I recently had the opportunity to travel to Medellin, Colombia for a friend’s wedding. It was my first time to the country and I was blown away by the culture, beauty, and cuisine i encountered there.
Colombian food is like a vibrant tapestry of flavors and influences that mirrors it’s rich history and diverse geography. From the coastal regions to the highlands and the lush Amazon rainforest, Colombian cuisine offers a delightful and colorful experience that captures the heart of this South American nation. I was there for only 4 days and feel that I just scratched the surface of all that Colombian Cuisine has to offer but I got off to a great start! So, join me in this blog post as I take you on my delicious culinary journey through Colombia, where I’ll shine a spotlight on some of the most iconic and mouth watering dishes and snacks that define it’s culinary identity: bandeja paisa, arepas, buñuelos, lomo, aji picante, and paletas.
Bandeja Paisa
Bandeja Paisa, often referred to as the “national dish of Colombia,” is a hearty and filling plate that epitomizes the country’s love for generous portions and bold flavors. This traditional meal consists of several key components, including:
- Carne Asada: Grilled beef or pork that’s marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs.
- Chicharrón: Crispy fried pork belly.
- Chorizo: sausage made with beef, pork, and spices.
- Morcillas: blood sausage.
- Arroz: White rice.
- Frijoles: Red beans cooked to perfection.
- Arepas: Thick, corn-based flatbreads.
- Patacones: Fried green plantains.
- Huevo Frito: A fried egg.
- Aguacate: Sliced avocado.
- Hogao: A delicious sauce made from tomatoes and onions.
This dish is a true feast for the senses, offering a combination of textures and flavors that represent the country’s agricultural heritage, originating from the center of Colombia where Medellín is located. The farmers in this rural area needed a meal to give them energy throughout the day for their strenuous work, giving birth to this massive meal now known as Bandeja Paisa. I ordered this epic plate of food from Restaurante Leonor and it did not disappoint! They served it alongside a refreshing glass of Guarapo(sugarcane and lime juice). This plate is HUGE, so I definitely recommend sharing!
Arepas
Arepas are a staple in Colombian cuisine and can be found across the country. These thick, round corn cakes are made from masa harina, a type of corn flour, and can be served as a side dish or a main course. Arepas are incredibly versatile, with various fillings and toppings to choose from. Some popular options include cheese, shredded beef, chicken, avocado, and hogao. They can be grilled, fried, or baked, offering a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, doughy interior. I had many an arepa while I was there. You can find them at street vendors and restaurants alike. I LOVED the grilled arepas stuffed with cheese!
Bunuelos
Buñuelos are beloved Colombian snacks that are a staple during Christmas and special occasions. These golden, deep-fried dough balls are made from a mixture of cheese, cassava flour, and eggs. The result is a delightful combination of crispy and tender textures, with a slightly salty, cheesy flavor with a subtle sweetness. I was expecting them to taste similar to Pão de queijo(Brazlian Cheesey bread) but they were completely different. Buñuelos having a slightly sweeter taste and hollow inside.
Lomo: Beef Tenderloin
I was absolutely blown away by the quality of beef in Colombia. It was so fresh, soft, juicy, and melt in your mouth! My favorite was their Lomo aka Beef Tenderloin. It is similar to a filet mignon but had more flavor in my opinion and the cuts larger for a fraction of the price in the U.S. Often served with a pepper sauce or chimichurri. You can order a wide variety of sides: potatoes prepared in many ways, arepas, plantains, salad, rice, beans and much more! Defintely a must try if you are a beef lover. Two steak houses I went to and would both highly reccommend are:
- Andres Carne de Res– a vibrant steakhouse with live entertainment and a HUGE menu.
- San Carbone– an iconic Colombian steakhouse specializing in grilled meat with an rustic upscale vibe.
Aji Picante
As a true hot sauce lover, this was one of my favorite discoveries while in Colombia. Aji Picante is a hot sauce that’s widely used to add a kick to Colombian dishes. Made from a blend of fresh hot peppers, cilantro, green onions, lime juice, and vinegar, it delivers a spicy and tangy flavor that enhances the taste of various dishes. Colombians use aji picante as a condiment to add a fiery element to their meals, and its versatility means you can adjust the spiciness to your liking. The overall flavor profile of this sauce has to be one of my favorites of all time!
Paletas
In Colombia, street fruit popsicles aka Paletas were a delightful discovery. These refreshing treats showcase the abundance of exotic fruits in the country and offer a sweet and icy escape from the heat. From lulo and guanabana to mango and passion fruit, these popsicles are a burst of tropical flavor. And of course, you can spice these up with the option to sprinkle Tajín on top!
What sets Colombian street fruit popsicles apart is their authenticity. Crafted by local artisans, each popsicle is a labor of love, capturing the true essence of the country’s diverse landscapes. As you explore Colombia’s bustling streets, you’ll find colorful carts and vendors offering a wide range of flavors, making this a delicious and refreshing addition to your culinary adventure. Don’t miss the chance to savor these frozen delights, which are a true taste of Colombian culture.
Trucha al Ajillo
My husband and I took a day trip to Guatape, a small lakeside town about a 2 hour drive from MedellÍn. Trucha, or Colombian Trout, is a specialty in this town caught fresh in the lakes that surround the town. Trucha has a salmon like color and is served in many different ways. I ordered mine grilled with a garlic paste on top accompanied by rice, red beans, a tostone, aji picante(of course), and fresh Lulo juice. Absolutely delicious!
Con mucho gutso!
Colombian cuisine is a vibrant, diverse, and incredibly flavorful journey through a country rich in culture and tradition. From the hearty bandeja paisa to the versatile arepas, the golden buñuelos, the unique lomo al trapo, and the spicy aji picante, Colombian food offers a wide array of tastes and experiences that reflect the nation’s diverse landscapes and cultural influences. Exploring these iconic Colombian dishes is not only a culinary adventure but also an opportunity to savor the heart and soul of this beautiful country.
After being so impressed with everything MedellÍn has to offer, I cannot wait to go back to explore more!
