Top 28 Traditional Colombian Dishes to Savor in Colombia or at Home

Latin America is famous for its delicious food, and Colombia does not disappoint. In fact, sampling Colombian food is one of the top reasons to visit Colombia. Like its country, Colombian cuisine is diverse and exciting.

You may spot the odd Caribbean food or Peruvian dish in these 28 best dishes – Colombian cuisine is massively influenced by its surrounding regions and colonial history. The country is split into six regions, each of which has its own regional specialties as well. Remember, there are significant regional differences when traveling around Colombia’s must-see cities – you don’t want to miss out on a specialty dish.

Traditional Colombian Dishes

Are you ready to explore the best Colombian food? Whether you want to taste Colombian cuisine at home or are visiting Colombia and are excited to try local dishes, this guide will introduce you to the best. We’ll cover everything, from Empanadas to Frijoles Rojos. Let’s dive straight in.

1. Colombian Empanadas

Colombian empanadas have been a favorite dish since colonial times. Its appearance is much like a Cornish pasty, and the pastry is folded over with a filling inside. It’s easy to spot with its characteristic semi-circle shape and pinched edge.

You’ll find ground meat, potatoes, cheese, and hogao (tomato salsa sauce) inside. Of course, there are some recipe variations – especially for meat-free versions of the dish. Colombian empanadas are straightforward to make at home and delicious to eat in Colombia. If you want a quick, easy snack, empanadas are one of the best Colombian dishes.

If you want to try an empanada before you travel to Colombia, you can follow this recipe to make your own at home.

2. Pandebono

The legend behind pandebono is that an Italian baker living in Cali created the bread. When he sold it, he used to walk the streets shouting ‘pane del buono’ (good bread); the name stuck, and the bread became one of the most popular Colombian foods.

So, what is it exactly? The bread is also nicknamed Colombian cheese bread, which should give you a good hint. It is made with melted cheese, yuca flour, and eggs, shaped into bagel or ball shapes. You can eat pandebono for breakfast, as street food, or as a side dish for dinner – it is a flexible dish. Remember that it is best eaten when it is still warm out of the oven. Pandebono is a dish intended to be eaten as fresh as possible.

3. Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja paisa is probably the most iconic Colombian food in this guide. Some even go as far as to call it the national dish. Bandeja paisa is a platter-styled meal with an assortment of meats, a fried egg, white rice, corn, plantain, red beans, and an avocado. The meats include minced beef, chorizo sausage, and chicharron. You’ll usually find an Arepa on the plate, too (more on that later).

Bandeja paisa is typical of Colombia’s Antioquia region and, like frijoles rojos, was ideal for workers spending long days in the mountains and on farms. Bandeja paisa packs a nutritious punch and is filled with protein and carbohydrates. It remains a popular lunch choice and is one to try if you visit Colombia. Make your recipe at home by following this recipe.

4. Frijoles Rojos

Frijoles Rojos is a special Colombian dish that uses cargamento beans, also called red beans. This Colombian food is particularly healthy, and red beans are a great source of iron, potassium, low-fat protein, and fiber. It is a stew-like concoction, and the red beans are mixed with tomatoes, onion, and garlic. It is then usually served on top of a portion of rice.

Frijoles rojos was originally a laborer’s meal. It is budget-friendly and packed with energy and nutrients – perfect for fueling a hard day at work. However, Frijoles Rojos have become a widely eaten dish in Colombian cuisine.

5. Bananos Calados

Bananos Calados is one of Colombia’s best desserts and comes from the Quindio region near the Andes. It might not look (or sound) appetizing, but it is easily one of the tastiest meals you can explore in Colombian cuisine. The dessert consists of fried bananas mixed with lime juice and served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, creating a sweet yet tangy treat for your tastebuds. Occasionally, you may also find the lime juice replaced by orange juice and cinnamon – so keep your eye out for any unique recipes.

Colombia is rich with native fruit, and you can easily see that this has inspired many traditional recipes. Bananos Calados is one food to try if you want to experience Colombia’s dessert scene.

6. Chicharron Colombiano

Chicharron Colombiano is fried pork belly, a hearty dish covered in onions, bay leaves, and seasoning for a glorious taste. Chicharron is packed with flavor and served with a crisp texture that has been perfected over generations of cooking. It is a typical dinner dish and is associated with family and tradition.

