Colombian cuisine varies significantly by region, but a handful of dishes appear everywhere and are worth knowing before you go.
The essentials #
Bandeja paisa, Antioquia’s signature dish, piles red beans, rice, ground meat, chicharrón, a fried egg, plantain, and avocado onto one plate; genuinely one of the most filling meals available anywhere in the country. Ajiaco, Bogotá’s own creamy chicken and potato soup made with guascas herbs, corn, cream, and capers, is distinct enough to be worth seeking out specifically in the capital. Sancocho, a hearty broth-based soup with meat, yuca, plantain, and corn, has regional variations nationwide and is a genuine comfort food staple.
Street food staples #
Arepas (grilled or fried corn cakes, often filled with cheese) appear at every meal, everywhere. Empanadas and patacones (twice-fried plantain slices) round out the standard street food trio, cheap, filling, and available from vendors in every city.
Sweets worth trying #
Arequipe (a rich caramel spread), obleas (thin wafers filled with arequipe or fruit jam), and merengón (a layered meringue and fresh fruit dessert) cover the country’s sweet side.
Drinks #
Aguardiente, an anise-flavoured spirit, is the default drink at Colombian celebrations. Fresh fruit juices (lulo and maracuyá specifically are worth trying, since they’re less familiar to most international visitors) are ubiquitous and excellent. Colombian coffee, unsurprisingly, is consistently good.
For the full regional breakdown #
See the complete Colombian food guide for the fuller regional picture, restaurant recommendations, and street food safety guidance.
*Related: Colombian Food Guide | Colombian Coffee Culture | Vegetarian and Vegan Options
