23 Food Reasons Colombians Know What's Good

23 Food Reasons Colombians Know What's Good

Colombia is a country of many misconceptions.

Abroad, the South American nation has suffered from age-old stereotypes and misidentification – seriously, it’s Colombia, NOT Columbia – but none of it has ever stopped its people from being known as some of the happiest on earth (if you don’t believe us, here’s proof).

What makes Colombia unique goes beyond the passion and joy of its soccer team, its magnificent biodiversity, the beauty of its women and even the folkloric sounds of Vallenato and Cumbia heard across the country. In fact, its true beauty comes from the warmth of its people.

Whether you visit Medellín and its “eternal spring,” the highland climate of Bogotá or the tropical paradise found in the historic port city of Cartagena – you’re bound to find a friendly face and a hot plate of the region’s specialty.

Colombian cuisine is as diverse as the country’s 32 departments, and it’s one thing tourists can’t get enough of. So, here are 23 food reasons why Colombians know what’s good.

1
They know nothing warms a chilly day like a hearty soup.
Flickr: Morten
Bogotá is nestled deep in a mountain basin of the Andes, which makes the city’s weather colder than the hot climate found just a few hours outside of it. So, it’s no surprise that the Colombian capital’s staple is a hearty soup. Ajíaco is made with three different types of potatoes, corn, shredded pieces of chicken and, most importantly, guascas (a special herb).
2
They’ve found the best way to eat corn.
Flickr: Meldarus
Arepas, or “corn cakes,” are not the sweet baked goods their English translation may indicate. They are to Colombians what tortillas are to Mexican – as in they go with anything at any time and any place. Arepas come in different sizes and varieties. In the department of Antioquia, you’ll often find a small white arepa on your plate as a side, while in Boyacá they prefer larger buttery arepas made with cheese. Other varieties? Arepa de Huevo, an arepa stuffed with an egg, and arepa de choclo for true corn lover. The one thing they have in commong? They're all delicious.
3
They know that going to a bakery should feel a lot like going to the candy store.
Flickr: cristinavalencia
Buñuelos, almojábana, pandebono, pan de yuca, palitos de queso (all varieties of cheese bread) are just some of the options you can find at your corner bakery. Buñuelos (pictured above) are cheese fritters eaten year-around but are a special treat at Christmas time.
4
They know the true meaning of a filling meal.
Flickr: xmascarol
In Colombia, the word “paisa” isn’t really used to identify fellow countrymen, across the country people from the departments of Antioquia, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindío are called “paisas” – hence, la bandeja paisa (the paisa platter). What does this colorful dish have to offer? Ground beef, egg, arepa, chorizo, avocado, rice, red beans and chicharron (more on that later), fried plantains, morcilla (blood sausage). Yes, that’s all for one person.
5
They’ve discovered the perfect dish for a beach meal.
Flickr: Fabiola Duerig
Nothing says oceanfront cuisine like fish and coconut, so why not combine the two? Along Colombia’s coast you can find fried mojarra accompanied by a side of coconut rice and patacones (these are fried green plantains we will discuss in detail later).
6
They’ve perfected the beef patty, a.k.a a delicious mini meal conveniently stuffed in a crunchy envelope.
Flickr: eddymilfort
Like arepas, the fried patty is made from yellow cornmeal, or masarepa. This ingredient is what sets Colombian empanadas apart from, let’s say, Argentine flour empanadas. Both, however, can be filled with anything from shredded meat and potatoes to chicken to cheese. This snack can be found in little plaza stands or street carts and can be served at any time of day. But why stop there? Add some ají, lime or pineapple sauce for some extra flavor.
7
They know food must never be wasted.
Flickr/Eddy Milfort
Who said beans and rice can’t be a part of a complete breakfast? Calentado or Calentao literally translates to “heated.” In the Andean region, especially, Colombians regularly enjoy beans and rice for dinner and Calentado was born as a way to consume what was left from the night before in the morning by adding an arepa, egg, chorizo and more to the plate. Thus, this dish is nothing but reheated leftovers. If you think that makes it any less delicious, you’d be mistaken.
8
They know that the best way to enjoy avocado is not by making guacamole.
Flickr/ruurmo
For Colombians the best way to eat avocado is by slicing it in half, taking a spoon and scooping it up straight. There is nothing that cannot be eaten with avocado; a slice of the green superfood is bound to top every regional dish and compliment any meal.
9
They’ve created their own type of hot sauce.
Flickr: mauricio giraldo
Colombians may not enjoy spice the way Mexicans do, but it doesn’t mean they don’t know how to heat things up. Ají is a special sauce that can be found in practically every restaurant, regardless of the region. Made from diced tomatoes, cilantro, chopped green onions, vinegar, water, lemon juice and, of course, ají or habanero pepper. This sauce is perfect for grilled meats, empanadas, patacones, arepas and much more.
10
Guaroooo
Flickr: mario
