Colombia’s culinary culture is as diverse as its people and landscapes. The dishes that you need to try vary by region. Here is a breakdown of the things you need to try when you are in Colombia, but this is not your regular arepa and sancocho list, this will give you really delicious dishes that are going to show you the beauty that is Colombian cuisine. I will also include recipes for most of these…just in case you can’t make it there soon.
TOP 8 THINGS TO EAT IN COLOMBIA
Eat Changua in Bogota
This sounds like a ridiculous dish, but this milk, egg, scallion, cheese breakfast soup is absolutely delicious. Particularly with Colombian toast on top. You will have a hard time finding this outside of the Cundinamarca area, but you can get it at La Puerta Falsa Restaurant in Bogota.
Colombian tripe soup
Eat Mondongo in the Andes Area
Another dish from the “cold” region of Colombia, this soup is ridiculously comforting and delicious. It is made with three kinds of tripe and is an incredible hangover cure. You can easily find this in restaurants throughout the country.
authentic arepa e’huevo recipe
Eat Arepa e’Huevo in Cartagena
Arepas are a staple dish in both Colombia and in Venezuela. In Colombia, there are tons of variations of this dish, but the best arepa is the Arepa de Huevo (aka Arepa e’huevo). These arepas are filled with meat, deep-fried, then filled with an egg, and deep-fried again. Yes, they are naughty, but they are worth every single calorie. Add a limonada de coco (Coconut lemonade) to the mix and you will end up with the most delicious street food you have ever tasted. The best place to try these in Cartagena is at the plaza in front of the Sofitel. Look for the 3 ladies (three generations of Arepa makers) and order. Don’t forget to ask for guiso.
Colombian Style Tongue in Sauce
Eat Lengua in the Central Region of Colombia
You will know immediately what you are eating. You won’t get away from the texture of this cow’s tongue, but the meat is so tender and the sauce is so ridiculously good you will fall in love.
Huevos Pericos Recipe
Eat Huevos Pericos Anywhere in the Country
This is one of my favorite breakfast dishes in Colombia. They are simply scrambled eggs with scallions and tomatoes, but they are so distinctly Colombian. You can have them by themselves, or with a plain arepa on the side.
Eat Platanos Aborrajados in Cali
They may not look great during cooking, but your mouth will love them. These are made with overripe plantains which are sliced in the middle and filled with Colombian white cheese. The juxtaposition of sweet and salty is damned good!
arroz con coco colombia
Eat Arroz Con Coco in the Coast
Arroz con Coco is one of the best ways to make rice anywhere in the world. This coconut rice is sweet, but it is not dessert. Have it as a side dish when eating Pargo Frito in Cartagena and you will truly be in Tropical heaven.
ajiaco colombia
Eat Ajiaco in Bogota
This chicken soup is like no other chicken soup. It has a very key ingredient called Huascas. They are really hard to find outside the Cundinamarca area of Colombia. It is served with creme fraiche, capers and a side of avocado and white rice. YUM!!!