Food & Drink

Colombian cuisine is a feast of flavours. From the coastal corn arepas de huevo to the highland's ajiaco soup, each dish reflects the local traditions and ingredients. Fruit juices made from Amazonian fruits and the globally renowned Colombian coffee round out the culinary experience.

Here’s a curated guide to Colombian culinary delights that one must not miss.

Arepas: These cornmeal cakes are a staple of the Colombian diet and come with a variety of fillings such as cheese, eggs, or meat. Each region has its own twist on the arepa, making it a versatile treat to try across the country.

Bandeja Paisa: A hearty platter that represents Colombian cuisine, it features rice, beans, ground meat, chorizo, fried egg, arepa, and avocado. It’s a full meal designed to satisfy the hungriest of travellers.

Empanadas: These fried or baked pastries are filled with meat, potatoes, and spices. They are a perfect snack on the go and are found nearly everywhere, from street vendors to restaurants.

Ajiaco: A comforting, hearty soup that's especially popular in Bogotá. Made with chicken, three types of potatoes, and the Galinsoga parviflora herb, it’s served with capers, cream, and avocado on the side.

Fresh Fruit Juices: Colombia’s tropical climate yields a bounty of fruits like lulo, guanábana, maracuyá, and mangosteen. Juices made from these fruits are refreshing and a must-try, often sold by street vendors.

Café Colombiano: Colombia’s coffee is renowned worldwide. A visit to a coffee plantation to see the process from bean to cup is enlightening, and savouring a freshly brewed Colombian roast is essential.

Cocadas: These coconut candies are a sweet treat found in many coastal towns. They're often sold by beach vendors.

Aguardiente: This anise-flavoured liquor is Colombia’s national alcoholic drink. It’s typically consumed neat, in small shots, and is a staple at social gatherings.

Chocolate con Queso: A unique combination often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, it involves hot chocolate served with a chunk of cheese on the side. The cheese is dipped into the chocolate, creating a delightful fusion of flavours.

What is Colombia's traditional cuisine?

The most traditional meal is the filling bandeja paisa, mentioned above. However, each region has its own specialities. You’ll find an impressive array of seafood on the coast, always served with fresh limes. Small mountain communities rely on staples like potatoes and corn while lowland rainforest peoples eat unique Amazonian fruits you’ll only find in Colombia. Cities, especially Bogotá, have many immigrants from the Middle East, so expect Lebanese and Syrian restaurants to have exquisite delicacies equal to the best meals in their home countries.

What is the dining etiquette in Colombia?

Colombians spend a long time at the table, especially when they have gathered with friends and family. Take your time with your meal and then sit back to enjoy the conversation. At gourmet restaurants in cities, it’s common to tip 10%, though tipping is uncommon at family restaurants and in rural areas.

What is the drinking etiquette in Colombia?

The most traditional drink is aguardiente, followed by rum mixed with fruit juices or with soft drinks. If you’re offered a drink, it’s common to ask for fruit juice, with or without rum. In Bogotá, fine dining is often accompanied by wine from Chile or Argentina.

Does Colombia cater to dietary restrictions?

Travellers with gluten intolerances will have an easy time in rural areas, where corn and rice are more common than bread. However, vegetarians and vegans may have a harder time finding full meals at restaurants. Vegetarian options tend to be appetizers or side dishes. Tree nuts are common, and are often called frutos secos, so be sure to ask about your specific allergies at restaurants.

What do meals typically cost in Colombia?

Street food often costs around $1 USD and meals at informal restaurants cost $5-10. You should expect meals at a gourmet restaurant to cost $20-50, plus drinks.