Colombia

A scene with colorful buildings and colonial architecture in the historic city of Cartagena, Colombia.

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Discover the Rich and Diverse Flavor of Colombian Cuisine!

Colombia, a country with two oceans, Andean peaks, the Amazon rainforest, and a rich coffee culture, is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. From the historic streets of Cartagena to the bustling Medellín, Colombia is a vibrant mix of cultures, music, and colors. It is a place where the warmth of its people rivals the tropical sun.

Colombian cuisine is as varied as its ecosystems. Dishes differ depending on the region, but the foundation consists of corn, potatoes, rice, and plantains. The national dish, bandeja paisa, is a massive and hearty combination of beans, rice, ground meat, sausage, plantains, avocado, and a fried egg. Other icons include arepa (a corn patty), the thick chicken soup ajiaco (especially in Bogotá), and empanadas. Colombian cuisine is honest, filling, and focused on the pleasure of eating with family and friends.

Rich yellow Ajiaco soup with pieces of chicken and corn, served with avocado, cream, and capers.

Main Course

Colombia

Ajiaco Santafereño (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup)

 Hot, round Colombian Arepas with a crispy golden crust.

Side Dishes

Colombia

Arepas de Queso (Colombian Cheese Patties)

 A served bowl of Arroz con Pollo, garnished with parsley and served with avocado slices.

Main Course

Colombia

Arroz con Pollo Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Rice)

 A large Bandeja Paisa plate with a heap of components: rice, beans, chicharrón, chorizo, fried egg, and avocado.

Main Course

Colombia

Bandeja Paisa (Colombian Paisa Platter)

 A pile of hot, round, golden-brown Colombian Buñuelos.

Side Dishes

Colombia

Buñuelos Colombianos (Colombian Cheese Fritters)

 A pile of fried, golden-brown Colombian empanadas served with Ají sauce.

Side Dishes

Colombia

Empanadas de Carne y Papa (Colombian Beef and Potato Empanadas)

 A slice of lechona with crispy pork skin and hearty rice-meat filling.

Main Course

Colombia

Lechona (Colombian Stuffed Roasted Pork)

 A pile of crispy golden-brown Patacones sprinkled with salt and served with guacamole.

Side Dishes

Colombia

Patacones (Tostones) (Twice-Fried Green Plantains)

 Rich Colombian Sancocho stew with chunks of meat, corn, and cassava, served with rice.

Main Course

Colombia

Sancocho Trifásico (Colombian Three-Meat Stew)

 Served Colombian tamales wrapped in banana leaves.

Main Course

Colombia

Tamales Colombianos (Colombian Tamales)