The typical dishes of Colombia

¿Did you know that Colombian gastronomy is one of the most recognized, due to the wide variety of elements that they incorporate in each preparation? This country has a wide cultural wealth, which is manifested in the ingredients and techniques of its cuisine. So this time we bring you 20 typical dishes of Colombia that represent its essence as a people.

These are flavors that will be marked in your mind, and that are part of their traditions. ¿Do you want to know more? So, prepare your senses so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest. ¡Keep reading!

Cheese tamales

Now we move on to the one considered by many, as Colombia’s national dish for its representative ingredients. These are the tamales, which according to the region where you eat it varies the way of wrapping and preparing. For example, the dough is obtained from cornmeal, rice, or a combination of both.

The most famous of the nation They are the coastal ones, which are made with rice and are also known as cakes. As for the filling, pieces of meat, eggs, potatoes, chicken, carrots and grains such as lentils or chickpeas are added.

Then, they are wrapped with banana leaves and tied very well so that the cooking integrates all the flavors. It is usually eaten at breakfast, with cheese and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. However, it is very common for you to observe them at any time of the day to calm your appetite.

Chopped or fritanga

It is one of the dishes of Colombian cuisine, which passes the diets for a slender figure. We know it as chopped or fried, and it consists of a mixture of pieces of meat, pork ribs, chicken and pork rinds.

This is accompanied by ears and bananas, cut equally and cooked until slightly golden in color. For deepen the flavor, is usually served with black pudding cuts, sausage and the inevitable chorizo.

As for the dressing, avocado is placed with sweet or spicy chili. And you cannot miss the respective serving of cassava, Creole potatoes or arepas. All this is served on a large tray to share a pleasant time between family or loved ones.

Achiras

It is a typical preparation of the regions of Huila and Tolima, which consists of a sago and curd cake. It is usually accompanied by a piece of artisan cheese wrapped in banana leaves that is known as a cheese.

And to end the experience, they serve a well-liquefied glass of oatmeal with pieces of ice and sugar. All this is combined effectively, to achieve one of the typical Colombian dishes that is eaten before food.

Clean bun

Another of the protagonists of Colombian cuisine, which has its roots in the Atlantic coast of the nation. It is known as a clean bun, and is made from salty white corn.

In addition, it serves as the basis for a lots of combinations that are exquisite to the most demanding palates. For example, you can sliced and place firm coastal cheese or a serum made from sour milk on top.

Equally, it is common for you to accompany him with fried fish or pork rind. Certainly, this dish is part of the flavors present in the daily life of Colombian streets.

Arepas

You are certainly before one of the most popular dishes throughout the Colombian geography. And it is that the arepa is characterized by the versatility that is obtained from its different ingredients and flavors. In fact, each region has its own version and accompanies the table at any minute of the day.

The most common arepa is made with white cornmeal, However, in areas like Santander they prefer to use yellow corn. As for their tastes, you can find them salty or sweet. And the fillers stroll among the white cheese, yellow cheese, meat, eggs, chicken salad, pork and much more.

In fact, there is an important traditional celebration known as the Festival of the Arepa de Colombia. This is done in the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Bucaramanga, Bogotá and Medellín between August and December. And it shows the importance that the inhabitants have given it and why it is considered one of its most representative flavors.

Bonus bread

Now we move on to one of the most typical bakery products in central Colombia. It is known as Bonus Bread, and it is prepared introducing melted cheese in the mix. This flavor ensures a delicious touch, which is recognized as part of the gastronomic culture of the region.

Mass is made from cassava starch or flour, which is a widely used root in Latin American cuisine. This offers you an ideal bite to accompany your coffee during the daily day, or simply to overcome cravings. On the other hand, there are those who prefer it with cold oatmeal or hot chocolate.

It is common to see these products throughout the Colombian geography, in places such as bakeries, cafes or even bars. And the best thing is that the prices of the Bonus Bread are quite accessible for adults and boys alike.