The dish is typical of Colombia’s Andean region. However, it originated in Spain and was introduced to Colombia by Spanish colonizers. The Spanish recipe varies greatly; rind or belly cuts can be used, unlike the Colombian version. You’ll find that most countries in Latin America have their own version of chicharron. Get ready to experience as many different versions as possible. Colombia has since taken a firm spin on the dish, though, and chicharron has certainly become a staple in Colombian cuisine.

7. Coconut Rice

Forget white rice; coconut rice is the tastiest. As its name suggests, coconut rice is cooked with coconuts, giving it a delicious flavor, securing its place on this list as a dish in its own right. There are two main ways coconut rice is prepared: cooking it in coconut milk or mixing it with shredded coconut. Cooking it in coconut milk offers a stronger coconut flavor.

The history of coconut rice is somewhat mysterious. The dish can be found globally, especially in Asia and South America. However, since coconuts are one of Colombia’s most common tropical fruits, it is clear why they are so prevalent in Colombian cuisine. If you get the chance to try it, coconut rice is a delightful dish.

8. Pescado Frito

Pescado Frito is a classic, traditional Colombian food. Pescado Frito translates to fried fish and is served whole, with skin and head intact. It can be daunting if you aren’t used to eating fish this way. However, you’ll soon be won over, as cooking the fish in its skin boosts its flavor and ensures the fish meat remains moist. Expect much juicer meat than you’d get eating fillets or fish steaks.

In Colombia, the fried fish is usually mojarra or red snapper. The fish is sliced and flavored with lime and seasoning, often soaking in the juice for a while to soak up the flavor. It is served with rice, plantain, and salad – the perfect lunch dish.

9. Arepa de Huevo

Arepa de Huevo is a variation of standard arepas, which are fried corn cakes. Arepas are a massively popular breakfast food and are also considered comfort food. Arepa de Huevo is one of the tastiest variations with eggs. Preparing them involves frying a corn cake, splitting it, and filling it with an egg, then frying it again to cook the egg inside. The result is a fried egg coated in fried bread.

It is no surprise that arepas de huevos are one of the most popular dishes – especially for breakfast. They are served in stacks (like pancakes) as a standalone dish. Just pick your sauce to match; salsa and sour cream are great choices.

10. Sopa de Pollo

Sopa de pollo translates to chicken soup, and it is another comforting meal in Colombian cuisine. It is arguably the most typical Colombian soup and is widely eaten nationwide. The chicken soup is packed with plantain, corn, potatoes, and yuca. In fact, it is so full of ingredients that it often resembles a stew more than a soup.

Of course, chicken soup is found worldwide, but Colombia’s version is particularly delicious. The blend of ingredients such as plantain and yuca is quite unique, and Colombian recipes often use an entire chicken.

Sopa de pollo is an excellent Colombian food to try when visiting or to recreate at home. It should be slow-cooked and served piping hot, as it is one of those one-pot dishes the whole family enjoys.

11. Morcilla

Morcilla is a blood sausage made with ground pork and pork blood. Morcillas are easily identified by their dark, deep reddish-brown color. They are a very traditional dish across Latin America. You should have no trouble finding some to try if you visit Colombia. If you enjoy black pudding, you are in for a treat.

Morcillas are prepared from scratch, with the process involving squeezing the mixture into sausage casings. The ground meat is mixed with pork blood, onions, and rice before being stuffed into casings. Colombian recipes often include cilantro and sometimes green peas, too. The sausages are then usually boiled to cook.

12. Cazuela de Mariscos

Ready for a Colombian seafood dish? Cazuela de Mariscos is one of the most popular Colombian dishes in coastal regions, particularly along the Caribbean Coast and Cartagena. This culinary staple is a seafood casserole or stew – packed with everything from prawns to mussels and lobster. The meats are cooked in coconut milk with a medley of vegetables. You might even find white wine and cheese added to the mix if you’re lucky.

Cazuela de Mariscos is a must-try dish when visiting Colombia’s coastline. What is better than a fresh seafood dish? Most of the time, the ingredients are caught straight from the Caribbean Sea. This is definitely one for your list when you visit Colombia. Alternatively, you can try making it at home with this tasty recipe.

13. Colombian Bunuelos

Bunuelos are deep-fried balls filled with fresh cheese – a perfect afternoon snack or breakfast treat. Curiously, they are often served alongside hot chocolate and coffee, making them a common sight at cafes in Colombia.

Bunuelos are among the most popular Colombian foods. The recipe involves creating dough from yucca flour, cornstarch, eggs, milk, and sugar. The deep-fried dough is formed into characteristic appetizer-sized balls and floated in a pan of boiling vegetable oil.

