Colombian food is one of my favorite cuisines to enjoy when I’m visiting South America.
Is it healthy? Well it can be, however the meals I’ve had aren’t so great for you (but they do taste pretty darn good).
And whether you’re planning a trip to Colombia or you’re curious about trying Colombia recipes from home, then I’ve provided a list of my favorite dishes below.
At the bottom, I also give recommendations for where to find authentic Colombian recipes, so scroll down and see what interests you!
In This Article:
- Is Colombian Food Any Good?
- Colombian Dishes to Try
- Colombian Desserts
- Colombian Drinks
- Where to Find Authentic Colombian Recipes
Is Colombian Food Any Good?
While I’ve personally heard a lot of people say that Colombian food is bland, I couldn’t disagree more.
From there papas rellenas to their tamales tolimenses, Colombian dishes have so many unique flavors and ingredient combinations.
In fact, it’s one of my favorite cuisines from around the world, and I’d eat their bandeja paisa in an instant.
Now not every single dish is drenched in spices, but there are so many delicious and diverse recipes to try that I really don’t think anyone should be putting it down.
Colombian cuisine has been influenced by the Spanish, different indigenous peoples, Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and Arab flavors in certain areas. So when you visit, you know that you’re not going to be disappointed.
Authentic Colombian Food: 40 Dishes to Try
1. Arepas
While you won’t see corn tortillas being served with street food, you will see arepas everywhere in Colombia.
They originated in the territories that are now Colombia and Venezuela, and are made with masarepa (corn flour), water, and salt.
You can have them either be served plain and with toppings like quesito (fresh cheese) or even stuffed.
In the photo above, I had mine stuffed with extra queso, and while it wasn’t healthy, it was 100% delicious.
2. Empanadas
If you’re trying to figure out what to eat in Colombia, then this is an obvious choice.
Also, empanadas were everywhere when we were in Medellin, Colombia!
And while many countries use wheat flour for their dough and bake them, you’ll normally see them being made with a corn based dough and fried.
The fillings will vary. You’ll normally find meat and potatoes, but you can also get other fillings depending on the eatery.
So get them as a side or as a snack while exploring the city and enjoy!
3. Bandeja Paisa
Originating from the Antioquia region of Colombia, bandeja paisa is a classic and one of the most popular Colombian dishes in the country.
It’s an incredibly hearty and filling dish with ingredients that have influences from the Spanish and the indigenous peoples of Colombia.
And this is clearly seen with ingredients like chicharrón (fried pork belly), plantains, chorizo, avocado, and morcilla.
You’ll also see the ingredients and presentation vary depending on the restaurant, so it’s a fun Colombian dish to explore when visiting.
4. Tamales Tolimenses
Tamales are something I’ve see in many parts of Latin America, but I’ve never seen one like this.
Coming from the Tomila region in the central western part of Colombia, this unique tamale is filled with ingredients like pork belly, potatoes, carrots, rice, cumin, and so many other fresh ingredients.
Also, the corn meal used in the tamales tolimenses has been flavored with bouillon and other seasonings, so this dish ends being incredibly flavorful.
It really is a great Colombian lunch to enjoy after walking around and exploring.
5. Ajiaco Soup
I remember when my husband and I got invited to our Airbnb host’s family home where we tried so many dishes! Ajiaco was one of them and while this was a few years ago, I remember it having a nice flavor and being very hearty.
Potentially having its origins in Cuba, it’s filled with potatoes, corn, chicken, and guascas (or potato weed). It’s definitely a must-try Colombian recipe when you visit!
6. Pescador Frito
A very traditional and tasty beach side dish that’s served with coconut rice and patacones.
When I tried it, there were a good number of bones, but it was fun to eat!
And of course, if you want to make it at home, but feel uncomfortable with the fish head, you can just ask the people at the market to remove it for you.
7. Arroz con Coco
This is a very typical dish you’ll find on the Caribbean coast.
It had a nice subtle, fragrant, and toasted coconut flavor, and can be prepared in a few different ways. Some use salt, while others you panela, or even Coca-Cola and raisins.
Definitely give it a try if you’re in Colombia or at home!
8. Papas Rellenas
Many countries in Latin America have their own version of papas rellenas (or stuffed potato), but Colombia does it best (in my opinion).
Their version has incredibly flavorful seasoned meat, potatoes, sometimes rice, and is deep fried in a batter.
It’s not healthy, but it is really tasty and fun snack to get when you’re out exploring the city.
9. Colombian Parilla
Parilla is something you’ll see a lot of when you’re in Colombia.
It’s their version of barbecue where you’ll find different meats like chorizo, chicharron, morcilla, and other flavorful cuts of meat being grilled and served with Colombian sides like arepas and quesito.
So if you want something incredibly hearty for one of your Colombian dinners, then parilla will do the trick.
10. Lechona
Coming from the Tolima and Huila region of Colombia, lechona is one of my favorite Colombian foods.
