Looking for the Ultimate Foodie Guide to Colombia Cuisine?

How a Pair of Foodies Ate Their Way Through Colombia

While Colombia isn’t quite as well-known for its cuisine as other Latin American countries like Peru or (my personal MVP) Mexico, there is plenty of variety and deliciousness to keep you happy throughout your trip! Colombian food tends to be hearty, deceptively simple, and comforting—often served in family-style, shareable portions. Even at a roadside restaurant, you might feel like you wandered into someone’s living room.

Sometimes you actually do wander into someone’s living room, like the delicious tamale experience we had at Tamales Ladino. The owner literally set up a table in their front room and held AJ while we ate. It was awesome!

From no-frills, roadside sancocho or ajiaco soups to banana-leaf-wrapped tamales and thin-fried meats paired with mouthwatering plantains, Colombian cuisine has something for everyone. And if you’re into one-of-a-kind fried snacks, look for pandebono (yucca dough cheese bread), aborrajados (batter-fried sweet plantains stuffed with cheese), and of course arepas—hands down one of the best things to eat at 6 AM. Head north to the Caribbean Coast to experience tropical flavors like coconut, seafood, and tons of fresh fruit. Regardless of where you go, portion sizes are generous.

Colombian food is all about deep, earthy flavors and hearty ingredients—grilled meats, slow-cooked stews, and carbs galore! It’s rarely spicy, but you can always add a dash of ají criollo (a mild, tangy sauce of onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and local ají peppers) if you crave some heat.

Breakfast – E’s Favorite Meal

T knows that his day can go completely off the rails if E doesn’t get breakfast soon after waking up.

In Colombia, if you’re starting your day right, nothing beats a bandeja paisa platter—piled high with chorizo, eggs, black pudding, red beans, plantains, avocado, arepas, and rice. Sometimes it includes grilled beef or even more black pudding. It’s always spiced to perfection, deliciously greasy, and you might need a nap afterward…but it’s totally worth it!

Arepas, Empanadas, and More

No Colombian meal is complete without some starchy goodness. Amasijos are traditional breads made without yeast—a blend of European baking techniques and native flatbreads like the arepa. Depending on the type, amasijos can be soft and puffy or firm and flat, and are often fried, grilled, or pan-seared.

More, please

Arepas are the country’s beloved corn cake—grilled, fried, or baked, served plain or stuffed with cheese, eggs, or meats. You’ll find countless varieties across Colombia, from the slightly sweet arepas boyacenses to the cheesy, pancake-like arepas de choclo.

Other must-try bites include:

• Almojábanas – Light, spongy cheese bread that pairs perfectly with hot chocolate.

• Empanadas – Crispy, golden pockets stuffed with beef, chicken, potatoes, or cheese.

• Pandebonos – Chewy, slightly sweet cheese rolls made with cassava flour. E loves these! She once devoured some right on the street, then hopped back in line for more.

WS&T Foodie Tip: Always eat your amasijos warm! You’ll see bakery stands everywhere offering fresh batches throughout the day.

Cheese, Please!

Colombians put cheese everywhere: baked into breads, stuffed into arepas, and even floating in hot chocolate—yes, really! Chocolate santafereño is a rich, frothy cocoa served with slices of mild white cheese for dunking. Don’t knock it till you try it. (E was a yes, T had to pass.)

Soups To Travel For

Colombians take their soups seriously. In Bogotá’s cool mountain climate, a steaming bowl of ajiaco is the perfect comfort food: a hearty chicken soup with three types of potatoes, corn, and the aromatic herb guasca, topped with cream, capers, and avocado. Another classic is sancocho, a rich stew loaded with meat, plantains, yuca, and corn—slow-cooked to perfection.

Fruit Like You’ve Never Seen Before

Thanks to its tropical climate, Colombia overflows with fresh fruits—many of which you won’t find anywhere else.

Juicy, juicy mangoes

Check out local markets for colorful varieties like:

• Lulo – Tangy, citrusy flavor.

• Guanábana – Sweet and creamy, a bit like banana crossed with pineapple.

• Feijoa – Pineapple-guava goodness.

Try salpicón, a refreshing fruit cocktail with pineapple, watermelon, papaya, and banana, often topped with ice cream or (yes, again) grated cheese!

Tamales and Other Leaf-Wrapped Foods

Expect to see a lot of tamales and envueltos wrapped in palm leaves, plantain leaves, or corn husks. These can be filled with meat or fish and a starchy mix of corn masa, cassava, or rice. You’ll even find sweets like bocadillos and alfandoque (sticky molasses candy) wrapped up snugly. Because who doesn’t like their meal (or dessert) served all cozy?

Grilled Meats & Weekend Feasts

Weekends in Colombia are for asado—grilled meats with arepas, fried plantains, corn on the cob, and crispy cassava on the side. Families flock to countryside restaurants called piqueteaderos for chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and sizzling cuts of beef or pork. If you’re up for an epic foodie experience, try a day trip from Bogotá to a local favorite like Andrés Carne de Res, where you’ll find a lively combo of feasting, music, and dancing.

Street Snacks & Quick Bites

When you’re on the go, Colombia’s street-food culture never disappoints. Don’t be too wary—popular street stalls often have higher turnover than many sit-down places, so they’re usually a safe bet. Let the locals lead the way. We start our kid off slowly to give them time to adjust, then dig in!

Keep an eye out for:

• Mazorca – Grilled corn on the cob, slathered in butter and salt.

• Papas rellenas – Deep-fried mashed potato balls stuffed with meat and rice.

• Obleas – Thin wafer cookies spread with arequipe (Colombian caramel), often topped with jam, coconut, or chocolate.

You'll find arequipe all over the place -- in candies, syrups, latte flavors... it's delicious!

Drinks to Try

Beyond coffee, Colombians have their own cherished beverages:

• Aguardiente – An anise-flavored liquor, often sipped straight or mixed into a warm canelazo (a spiced, cinnamon-infused drink).

• Refajo – A blend of beer and sweet soda, a party favorite.

• Aguas aromáticas – Herbal teas found on nearly every menu.

• Tomate de árbol juice – A tangy, slightly sweet fruit juice.

Trust us: aromáticas are so good—don’t skip them!

Colombian Cuisine Is Having a Moment

Exciting changes are sweeping Colombia’s food scene, especially in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla. A new generation of chefs is embracing local ingredients and honoring traditional cooking techniques while adding creative twists. Rather than relying on global trends, they’re exploring the country’s immense biodiversity—showcasing native tubers, tropical fruits, and wild herbs. The result? A fresh take on Colombian classics that feels both rooted in tradition and delightfully modern.

For a long time, many Colombians viewed their homegrown dishes as too humble for “fine dining.” Now, these innovative chefs are proving otherwise—spotlighting the nation’s culinary heritage, celebrating its unique flavors, and redefining Colombian cuisine on the global stage.

Food Guide to Colombia Takeaway: Eat Like a Local!

Ultimately, Colombian cuisine is all about gathering with family and friends, sharing hearty meals, and exploring new tastes together. So head to the markets, chat with friendly vendors, and don’t be afraid to sample something unexpected! Whether it’s your first tamale or your tenth empanada, every bite holds a piece of Colombia’s warm, vibrant soul.

¡Buen provecho!

Enjoy every delicious moment of your culinary journey through Colombia. If you liked our food guide to Colombia, you will absolutely dine out on some of our other food guides. Let's eat!

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