What traditional Colombian food to try on your trip 

Traditional Colombian food is as diverse as its flora and fauna. Being one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, there is not so much of a national dish as a range of regional specialties. Each region has its own character, born of a unique history and a unique set of flavors.

Indulging in new flavors and spoiling your palate is one of the most exciting aspects of travel. Exploring food with names you can hardly pronounce, tasting new spices, exotic fruits, and savory street food is all part of getting to know a country. Traditional Colombian food is increasingly becoming part of any foodie’s “to do” list.

This is a list of the main Traditional Colombian food or dishes you should try while visiting Colombia Vacation Spots. There are many other drinks, appetizers and pastry specialties you should consider, but let’s begin with the main courses.

Traditional Colombian Food #1: Pescado frito y arroz con coco:

Not too many countries have the luxury of two coasts featuring different oceans, but Colombia does. On the Caribbean Coast, especially places likes Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla, and La Guajira, you will find pargo frito (fried snapper, both red and Golden), róbalo (sea bass) and mojarra (sea bream), served with coconut rice and green fried plantains, known as patacones.

You can also find a variety of cazuela de mariscos (seafood soups), prawns, ceviche and occasionally lobster. Suero costeño, a type of sour cream/salty yogurt is also an important side that goes with anything found on the coast.

Range of price: 25.000 – 35.000 COP ($8 – 12 USD)

Best: Bocagrande, Getsemani, or the Walled City. For a fancier version, try La Vitrola Restaurant (Cartagena).

Ajiaco:

Heading deep into the middle of Colombia, towards colder departments like Cundinamarca and Boyacá (some of the best Colombia Vacation Spots), you will find more winter-like dishes, as it can get pretty cold. The most traditional dish and common-known Ajiaco Santafereño is the one from Bogotá (the capital city). It is a hot soup made with 3 different kinds of potatoes. The rich flavor comes from guasca, a Colombian herb, and from capers, which are cooked into the soup and also sprinkled on top once poured into a bowl. Inside you will find chicken, corn on the cob, cream, and avocado.

Range of price: 20.000 – 30.000 COP ($6 – 10 USD)

Best: Casa Vieja Restaurant (Bogotá)

Bandeja Paisa:

The Coffee Region and Antioquia are famous for having the best coffee in the world and also for its regional specialty: Bandeja paisa. Originally, this mega-calorie meal was invented to provide peasant workers with enough energy to keep them going throughout the entire day. It consists of a large dish filled with beans, rice, avocado, plantains, black sausage, fried pork rinds, ground beef, a fried egg, and a small arepa. It is an extremely delicious and hearty plate, but, heads up: it will leave you in a serious food coma.

Range of price: 25.000 – 30.000 COP ($8 – 10 USD)

Best: Hato Viejo restaurant (Medellín)

Sancocho

Another popular dish that will leave you in a Traditional Colombian food coma, but without regrets is Sancocho. A hearty stew made with everything except the kitchen sink! Jokes aside, Sanchoco is made out of pork, beef, potato, cassava, cilantro, onion, garlic, green plantain, sweet plantain, corn, carrot, cabbage, salt, and cumin. See? And let’s not forget the slice of avocado and a portion of white rice.

Range of price: 25.000 – 30.000 COP ($8 – 10 USD)

Best: El Rancherito restaurant (Medellín)

Range of price: 3.000 – 5.000 COP ($1 – 3 USD)

Best: In the street or any typical “asadero”. Also for a fancier but equally delicious version, visit Andrés Carne de Res (restaurant in Chía).

Traditional Colombian Food – Conclusion:

If this is your first time traveling to this magical country, prepare to dive right in, sampling a mix and match of influences within Traditional Colombian food. An interesting fact about Colombia is that its Indigenous Colombian, Spanish, African and a slight Arab influences, make an uniquely diverse and exciting coalition of flavors. This mix is what makes Colombian food so special.

I hope you enjoy our recommendation and don’t hesitate to try them while visiting some your preferred Colombia Vacation Spots.