The suckling pig is roasted whole and stuffed with the meat of the pig, rice, and spices, and then topped with the crispy skin.
It’s a dish you’ll often see at different celebrations, but you can get it year round at different eateries.
11. Quesito
Quesito is Colombia’s version of fresh cheese.
It’s a soft, mild, and tasty queso that you can top on arepas or eat as is. It has a wonderful texture and the flavor pairs so well with many Colombian dishes.
In the photo above, I show one of my favorite brands to try if you ever visit!
12. Chicharron
Chicharron is a staple of Colombian cuisine; you’ll find it everywhere and it should not be skipped.
The Colombian version takes the pig skin with some meat attached and deep-fries it until crispy.
You’ll see it in plenty of dishes like bandeja paisa or inside of marranitas (stuffed plantain fritters).
13. Colombian Steaks
If you’d like to try the different steaks available in Colombia, then here are a few you can look for at a restaurant or at a local butcher’s shop:
- Punta de anca (sirloin top center)
- Churrasco (sirloin)
- Solomito largo (tri-tip)
- Solomito redondo (sirloin)
They’re very flavorful and go great with their seasoned rice and quesito.
14. Arepa de Choclo con Queso
A very simple street food or Colombian meal to make at home.
It’s made with a specific type of sweetcorn called “choclo,” and the corn is fresh and mixed with masarepa instead of just the masarepa by itself.
It has a very pleasantly sweet flavor that tastes great with butter or some quesito for that sweet and salty contrast.
15. Colombia’s Llanera
Colombia really is for the meat lovers.
And above is a mixed grill platter with the main meat being costilla (ribs).
This kind of dish is rooted in the cooking traditions from the Llanos Orientales region (the eastern plains of Colombia).
In that region, you’ll find locals barbecuing veal (or mamona) and other foods over an open fire. And while it comes from the plains, you’ll also find this grilling style in cities like Medellín, where the tradition has spread and changed over the years.
16. Marranitas
Marranitas are stuff fried plantain fritters. They’re a tasty Colombian food to get on the street or at a restaurant.
And I really liked mine! The fried plantain tasted great with savory chicharron on the inside. It’s the perfect comfort food.
17. Aborrajados
Aborrajados are similar to marranitas except that they’re stuffed with cheese.
And I really liked them! The fried plantain on the outer part was a little sweet, and it went so well with the creaminess of the melty cheese.
18. Chorizo
Chorizo is something you’ll easily find here in Colombia.
Originally hailing from Spain, it’s a popular sausage you can have paired with an arepa or in plenty of other dishes like stews and fried platters.
19. Buñuelos
Another tasty food that came over from Spain. And while you can try it year round, it’s especially enjoyed during Christmas.
The Colombian version uses cassava flour, sugar, cheese, and other ingredients to make a crispy on the outside, fluffy and soft on the inside snack.
20. Colombian Desayuno
I think I had WAY too much desayuno when I lived in Colombia.
Desayuno translates out to “breakfast” and while it might not be the healthiest, it’s really hearty and delicious.
The rice and beans are incredibly satisfying and flavorful while the chorizo, eggs, arepas, and cheese make for a very savory and satisfying first meal of the day.
Desayuno will vary depending on the region and the restaurant, but it’s definitely fun to try!
21. Patacones
Probably the most famous Colombian food, patacones are something you can’t escape trying when visiting this country.
These plantains are cut up into thick pieces, fried, smashed, and fried again to create this super crispy and tasty snack.
You’ll often see it being added as a side to a main dish, or as an appetizer with dips.
22. Picada Colombiana
Again, not so healthy, but picada is a delicious fried platter filled with different meats like steak and chorizo, potatoes, plantain, arepas, and other foods.
You can order it to share with friends, but it’s also made for people gathering to celebrate.
23. Perro Caliente Colombiano (Colombian Hot Dogs)
Colombian-style hot dogs are quite a bit different than the ones you’ll get in the states, and it can vary on where you get them.
So for example, you’ll see them getting topped with ingredients like pineapple sauce, potato chips, and even quail eggs (like in my photo above).
It’s a fun take on the American classic and definitely something to try when exploring Colombian cuisine.
Colombian Desserts
24. Colombian Fruit Salad
I had no idea how good a Colombian fruit salad would be until I tried it.
They cut up different fruits into a cup and drizzle it with a condenses milk sauce. Then they add a light creamy shredded cheese, and top it with ice cream.
Something about the creamy cheese and the sweet ice cream and fruits really worked togehter!
25. Torta Negra Colombiana (Colombian Black Cake)
Torta negra is a spiced cake made with rum and ruby port wine, and a dessert you’ll see being served at a lot of different celebrations in Colombia.
The one I personally had wasn’t too sweet and I feel like it works so well for the holidays and to pair with a hot cup of coffee.
26. Maria Luisa Cake
I absolutely loved Torta Maria Luisa! It’s this wonderfully soft and fluffy cake that has an enjoyable citrusy orange flavor and creamy dulce de leche (or arequipe) or jam in between the layers.