It is believed that Spanish invaders introduced bunuelos to Colombia. Today, this snack is enjoyed across Colombia as street food and a delightful treat in cafes and restaurants, especially popular during Christmas time.

14. Obleas

Obleas are not just a typical Colombian dish; they are enjoyed across Spain and Latin America. Obleas resemble a sandwich, which is precisely what they are. The classic dessert consists of two wafers that sandwich a filling of dulce de leche, often accompanied by fruit, whipped cream, and jam. The Colombian version is nearly identical but includes one special ingredient – Colombian caramel.

If you have a sweet tooth, obleas are one of the best typical Colombian desserts to try. You’ll find them in abundance, from cafes to street stalls.

15. Lechona

Lechona is a Colombian dish served on special occasions. It consists of a whole roasted pig stuffed with onions, peas, potatoes, pork fat, white rice, garlic, and spices like cumin. Once the pig has had its bones removed and has been thoroughly stuffed, it is placed in the oven and slow-cooked (often for up to ten hours).

Lechona is designed to be the culinary masterpiece of the table, a dish meant to be shared with large groups when you wish to indulge in a lavish meal. Individual servings of lechona are often available at restaurants around Colombia, so keep your eyes peeled.

16. Cholado

Let’s take a moment to explore a Colombian drink. Cholado is a refreshing blend of shaved ice, fresh fruit, and sweetened condensed milk. Depending on where you purchase it, you may also find it served with ice cream, wafers, and whipped cream.

Cholado originates from Jamundi in Valle de Cauca. It is a delightful mix of dessert, fruit cocktail, and beverage – checking all the clever and delicious boxes. If you love fresh fruit and sweet treats, it is a fantastic drink to savor when visiting Colombia, yet simple enough to recreate at home.

17. Carimanola

Carimanolas are easily recognizable. These small fritters are formed into characteristic torpedo shapes, typically served in bulk as bite-sized appetizers. They are a traditional Colombian food, although you’ll also find Carimanolas in other South American countries like Panama.

Inside, Carimanolas are stuffed with ground beef or shredded chicken, along with cheese and seasoning. After deep-frying, they create a delightful meat pie. They are light and crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. Often, Carimanolas come with aji sauce, a vibrant green sauce primarily made of cilantro, offering a nice kick – the perfect accompaniment.

18. Colombian Sopa de Mondongo

Although mondongo often has a stew-like consistency, it is actually another typical Colombian soup. This soup consists of onion, potato, beef tripe, chorizo, and pork, all served piping hot in a small bowl. It is a highly traditional Colombian food, and you’ll find mondongo at most restaurants nationwide.

Like many Colombian dishes, sopa de mondongo is believed to have been introduced by Spanish colonizers. The tomato-based soup has firmly entered the Colombian culinary scene, resulting in unique Colombian interpretations of the recipe.

19. Fritanga

Fritanga is a mixed platter dish widely sold by street food vendors. It typically consists of a combination of foods piled high on a large plate – usually barbecued on the street. So, what foods will you find in fritanga? Commonly, chorizo, sausage, plantain, and a medley of vegetables.

Fritanga originally hails from Nicaragua, although it has been embraced in Colombian cuisine. The story behind its creation is a tragic one; the dish was first made after the 1931 earthquake in Nicaragua when people barbecued food on the street.

Today, fritanga is served throughout Latin America and Colombia. It is a historical, tasty, and filling dish you absolutely must try.

20. Bocadillo

A bocadillo is a delightful Colombian food made from guava paste – derived from a popular tropical fruit. This treat is extremely sweet and serves as a special dessert. It has a melt-in-your-mouth texture but is not sticky to the touch. Bocadillos require only a few ingredients, mainly panela and guava pulp, making them quite simple to prepare at home.

You’ll often find bocadillos served alongside a slice of salty white cheese at cafes, cut into small rectangles or squares, making them the perfect bite-sized treat.

21. Aborrajados

Aborrajados are a dish that is not as commonly found. Originating in the Valley de Cauca, they are a regional specialty. This creative (albeit slightly bizarre-sounding) dish consists of deep-fried plantain stuffed with cheese, resulting in a crispy yet wholesome cheese bite. The best place to try aborrajados is in the Valley de Cauca itself, where the dish is most frequently found.

Aborrajados are served as snacks or appetizers before larger meals. However, they can also be enjoyed as dessert with the addition of guava paste to create a sweet treat.

22. Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con pollo literally translates to rice with chicken. It is a simple yet staple Colombian food, much like Spanish paella. The dish consists of rice, chicken, onion, and vegetables, with saffron added for additional flavor.