Wrapped on the cob

The cob wrapper is another dish you find in different regions of Colombia, which is made with ground corn. This ingredient is processed with sugar, salt and a little butter to obtain a homogeneous and firm dough. Also, it has small pieces of cheese, inside the cob leaves tied tightly.

Specialists obtain cooking from boiling water. There are also versions with a sweet touch, since they have guava sandwiches or raisins. This dish is traditionally eaten on Sundays reunited with the whole family at home, and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

In the eastern region, sugar is replaced by the popular with honeycomb. This ingredient is obtained from the juice of the previously dehydrated cane.

Paisa tray

This is one of the more traditional Colombian dishes and recognized internationally. In fact, it’s easy to imagine why if you consider each of its ingredients. For starters, you have a generous slice of white rice, accompanied by crispy pork, ground beef, banana peaches, and a fried egg.

Then they add juicy chorizo pieces, blood sausage and slices of fresh avocado. As a dressing they place the popular hogao, which consists of an onion cream and seasoned ripe tomatoes. And last but not least, all this comes with a few slices of banana, red beans and their respective white arepita.

Certainly, it is a food characterized by the abundance of its portions and contrast of flavors. This makes it a particular and very enjoyable experience, which gives you an effective journey through the flavors and aromas of Colombia. La Bandeja Paisa was born in Antioquia, and is currently one of the main dishes of Colombian cuisine most famous.

Empanadas

It is a preferably yellow cornmeal dough, which is filled with a lots of alternatives. In fact, it is common to find cheese, ham, chicken, pork, beef or some combination of the above. When closed, they take a “ half moon ” shape and are fried in hot oil to obtain their crisp crust.

Colombian empanadas can be enjoyed during breakfast, with fruit juices or the inevitable coffee. However, there are no problems if you eat them as an appetizer before lunch or dinner.

In some central regions, the landfill is incorporated with a stew based on cooked potatoes. On the other hand, the most traditional ones can be accompanied by sweet chili and lemon to obtain a taste of greater character.

Guilty ants

These insects are an exotic dish for the world, however in the Department of Santander it is considered a true tradition. Culone ants are slightly larger than others of their kind. And when processing them, your bulging abdomen remains, which has a taste similar to peanut butter.

The procedure to obtain the pasta consists of leaving it resting in salted water, and after a few hours they are toasted. Later, you just have to close your eyes and allow yourself live this new experience, which will undoubtedly make you vibrate.

Coconut rice

It’s about a very traditional dish of the Colombian land, specifically of the beautiful coasts of Cartagena. As a base, it has the bittersweet taste of white rice and combined with the water and pulp of this fruit. Also, in other regions brown sugar is placed to achieve a unique and delicious contrast.

In Easter eve It is a tradition to eat it with fried fish, salad and the essential banana peaches. In addition, you can accompany it with panela water or your favorite drink.

Ajiaco

In Colombia, soups are instituted as a dish with deep family sense. In fact, it is common for Sundays to all gather around the table to enjoy this traditional flavor. This is the case of Ajiaco, which originates from the country’s capital and is usually eaten during lunch.

Its ingredients include various types of potatoes, pieces of frayed chicken, and ear cuts. And very important, are the jerks and the cream of milk, which are placed on the soup almost at the end of cooking.

And finally, it is accompanied with a serving of white rice, salad and a couple of slices of creamy avocado. Further, is part of the Christmas tradition and it is usual to eat this dish to regain energy after the holidays.

Changua

It is a type of soup from the Andean region of Colombia, which is usually eaten mainly during breakfast. Also, it is considered a pillar of Bogota cuisine, and is part of the daily life of the inhabitants of the region.

It is prepared as a milk-based broth, crowned with fresh eggs that are cooked with the heat that the preparation emanates. Then, the taste deepens with a touch of finely cut coriander and salt.

For enhance the experience It has cubes of toasted bread, which when moistened with the broth offer you a spectacular contrast. And finally, it is served with a serving of arepitas and a steaming and loaded coffee.