It goes so well with a hot cup of coffee and it’s fun to share with a friend.
27. Arequipe (Colombian Dulce de Leche)
Dulce de leche is everywhere in Latin America and I honestly can’t get enough of it.
But arequipe is Colombia’s name for this sweet sauce and you’ll see it on or in so many desserts like ice cream, cakes, pastries, and so much more. I personally loved putting it in my coffees and trying an arequipe based dessert at almost every chance I got.
28. Colombian Postres
Colombian postres (or pastries) are seriously slept on.
I’m not even a big pastry fan, but I will eat a Colombian pastry like a pastel de gloria or a pastel arequipe in an instant.
You’ll find them being stuffed with fillings like cheese and guava paste, arequipe and guava paste, and so much more!
29. Flan de Leche
Flan is something you’ll find anywhere from Mexico to Argentina, and it is a very good thing.
Colombian flan de leche is very creamy and has a nice sweetness to it. And if you enjoy pudding-like desserts, then this is something to put on your list!
30. Alfajores
Alfajores are something you’ll primarily see in South America, and Colombia is a great place to try them!
They’re delicate biscuit-like cookies filled with creamy dulce de leche and sometimes coated in coconut flakes.
They go great with a hot drink and are very enjoyable!
31. Arroz con Leche
Colombian arroz con leche is very sweet and creamy and while it varies, it can be made three different types of milk: evaporated, whole, and condensed milk.
It’s a simple dessert, but so pleasant and tastes really nice with a bit of cinnamon on top.
32. Colombian Fruits
While in Colombia, you need to explore and try the different fruits of the country. You can easily do this by getting some fruits to-go from a street vendor, or shops where you can grab some to try later.
Here are some to look out for:
- Guayaba: The Spanish name for guava and used in Colombia.
- Lulo: A fruit that tastes like a kiwi.
- Tamarillo: A fruit that’s been compared to passion fruit, guava, tomato, and kiwi.
- Gulupa: Known as the purple passion fruit, it’s slightly sweet and sour and very refreshing.
- Granadilla: Also similar to a passion fruit but it’s said to be sweeter.
- Manguito: A sweet and small variety of mango that has a thin edible skin.
33. Milhoja de Arequipe
Made with layers of puff pastry and creamy custard, the Colombian version with arequipe makes for a very satisfying and rich dessert.
It’s so simple and easy to find when visiting the country!
34. Micao de Arequipe
Coming from Medellin, this cake is very rich and has some incredible layers of puff pastry and arequipe.
Also, it’s just looks so aesthetically pleasing and can be served at celebrations or just be a pleasant way to end your dinner at a nice restaurant.
35. Obleas
Obleas can either be simple or very extravagant!
The one I had above was one that I tried from a store with just arequipe. It was very pleasant; not too sweet and made for a nice dessert.
But if you want them with a lot more flavor, then you’ll find them being topped with marmelade, cheese, an more.
Colombian Drinks
36. Chocolate Santafereño
If you like chocolate, then you’ll like this Colombian drink. It’s simply hot chocolate that’s paired with cheese. And while I know this sounds pretty different, trust me, it’s worth it.
The cheese was very mild and melty, so it went great with the hot chocolate. And the hot chocolate itself was also very rich and deep, but not too sweet.
37. Limonada de Coco
I was actually shocked that I liked this drink!
I had mixed it up with another drink I had in mind and when it arrived, I wasn’t so sure I’d like it (not a big fan of coconut). But I was pleasantly surprised!
The drink is made up of sugar, coconut cream, and lemons and it has this wonderful creamy, sweet, and tart flavor that just works.
38. Colombian Coffee
You really can’t go to Colombia without experiencing Colombian coffee (it almost feels like a blasphemy).
You can get it in nice coffee shops, but you’ll also see small little stands on the street serving it where people will sit on small chairs and talk and enjoy their drinks together.
And for me when I had Colombian coffee, it was very smooth, had great flavor, and was definitely easy drinking without a ton of milk.
39. Aguapanela
I could drink GALLONS of aguapanela.
My Colombian friends showed me how to easily make it. You just take panela (unrefined cane sugar in solid form), dissolve it in water, squeeze in some lime to taste, set it in the fridge to cool, and you have a super refreshing drink.
40. Fresh Colombian Juices
The juices in Colombia are something you need to try.
There are so many fresh juice shops (or juguerías) where you can get big cups of fresh juices like mango or guanabana for a very small price.
They will ask you if you want it with sugar (con azucar) or without sugar (sin azucar), and with water (con agua) or with milk (con leche). And it’s up to you and how healthy you want it to be!
Where to Find Authentic Colombian Recipes
If you aren’t making plans to visit Colombia any time soon, then there are a few great options for trying Colombian cuisine at home.
These Colombian food bloggers and influencers down below share their traditional Colombian dishes so you don’t have to guess as to whether the recipe you just found is authentic or not:
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.