This anise-flavored liquor is derived from sugarcane, but don’t expect it to be sweet. Aguardiente – colloquially known as “guaro” – has an intense flavor so it's no surprise its name translates to “burning water.” Guaro is Colombia’s signature drink and at least one bottle never fails to make an appearance at any party. Pro tip: Aguardiente is about sharing, which means if there is one bottle, three plastic shot glasses and 10 people – don’t expect to get your own personal cup.
11
They’re masters of comfort food.
Flickr nicole tarazona
There is likely no better combination of sweet and salty than baked plantains topped with guava and melted cheese. It will instantly turn that frown upside down and make you realize that Colombians know no boundaries when it comes to tasty treats.
12
They know that if you can’t decide between pork belly or pork ribs – for breakfast – you don’t have to.
Flickr: familiabv
Tamales from the Tolima department are a delicious breakfast enjoyed all across the country. In Colombia, where bananas abound, the tamales are wrapped in plantain leaves. Inside, the filling comes with chicken, pork belly, pork ribs, boiled eggs, carrots, peas, potatoes, rice and more. Yup, that’s breakfast. Oh and did we mention it usually comes with hot chocolate and an arepa?
13
They’ve figured out how to make medicine out of a spoon full of sugar – sort of.
Flickr: Alpha
Aguapanela, which translates to “panela water,” can be served hot and with a little lime to help cure any flu or it can be served cold to cool down during those sunny summer days. Panela is a sweet, solid block that is derived from sugar cane and adding lime to the drink helps make the drink less sweet to suit your palate.
14
They take dessert very seriously – and very sweet.
Flickr: William Neuheisel
Oh you thought dulce de leche only existed in Argentina? Nope. In Colombia this delicious elixir prepared by slowly heating sweetened milk is called arequipe. This scrumptious concoction can be enjoyed in many ways but nothing beats smearing a thick serving of arequipe on the impossibly thin and round wafers known as obleas.
15
Seriously, their side dish game is unrivaled.
Flickr: nicole tarazona
As if all of the delicious snacks and treats available to Colombians weren’t enough, let’s add an oversized fried green plantain topped with a special tomato and onion sauce. A “patacón con hogao” can be served as an appetizer or frankly just as a side to one of the many national dishes.
16
They know how to drink coffee. Duh.
GUILLERMO LEGARIA via Getty Images
Colombians drink their coffee black. That’s it. No fancy concoctions or flavors, just the pure aroma and taste of fresh ground coffee. But don’t expect most people to ask for “un café,” in the South American country people drink tinto. Colombians will often enjoy their tinto after a meal or when having a long conversation with a friend. You just can’t go wrong when it comes to Colombian coffee.
17
They’ve managed to make blood sausage more than an acquired taste.
Flickr: Alexander Torrenegra
If the idea of eating what is essentially a sausage filled with dried blood is less than enticing, never fear, Colombians have the answer. For them, morcillas should also be stuffed with rice, peas, onion, parsley and a few more ingredients that make them a beloved addition to any platter.
18
They’ve figured out how to make hot chocolate BETTER.
Flickr: Bruno Sanchez-Andrade
Sure, nothing warms you up quite like a large cup of hot chocolate. So how can you make it better? Add cheese. Colombians are known for dropping pieces of double cream cheese into hot chocolate, which after some time melts.
19
They have fruits you can’t find anywhere else.
Flickr: xmascarol
Pitaya, lulo, granadilla (pictured above), mamoncillo, guanabana, cherimoya, tomate de arbol, uchuva, zapote, curuba…just to name a few.
20
Chicharrones. Enough said.
Flickr: remolacha.net
It’s not simply pork rinds, Colombians like a lot more meat on their skin. The fried pork belly has the crunchy skin on the outer rim and the soft meat on the inside. It’s a guilty pleasure, so don’t start counting calories.
21
They’ve made a national cocktail out of beer and soda.
Flickr: Maqroll
Refajo, a mix of beer and the national kola champagne known as Colombiana, is a big hit at barbecues and family gatherings. It may not be fancy but it sure is delicious.
22
They’re not afraid to eat pork straight from the source.
Flickr: Sr. Pacman
Whether its celebrating Independence Day or Christmas, Lechona is a ridiculously popular dish – nay, an event -- across the country. It’s made with peas, green onion, yellow rice and spices which are all stuffed within a roast pig and cooked in a brickoven for several hours. The process is lengthy but lechona is always a crowd pleaser.
23
Fruit + sweet makes for a perfectly balanced dessert
Flickr: Yassef Briceño García
We weren’t lying when we said arequipe was the perfect compliment to anything, including fruit. A popular Colombian dessert is brevas con arequipe (figs with arequipe), a tasty treat often accompanied by a fresh slice of cheese. So you can feel (a little) less guilty about your sweet tooth.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this post only noted that people from Antioquia were called "paisas," when in fact the term includes Colombians from the departments now mentioned above, as well.

