THE 10 MOST POPULAR COLOMBIAN DISHES - HISTORY - 2025

The typical dishes of Colombia include elements of the indigenous, Spanish and African cultures, which were the three ethnic groups that came into contact during the conquest and the colony in America.

The gastronomy of Colombia is so varied that it is not possible to speak of a dish that represents the country in a national way. Rather, there are hundreds of traditional dishes, the preparation of which varies from one region to another.

For example, the tamale and arepa are essential elements in Colombian cuisine and each department prepares them in a different way.

Added to this, the variety of geographical and natural areas of the country contributes to the gastronomic diversity. For example, in the Andean region, dishes are prepared in which beef, chicken and pork meat predominate.

Fish and shellfish abound in the Caribbean region. On the other hand, the cuisine of the Pacific region is similar to that of Ecuador, being the roasted guinea pig one of the most remarkable dishes.

List of the most outstanding typical dishes of Colombia

The different natural areas into which Colombia is divided make this country have a great variety of ingredients that become the central elements of each dish.

For example, in the Colombian Andes and the Eastern Plains, meat is used in abundance, especially pork and beef. On the other hand, in coastal regions (such as the Caribbean), fish is mainly used.

1- Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian soup that is made mainly in the Andean region of the country and whose main ingredients are potatoes.

In fact, to make this dish, three different types of this tuber are required: sabaneras potatoes, pastusa and criollas.

In addition, the ajiaco includes chicken, corn, fresh pea grains, carrots and guasca (a typical herb of the area that gives a distinctive flavor to the ajiaco).

The method of preparation is as follows: the potatoes are boiled and made into a puree. In a separate pot, cook the chicken with the other ingredients to make a soup. The puree is added to this soup.

In some locations, milk or heavy cream is added to make the dish creamier.

2- Tamale

Tamales are stuffed buns made with corn dough. To make this dish, you can use both yellow and white corn. However, yellow corn is often preferred because of its attractive pigmentation.

The filling can vary from one area to another. In general, a meat stew is made (either beef, pork or chicken) that is accompanied with vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas, among others).

To cook them, they are wrapped in banana leaves and boiled. These leaves give the dish a flavor that characterizes it. It can be eaten for breakfast or lunch.

3- Peeled Arepa

The peeled arepa or "pelao" corn arepa is a traditional dish of the Andean region. The preparation of this dish requires time, since you must begin by shelling the corn. Subsequently, these grains are peeled with ash water and lime.

Once all the impurities have been removed from the grains, they are ground and kneaded to prepare the arepas. In the Andes, it is common to cook them on campfires on blocks of mud.

Regarding the filling, it can be very varied: these arepas can be accompanied with grains, with meat, with cheese, among others.

4- Empanadas

This dish is prepared with corn dough that is stuffed and fried in plenty of oil. Empanadas are typical of all Latin America.

However, those from Colombia are renowned for the fact that the fried dough is very crispy.

5- Roasted guinea pig

Roasted guinea pig is a typical dish from the department of Nariño, located in the Pacific region of Colombia. The presence of this dish in Colombian gastronomy shows the influence of Ecuadorian cuisine, a neighboring country.

The guinea pig is a rodent, also known as the guinea pig. This is skinned and cleaned, removing the entrails. Later it is roasted in embers.

6- Sancocho

"Sancocho" is the name given to a soup that can be prepared in different ways. According to the region in which it is made, this soup can be made of chicken, pork, beef, fish, seafood, among others. In some locations, more than one type of meat is even added.

7- Paisa tray

The paisa tray is a dish that is characterized by the abundance of its ingredients. This dish includes pork and beef, sausages, eggs, beans, banana, avocado, rice, arepa and bread.

These are the basic ingredients. However, each region can add other typical elements of the place.

8- suckling pig

Lechona (or lechón) is a traditional dish that is prepared with a baby pig no more than three months old. This pork is stuffed with vegetables: potatoes and diced carrots, peas, onion, and garlic.

It is cooked in the oven over low heat, so that the meat of the pig does not dry out too much. In Tolima and Bogotá different versions of this dish are made, whose flavors are truly diverse.

9- Changua

This is a typical soup from the Colombian Andes, especially from Bogotá, which is prepared by boiling water with milk. When the mixture is bubbling, an egg without the shell is added, which will be cooked by the heat of the liquid.

It is seasoned with fried chives and curly cilantro, two typical local herbs. It is usually served with bread.

10- White delicacy

Manjar blanco is one of the most emblematic desserts in this country. It is prepared with cornstarch, milk and sugar. This mixture is heated over low heat until it is observed that it is thickening.

Other ingredients can be added: dehydrated lemon peel, vanilla essence or cinnamon. It is served cold.

References

1. 10 Traditional Dishes to Try When Visiting Colombia. Retrieved on October 27, 2017, from medellinliving.com
2. Colombia - Latin Food and Recipes. Retrieved on October 27, 2017, from thelatinkitchen.com
3. Colombian cuisine. Retrieved on October 27, 2017, from wikipedia.org
4. Colombian culture. Retrieved on October 27, 2017, from wikipedia.org
5. Colombian Food. Retrieved on October 27, 2017, from southamerica.cl
6. Colombian Food - Typical & Traditional Cuisine. Retrieved on October 27, 2017, from gobackpacking.com
7. Regional cuisines. Retrieved on October 27, 2017, from thespruce.com