GASTRONOMY OF THE PACIFIC REGION OF COLOMBIA - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The gastronomy of the Pacific region of Colombia is based mainly on fish and shellfish, due to the proximity of the area to the sea.

It is recognized by many experts in haute cuisine and by the general opinion of the inhabitants of Colombia, as the best gastronomy in the country and one of the best in Latin America.

Many of the visitors to the Pacific region often say that the exotic of its landscapes is transmitted to its gastronomy.

Apart from its beaches and natural wonders, gastronomy is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the Colombian Pacific.

Typical foods of the Pacific region of Colombia

Being a region with many towns located on the coast or near rivers and lakes, the gastronomy of this area is strongly influenced by marine elements or near the sea, such as coconuts.

A "typical meal" of any restaurant located in the Pacific region will include fish soup or consommé, accompanied by fried fish or shellfish, either fried or grilled.

An element present in almost all dishes is coconut milk, which is used in both sweet and savory preparations.

Avocado and banana are also some of the most used ingredients. In fact, avocado is so popular in this gastronomy that the bacon avocado variety is often called "butter avocado", since it is spread on practically any meal.

Main dishes

Soups, boils, consommés and fish or shellfish-based broths with coconut milk are perhaps the most representative dish of the Colombian Pacific gastronomy.

These marine ingredients are also cooked fried, steamed, roasted, in casseroles or on the grill. A typical lunch may include fried fish accompanied by avocado, rice, salad, and patacón (fried green plantain).

Along with shrimp and squid, the most popular fish are snapper, grouper, catfish and mojarra.

A characteristic that distinguishes the preparations is the intensity of their flavors, highlighted with dressings and herbs.

Drinks

The typical drinks of this gastronomy are usually sweet and suitable for hot days or on the beach, there are plenty of sorbets, juices and "strains".

Some of the most representative drinks are avocado fresco, pineapple colada and borojó sorbet, made from borojó, a fruit native to the region that has aphrodisiac properties.

Desserts

In desserts, coconut is a great protagonist. Popular desserts such as cocada and coconut rice are made from it.

There are also the well-known chancacas, which although they can be of various flavors, the variant made with coconut is the most sought after.

The gastronomy of the Pacific in the rest of Colombia

Often the majority of Colombians endorse the gastronomy of this region as the best in the entire country.

Apart from the intensity of its flavors, the area where it comes from (close to beaches and places to enjoy) and the culture of the place, give the culinary experience a very distinctive stamp.

The gastronomy of the Colombian Pacific has spread throughout Colombia, and in general it can be found anywhere in the country, especially in the capital.

References

1. Eve Bidmead (December 12, 2016). 10 Colombian Dishes You Must Try. Retrieved on October 22, 2017, The Culture Trip.
2. Typical Foods of the Colombian Pacific (March 31, 2011). Retrieved on October 22, 2017, from Comidas del Pacífico.
3. Laura Patiño (August 4, 2012). Typical foods of the Colombian Pacific. Retrieved on October 22, 2017, from Tecnochefs.
4. The delights and delicacies of the Colombian Pacific Coast for the world (nd). Retrieved on October 22, 2017, from Colombia.
5. Colombian cuisine from the Pacific (May 27, 2016). Retrieved on October 22, 2017, from Munchies.
6. Anny Wooldridge (March 16, 2017). 10 Traditional Foods You Have to Try in Colombia. Retrieved on October 22, 2017, The Culture Trip.