Before You Go

1
It's megadiverse
Getty
Colombia is one the few "megadiverse" countries in the world. It manages to house 10 percent of the world's biodiversity. And it ranks first in bird and orchid species diversity, and second in plants, butterflies, freshwater fishes and amphibians.

To put all of this in perspective, 68.7% of Colombia's surface is covered by natural ecosystems.
2
It's also racially diverse
Getty Images
Colombia is profoundly racially diverse, too. As of 2005, 10.4 percent of the country's population was Afro-Colombian and 3.4 percent was Amerindian, according to the CIA's World Fact Book.

Many of the country's afro communities reside along Colombia's coasts, near port cities that use to be hubs for slave trading in the Americas.
3
It has world-renowned emeralds
AFP PHOTO/Guillermo LEGARIA
Colombia is known for exporting many things, but did you know the South American country is responsible for 60 percent of the world’s emeralds? That’s right, it’s likely that the green gem in your jewelry box originated from the emerald deposits of Muzo. Known for its deep green color and brilliance, Colombia’s emeralds are some of the most sought-after in the world.
4
It has (almost) every climate under the sun
Kike Calvo/Getty Images
While many know the country as a tropical paradise thanks to its location near the Equator, its rich ecosystems are possible due to its varied climate zones (rainforest, savanna, steppe, desert, mountain climate, etc.). Colombia’s temperatures vary based on elevations and rainfall.The country's capital, Bogotá, for example, is almost 9,000 feet above sea level and its average temperature is 57 °F.
5
It has the best coffee in the world
Getty Images
Ahh yes, if there’s one thing Colombia has always been synonymous with, it’s delicious freshly ground coffee. The “Eje Cafetero” (Colombian Coffee-Growers Axis), also known as the “Triángulo del Café”, located mainly within the Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío departments is home to what many consider the best coffee in the world.

Fun Fact: The figure of Juan Valdez that represents the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia is not based off a real person. The fictional poncho-wearing character widely referenced abroad (remember that scene from “Bruce Almighty”?) is simply used to represent Colombian coffee farmers.
6
It's home to the river that ran away from paradise
The world is full of amazing rivers and lakes, but how many are as colorful as Caño Cristales? It's commonly referred to as "the river that ran away to paradise." Why? Because from September to November, the water level dips, and the moss on top of rocks begins to change and bloom in a variety of beautiful colors.
7
Se habla español...y muy bien
GUILLERMO LEGARIA/AFP/Getty Images
While the Spanish language may have its roots in the motherland of Spain, Spanish is considered to be particularly well-spoken in Colombia.

In 2007, Víctor García de la Concha, the director of la Real Academia de la Lengua Español, the official royal institution overseeing the Spanish language praised the country's Spanish while speaking to Caracol Radio.
8
It's growing as a fashion hub
RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/GettyImages
“La ciudad de la eterna primavera” (the city of the eternal Spring) says plenty about the beauty of Colombia’s second biggest city, Medellín. Once known as the home of the ruthless drug lord Pablo Escobar, its thriving textile industry has helped shed its past reputation and replace it with a growing fashion industry. Medellín hosts two important annual fashion-related events: Colombia Moda and Colombiatex.
9
It's a country that values rest
AFP PHOTO/Rodrigo ARANGUA
Only bested by Argentina, Colombia has the second highest number of national holidays in the world. With 18 public holidays and an average of 15 paid vacation days, it’s clear that this South American country values rest. In comparison, according to ABC, the U.S. only has 10 public holidays.

