cheese melts, the chocolate takes on an irresistible texture and flavor that will make you enjoy a comforting and delicious moment.

Savor the Colombian Food Before It’s Too Late

Colombian food offers you abundant and irresistible flavors that delight your palate.

You can’t leave this world without trying them. Why? They’re so tasty that once you taste them, you’ll want to come back for more.

Try these iconic dishes before it’s too late for you!