If you’re looking for a filling dish, arroz con pollo is an excellent choice. It is easy to find and is widely served at restaurants and street vendor stalls across Colombia. Arroz con pollo is believed to have originated in Spain during the Moorish influence. When Spanish colonizers arrived in Colombia, it is presumed that the dish was introduced to local food culture.

23. Cocadas Blancas

We’ve explored many dishes from Colombia’s coastal region, but what about a dessert from the Caribbean Coast? Cocadas blancas is an incredibly sweet dessert that deserves a spot on your list. This dish is made with a mix of shredded coconut, sugar, milk, and coconut water. Depending on where you try it, you may find additional ingredients like cinnamon – most people put their own spin on the classic recipe.

Cocadas blancas are commonly sold on the streets and along Colombia’s beaches. However, you can also find them on dessert menus in restaurants. They are delicious – sticky, sweet, and a true treat.

24. Colombian Hot Chocolate

Speaking of desserts, hot chocolate is another sweet delight that Colombia excels in. The Colombian version is known as Santafereno and differs significantly from the European and American varieties. Instead of sweet milk chocolate, the Colombian version uses dark, unsweetened chocolate. Typically made in water rather than milk, cinnamon or cloves are often added to counteract any bitterness. Interestingly, Colombians are also famous for dipping cheese into their hot chocolate – which is an acquired taste you may or may not want to try.

It’s important to note that Colombia has been utilizing chocolate for centuries. Chocolate is derived from cacao trees, which grow in Colombia and the Amazon basin. Colombia is not alone in this; cacao has been used throughout Latin America dating back to the Aztecs and Mayans.

25. Calentado

Calentado is a staple of Colombian gastronomy, a dish rooted in recycling leftovers from the previous day’s meal – its name literally translates to ‘heated.’ Originally born out of necessity to limit waste, it has now become one of the most traditional foods in Colombia.

The most common ingredients in a calentado dish include white rice, plantain, and steak, often topped with a fried egg and arepas, potentially served alongside hot chocolate or coffee. By its nature, calentado was primarily made at home. However, today, you’ll find it on menus across the country. Additionally, at restaurants, you may often see avocado and sausage paired with the standard ingredients.

26. Fried Plantain

Fried plantain is a delicious Colombian food. At first glance, you might mistake them for bananas. They appear identical, except plantains are larger, less sweet, and only become ripe once they turn black. In their yellow stages, plantains are perfect for frying, which is when deep-fried plantain comes into play.

The best thing about fried plantain is its versatility. You can enjoy it savory for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Alternatively, you can caramelize it and serve it as dessert. It pairs beautifully with eggs or ice cream.

Fried plantain has a taste similar to potato, with a crisp outer layer giving way to a soft, squishy interior. Finding fried plantain in Colombia (or Latin America) will be easy, so be sure to give it a try.

27. Colombian Coffee

If you love coffee, you are in for a treat. This traditional Colombian beverage is world-famous, and the number of coffee beans produced in Colombia will excite any caffeine enthusiast. Primarily, Colombia cultivates Arabica beans, characterized by their light and sweet taste, contrasting with the more intense Robusta beans. The fact that Arabica is less potent than Robusta is, in fact, beneficial, as Colombian coffee culture favors drinking it from late afternoon to early evening rather than during the morning or early afternoon as is typical in the US and Europe.

A wonderful way to experience Colombia is to participate in coffee tasting. If you wish to embark on coffee tasting in Colombia, prioritize visits to Medellin or Manizales. These regions are renowned for their premium coffee beans and have varieties named after them. Tours of local coffee plantations and visits to local cafes are widely available.

28. Maracuya

Maracuya may sound unfamiliar, but you have probably encountered it before. Passion fruit might not be a dish per se, but tropical fruits play such a crucial role in Colombian gastronomy that we had to include them on this list. Passion fruits are usually deep purple on the exterior, featuring a waxy, protective outer skin. When cut open, they reveal tangy, delicious yellow seeds. These seeds can be eaten directly from the passion fruit or used to create products like ice cream or juice.

Passion fruits grow widely across South America, believed to have been originally cultivated in Northern Argentina before spreading in popularity throughout the continent. Not planning a trip to Colombia? No worries. Passion fruit is available globally as it is a significant export product.

Colombian food is among the best cuisines in the world. With so much to try, start your culinary journey as soon as possible. Luckily, if you visit Colombia, there are plenty of food tours available to sample traditional Colombian cuisine, guiding you to the top spots. Embrace the experience!