Most Colombians take advantage of the long weekends, also known as “puentes festivos,” to travel within the country with friends and family.
10
It prioritizes a healthy lifestyle
LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/Getty Images
Since 1974, on Sundays and national holidays the country’s capital closes its usually congested main roads to give Bogotá’s residents a chance to walk, run, bike, skate and skip with its ciclovía. In other words, from 7 AM to 2 PM Colombian families and tourists can use the over 75 miles of asphalt as their playground.
11
It's filled with amazing food
Getty Images
All that Ajíaco, Sancocho, Bandeja Paisa, Mojarra might be the real reason Colombians need the ciclovías to exercise on the weekends. With delicious typical stews hailing from different corners of the country, Colombians hardly lack gastronomic splendor. For more delicious food reason, click here.
12
It's home to salsa Caleña
AP Photo/William Fernando Martinez
“¡Oiga, Mire, Vea....vengase a Cali para que vea!”

Colombia’s third most populous city, Cali, is sometimes called La Capital de la Salsa (World’s Salsa Capital). With significant differences from other styles of salsa, “Salsa Caleña” is known for its quick footwork with a mostly still upperbody. But Colombians do more than dance Salsa, the country is most well known for both its Cumbia and Vallenato genres.
13
It was Gabo's birthplace
ALEJANDRA VEGA/AFP/Getty Images
Nobel Laureate and novelist Gabriel García Márquez was perhaps the most well-known figure in Colombian literature. Author of “One Hundred Years of Solitude" (1967) and "Love in the Time of Cholera" (1985), his works have not only been critically acclaimed but have made “Gabo” an icon within the Magic Realism genre.
14
It's where the legend of El Dorado originates
AP
If you’ve ever heard of the Legend of El Dorado, then you know of Colombia’s pre-Columbine history. The original narrative told the story of the Muisca people who used gold not as a symbol of material wealth but as a sacred metal for religious offerings. The legend describes the famed El Dorado ceremony which welcomed the new cacique (chief). Covered in gold dust, the chief would travel atop a raft. Later he would dive into the lake with his offerings as bystanders cheered.

Bogotá’s International Airport “El Dorado” was named after the ceremony, and gold artifacts, like the Muisca Raft, can be found in the capital city’s Museo del Oro (Gold Museum).
15
La Selección Colombia is full of love and talent
Getty Images
Colombians rarely miss a chance to socialize over a good soccer match thanks to their common love of fútbol. Whether it’s celebrating a La Selección Colombia win or coming together after a defeat, Colombian wear their yellow, blue, and red with pride.

James Rodriguez and los Cafeteros showed the world their growing power and dance moves at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Rodriguez took home the Golden Boot for most goals scored in the tournament and also won Best Goal of the Tournament.
16
It's given the world beloved megastars
Getty Images
Despite all of the country’s qualities perhaps what shines the brightest internationally are its stars. The country has produced everyone from the charitable Juanes and Shakira to the hilariously sexy Sofía Vergara. And don't forget about the musically talented Fonseca, Carlos Vives, J Balvín and Maluma. There's no shortage of stars in Colombia.
17
It's made the art world fall in love with the chubby
Getty Images
For all those chubby-loving art fiends, Colombian artist Fernando Botero’s work is nothing short of innovative. His figurative style “Boterismo” is characterized by portraying subjects in exaggerated volumes. His works are known to depict chubby women, men, children, animals, and even still-life in daily life with a sense of humor. Botero has also taken classics, like Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and given them his own unique touch.
18
It has more festivals than you know what do with
AP
It's not enough to have astonishing biodiversity and ethnic diversity, you need to celebrate it. Colombia has the world's biggest theater festival (Festival Iberoamericano), salsa festival and flower parade. It also has the second biggest carnival in the world!
19
It's made a hell of a comeback
Getty Images
TIME magazine said it best when they featured the Colombian president on the cover of their international edition in April 2012, and praised the country as thus: "From nearly failed state to emerging global player -- in less than a decade."

Colombia's economy has been growing over the years and despite some setbacks, the country currently has one of Latin America's most stable economies.
Close

What's Hot