You arrive in Colombia, get off the plane, and surely the first thing you want to do is eat something. But not just anything; most likely you want to start your cultural adventure by trying the best of Colombian food. You may be wondering what is the most popular food in Colombia, and the answer is there is not just one national dish. The most popular Colombian food can be fish, ajiaco, or bandeja paisa depending on the city you’re in. Here we tell you which Colombian dishes are a must for you to try on your trip.
Snacks
There are three snacks that you will find in almost every restaurant in Colombia: arepas, patacónes con hogao, and aborrajados.
Arepa
Arepas are an essential snack in Colombia and Venezuela. They’re made from corn flour, and each region has its own version. They can be sweet, salty, stuffed with cheese, topped with shredded meat, or served with pork rinds.
In Medellín, you’ll find the arepa paisa, a white and flat arepa that is the perfect canvas for your favorite garnishes. It’s most commonly paired with butter, cheese, chorizo, shredded meat, or hogao (a traditional sauce made with tomato, onion, and garlic). It is usually eaten at breakfast or as a snack or starter.
Patacón con hogao
Patacón con hogao is a fried green plantain that usually accompanies fish or fried meat, and is highly appreciated by the locals for being crunchy, sweet, and salty at the same time. In the Caribbean, they are usually served with costeño cheese, sour cream, or scrambled eggs; in Antioquia, they are part of the region’s signature dish: bandeja paisa.
Aborrajado
Aborrajado is a snack from Valle del Cauca made with ripe plantains stuffed with cheese or guava paste. It’s covered in wheat flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla essence, and salt and is fried until golden brown. The aborrajado is usually served as an appetizer or dessert because of its sweetness.
Main dishes
Bandeja Paisa
Often referred to as Colombia’s national dish, the bandeja paisa, was created in the countryside of Antioquia and is distinguished by its generous portions of red beans, rice, chicharrón, ground beef, chorizo, fried egg, ripe plantain, avocado, and arepa, which were originally meant to provide energy to farmers. In Medellín, each restaurant competes for who makes the best bandeja paisa; we encourage you to try more than one to form your own verdict.
Ajiaco
Ajiaco is a soup from Bogota that rivals the bandeja paisa as the first in the list of the most popular Colombian food. Made with three types of potatoes, guasca, shredded chicken, corn on the cob, capers, and cream, it is typically served with rice and avocado and is a rich and comforting meal, perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Sancocho de Pescado
Many say that Colombia’s national dish should be a fish dish since the country has two seas and many rivers. Sancocho de pescado, a dish that blends Spanish cuisine with local ingredients, is one of the most popular foods in Colombia’s seaside. While each region has its own variation, it usually involves a fish soup with yucca, green plantain, and corn on the cob, seasoned with onions, thyme, bay leaves, bell peppers, and coconut milk. Catfish, cod, and bocachico are among the most frequently used fish for making sancochos.
Sudado de Pollo
Sudado de pollo is a staple of Colombian cuisine, found in homes and traditional restaurants throughout the country. It’s a simple and affordable dish made with readily available ingredients, making it easy to prepare on your own. The classic version includes chicken, potatoes, and yucca cooked in a stew made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves and served with white rice.
Fried Fish
A beloved dish from the Colombian seaside is fried fish, typically made using tilapia, mojarra, or red snapper. The dish is known for its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior and is typically accompanied with patacones, tomato, avocado, and coconut rice.
Desserts
We cannot leave without recommending some desserts to complete your Colombian gastronomic adventure.
Mazamorra
Mazamorra, a traditional Antioquian dish, is prepared by cooking hominy corn until it reaches a soft consistency. Milk, panela, and cinnamon are then added, resulting in a dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Merengón
Merengón is a popular Colombian dessert found in every bakery and food stall. It’s made by topping a meringue base with exotic fruits like kiwi and soursop or with more traditional fruits like strawberries and peaches. Caramel, strawberry sauce, or condensed milk can be drizzled over it as a finishing touch.
Cocada
Cocada is a dessert that originated on the Colombian coast, where coconuts are plentiful. Despite its regional roots, it has become a popular treat throughout the country because of its delicious blend of panela, coconut, cloves, and sometimes sour fruits.
While you may find traditional Colombian dishes in most parts of the country, you’ll discover something special in Medellin. This is because many people from the coastal regions and from Bogota have made their way to the city, bringing with them their unique culinary styles and influences. This means you’ll find fresh, expertly prepared food from all over the country in Medellin. Whether you’re looking for classic dishes like bandeja paisa or something more exotic, you’re sure to find them in this vibrant city.
Now that you know the answer to the question: ‘What is the most popular food in Colombia?’, be sure to also explore the local markets and try out some of the exotic fruits that Colombia has to offer. And if you’re lucky enough to be in Colombia during Christmas time, make sure to indulge in some traditional delicacies such as buñuelos and tamales.
To fully immerse yourself in Colombian cuisine, local guides can show you the way to the best restaurants. Local Tours Medellin offers a range of tours that include sampling traditional dishes, so contact us to arrange your next culinary adventure!
