10 Most Popular Foods in Colombia

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Trying out new foods is another exciting thing about traveling, and most people travel because of that. However, Colombia has some of the most amazing dishes for everyone to try, which are loved both by the locals and people internationally. From hearty stews to mouthwatering sweet dishes, you must try Colombian dishes to shock your taste buds. In the paragraphs below, we have listed the 10 most popular dishes in Colombia.

1. Arepa

Arepa, also known as the arepa de huevo, is something every Colombian local loves. This delicious circular bread is prepared with fresh cornmeal. It is easy to prepare. Arepa can be either eaten alone or with some other items. Besides, the arepa is also topped with various ingredients like cheese, butter, vegetables, and piles of meat. Thus, they are versatile and equally mouthwatering.

Recipe for arepa

2. Arroz Con Coco

Arroz con coco has a very sweet and savory flavor. It is served as a side dish with the main course. This dish consists of white rice made in coconut milk, salt, water, and sugar. The ingredients are combined with raisins that make it a little sweet.

Recipe for arroz con coco

3. Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja paisa is a traditional meal introduced by the locals of the Paisa region. It is also one of the national dishes of Colombia. Bandeja paisa is a hearty meal that contains red beans, white rice, minced or ground beef, sausage, arepa, avocado, plantain, pork crackling, corn, and fried eggs.

Recipe for bandeja paisa

4. Sancocho

The mouthwatering hearty stew called sancocho is something you should not hesitate to try. The key ingredients in its recipe are yucca, plantains, meat, corn, and potatoes. Locals mostly serve it with white rice and avocado slices for better taste.

Recipe for sancocho

5. Postre de Natas

If you love sweet dishes, then you must try postre de Natas. This dessert is prepared with egg yolks, sugar syrup, and milk as key ingredients. It has a little time-consuming preparation method. So, spare some good time if you plan to make it home.

Recipe for postre de natas

6. Carimanola

This tasty Colombian snack is prepared with mashed cassava. It is filled with cheese, chicken, or beef first. Then, it is deep-fried until it is golden brown. Traditionally, these fritters have a torpedo shape. It is also served for breakfast, before a meal as an appetizer, and as a snack.

Recipe for carimanola

7. Lechona

Lechona is widely available in restaurants across Colombia. This food consists of pork meat, chickpeas, and different spices. It is served with rice and arepa. These ingredients are mixed well and slow-cooked before serving.

Recipe for lechona

8. Empanadas

Like most other countries, empanadas are also common in Colombia. It is widely available on street stalls and food trucks across the country. It can be eaten for breakfast and as a snack both. It can be filled with different ingredients like chicken, chorizo, cheese, or beef.

Recipe for empanadas

9. Obleas

These thin Colombian wafers are round-shaped, brown colored, and thin. Obleas have different toppings, including caramel, fruit jams, chocolate sprinkles, grated cheese, etc. Plus, the structure of wafers may vary based on the region you are eating, but the flavor and main recipe remain the same.

Recipe for obleas

10. Ajiaco

Ajiaco was first made by the people of Bogota and Andes mountains, but eventually, it became famous throughout Colombia. Ajiaco is a soup prepared with chicken, sour cream, potatoes, and corn. It is served with avocado and rice.

Recipe for ajiaco

Sources:

Medellin Living

Taste Atlas

The Culture Trip