3 meat hook

The sancocho is the traditional soup of Colombia par excellence. In fact, throughout the region there is an extensive list of variants of fish, seafood, meat, chicken and much more. The same goes for techniques, which vary according to the style of the cook and the region.

In this case we want to focus on the 3 meat sancocho, which is one of the most common in the country. It has a deep family sense, since it serves as an excuse for the reunion between friends and loved ones.

Its main characteristic is the intense flavor with abundant portions to accompany with avocado, white rice and finely chopped hot pepper. Consequently, you are facing one of the most typical and tasty dishes in the region.

Millet

Is he inevitable dish at fairs from Tolima, which has gradually become known internationally. It is the Lechona, and consists of a pig filled with peas with various condiments.

In addition, the delicious toasted skin of the greaves. This dish is presented on a tray, sometimes including the entire animal.

In fact, it is usual to see him as the protagonist for decorate the wedding banquet, baptisms and other important celebrations. And all this makes it a great culinary experience, with an intense flavor that everyone will enjoy.

Chicken broth

It is traditionally known to grandmothers as “ raises dead ”, since fill your body with energy after hangovers or discomforts. And it is that chicken broth is a basic and very simple dish to prepare from Colombian cuisine.

The original recipe is made with farm chicken. And concentrated broth is made from white potatoes, celery on finely chopped branches, onions, and fresh coriander.

The usual thing is to enjoy it accompanied by a couple of corn arepitas, in a hearty breakfast or during food.

Mondongo

The Mondongo is a typical Colombian dish, which is currently found in various restaurants around the world. It comes from the Colombian coast, and the secrets of its preparation have passed from hand to hand for generations. The main ingredient in this exquisite soup is the cow’s belly, which is popularly known as the tripe.

Apart from the meat described above, this soup has numerous vegetables. Equally, the flavors vary according to locality, being able to include corn, carrots, peas, among others.

To add depth, in the center of the country it is complemented by other ingredients such as pork, sausages, paprika, coriander in branches, onions, garlic and other spices. In contrast, in other areas it is served with freshly made white rice, cassava, steamed potatoes and avocado.

Catfish in sauce

Is considered as one of the most exquisite dishes of traditional menus in Colombian lands. Bagre is a river fish, characterized by its lean meat and the low presence of thorns.

One of the coastal jewelry, with an unmistakable flavor that children and adults enjoy equally. As for its sauce, it is prepared with ripe tomatoes, onions, sweet peppers and peppers.

It is also common to eat it fried, accompanied by white rice, coconut rice and banana peacons. A whole culinary show to lick your fingers.

Mamona or meat to the plain

Now we travel to the eastern plains of Colombia, to discover a typical dish from those regions known as Mamona. Over time this preparation has earned a position in restaurants and businesses across the country. ¿AND how this plain meat is prepared?

To start, you should make yourself a piece of beef and cook it on the grill for 4 hours with a low flame. This technique allows fibers get a smooth texture and preserve the smoky flavor, without burning.

It usually comes in an iron rod, seasoned with garlic, spices, and onion pieces. And it rests on a table covered with banana leaves with roasted potatoes, cassava and salad. Certainly, you are facing a meal that is part of the neo-Granadine traditions that you should try on your visit to Colombia.

Seafood casserole

To culminate, directly from the Colombian coasts we present you the famous seafood casserole. This is considered one of the most worthy representatives of gastronomic culture of the region. This preparation includes a good variety of seafood, finely cut mixed vegetables and infallible spices.

Also, it includes the skeleton of the fish as an ingredient inside the broth. And is that by testing this preparation of intense taste and aroma, you will notice how it explodes your palate. In addition, in some sectors in the north they usually gratin cheese on top to enhance the flavors.

As a curious fact, tradition says that a good seafood casserole has the ability to revive the passion of any lover. And all of the above, positions it as one of the most important dishes of Colombian gastronomy.

Without a doubt, these typical dishes of Colombia are among the best in Latin America and the world. Dare to try them with your favorite drink, in the company of your relatives and loved ones. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, so that you know the most relevant of international cuisine. ¡We wait for you there!