If you’re looking for a delicious and exotic culinary adventure, look no further than Colombia. This South American country is home to a variety of traditional foods that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

From arepas and empanadas to bollos and tamales, here are 10 traditional Colombian foods you need to try during your vacation in Colombia.

Arepas

What are they:

Arepas are a type of cornbread that is popular in many Latin American countries. They can be either sweet or savory, and are often filled with cheese, meats, or vegetables.

How are they made:

Arepas are made from a dough of masa harina (corn flour), water, and salt. The dough is then formed into patties and cooked on a griddle or comal until golden brown.

What do they taste like:

Arepas have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. When filled with savory ingredients, they make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Bandeja paisa

What is it:

The bandeja paisa is a dish from the Colombian Paisa region. It is typically made with rice, beans, meat, avocado, plantain, chorizo, arepa, and hogao sauce. The city of Medellín is known to have some of the best ones.

How is it made:

To make a bandeja paisa, first cook the rice and beans. Then fry theplantains and chorizo. Grill or roast the meat. Slice the avocado. Serve all ingredients on an arepa with hogao sauce on top. 

What does it taste like:

The bandeja paisa has a variety of flavors from the different components of the dish. The rice and beans are usually mildly flavored, while the plantains are sweet and the chorizo is spicy. The meat is typically flavorful as well, depending on how it is prepared. The hogao sauce ties everything together with its slightly sweet and tangy taste.

Empanadas

What are they:

Empanadas are a type of pastry that is typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. They can be either baked or fried, and are often served as a snack or appetizer. 

How are they made:

Empanadas are made by first rolling out a dough, then adding the filling of choice to the center. The dough is then folded over the filling and sealed. Finally, the empanada is either baked or fried. 

What do they taste like:

The taste of an empanada will depend on the filling that is used. However, the dough is typically flaky and buttery.

Sancocho

What is it:

Sancocho is a traditional Colombian soup made with chicken, beef, or pork, and a variety of vegetables such as yuca, potato, corn, plantain, and ñame. The soup is typically slow-cooked for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

How is it made:

Sancocho is typically made by browning the meat in a pot before adding the vegetables and water or broth. The soup is then simmered for several hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

What does it taste like:

Sancocho has a rich, hearty flavor thanks to the slow-cooking process which allows all of the flavors to come together. The soup can also be quite spicy thanks to the addition of chili peppers or hot sauce.

Arroz con leche

What is it:

Arroz con leche is a traditional Colombian dish made with rice, milk, and sugar. It is typically served as a dessert, but can also be eaten for breakfast or lunch.

How is it made:

Arroz con leche is made by cooking rice in milk until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens. Sugar is then added to taste. The dish can be flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices.

What does it taste like:

Arroz con leche tastes sweet and creamy, with a rich flavor from the milk and rice. The spices used to flavor the dish can add a bit of heat or sweetness, depending on what you use.

Ajiaco

What is it

Ajiaco is a soup made with chicken, potatoes, and corn. It is usually served with white rice and a dollop of sour cream. 

How is it made:

Ajiaco is made by simmering chicken, potatoes, and corn in water until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. The soup is then seasoned with salt, pepper, and cumin to taste. 

What does it taste like:

Ajiaco has a hearty, comforting flavor that is perfect for a cold winter day. The chicken and potatoes provide a satisfying base, while the corn adds sweetness and texture to the soup.

Arepas con queso

What are they:

Arepas con queso is a dish made with arepas and cheese. The arepas are grilled or fried corn cakes that are popular in Colombia and Venezuela. The cheese is usually fresh white cheese, but any type of cheese can be used.

How are they made:

To make arepas con queso, the corn cakes are first grilled or fried. Then, the cheese is melted and spread on top of the cakes. The dish is then served hot with a side of sour cream or salsa.

What do they taste like:

Arepas con queso tastes like a combination of cheesy goodness and crispy, savory corn cakes. The dish is hearty and filling, yet still light enough to enjoy as a snack or appetizer.

Bollos

What are they:

Bollos are a type of bread that is popular in Colombia. They are made with flour, water, salt, and yeast, and they are typically round or oval in shape.

How are they made:

To make bollos, the dough is first kneaded until it is smooth. Then, it is left to rise for 30 minutes before being shaped into balls. After that, the balls of dough are boiled in water for 10 minutes. Finally, they are baked in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes.

What do they taste like:

Bollos have a soft and fluffy texture, and they are often served with cheese or dipping sauces.

Buñuelos

What are they:

Buñuelos are a type of fried dough that is popular in many parts of Latin America. They are made from a dough that is typically made with flour, water, milk, and sometimes yeast. The dough is then deep-fried and often coated with sugar or honey. Buñuelos are often served as a dessert or snack.

How are they made:

To make buñuelos, the dough is first prepared by mixing flour, water, milk, and yeast together. The dough is then deep-fried in oil until it is golden brown. Once the buñuelos are cooked, they are often coated with sugar or honey.

Buñuelos can also be served with fruit or other toppings.

What do they taste like:

Buñuelos have a crispy exterior and a soft interior. They are often sweet due to the sugar or honey coating.

Buñuelos can also be savory if they are not coated with sugar or honey.

Tamales

What are they:

Tamales are a traditional Colombian food that is made with corn dough, filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, and then wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed. They are typically served for breakfast or lunch.

How are they made:

Tamales are made by first soaking the corn husks in water to make them pliable. The filling is then prepared, and the corn dough is placed on top of the husks.

The tamales are then wrapped up tightly and steamed until cooked through.

What do they taste like:

Tamales have a soft, fluffy texture and the fillings can vary depending on what is used. However, they all have a slight sweetness from the corn dough which pairs well with the savory fillings.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic culinary experience, then you need to try traditional Colombian food. From arepas and empanadas to sancocho and arroz con leche, there are plenty of mouth-watering dishes to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Head to your nearest Colombian restaurant and start exploring!

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