Colombia Cuisine
South America • South America
96 iconic dishes
Signature Colombia Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(13)
Ceviche Colombiano
A refreshing and vibrant Colombian ceviche, featuring tender fish or shrimp 'cooked' in lime juice and tossed with fresh vegetables and a hint of ketchup for a unique regional twist. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
Chicharrón Colombiano (Colombian Crispy Pork Belly)
A classic Colombian delicacy, this pork belly is slow-cooked and then fried to achieve an incredibly crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. It's a staple in many Colombian dishes, especially Bandeja Paisa.
Colombian Longaniza Sausage
Authentic Colombian pork sausage, seasoned with aromatic cumin and black pepper, perfect for grilling. This recipe focuses on the traditional flavor profile.
Costilla de Cerdo (Colombian Grilled Pork Ribs)
Tender, flavorful pork ribs marinated and slow-grilled to perfection, a staple of Colombian fritanga. Served with simple boiled potatoes.
Lechona Tolimense
A whole roasted pig, meticulously stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, yellow peas, and seasoned pork, then slow-cooked to achieve incredibly tender meat and a shatteringly crisp skin. This is a celebratory centerpiece dish, traditionally prepared for large gatherings.
Lomo al Trapo (Salt-Crusted Beef Tenderloin)
A traditional Colombian method of cooking a whole beef tenderloin, encasing it in a salt crust and wrapping it in a damp cloth before cooking directly on hot coals. This technique creates an incredibly tender and juicy result with a flavorful, seasoned crust.
Mojarra Frita (Colombian Fried Whole Fish)
A classic Colombian coastal dish featuring a whole, crispy-skinned tilapia, seasoned and deep-fried to perfection. This recipe emphasizes simplicity and fresh ingredients for an authentic taste.
Muchacho Relleno (Colombian Stuffed Beef Roll)
An impressive Colombian eye of round beef roast, butterflied, filled with colorful vegetables, rolled, and slow-braised in a rich tomato sauce until tender. Perfect for special occasions.
Pastel de Pollo (Colombian Chicken Pie)
A comforting and savory Colombian chicken pie featuring a creamy, vegetable-rich chicken filling encased in flaky puff pastry.
Pollo Sudado (Colombian Braised Chicken)
Pollo Sudado, meaning 'sweated chicken,' is a comforting and flavorful Colombian dish where chicken is slowly braised with aromatic vegetables until incredibly tender and juicy. This method locks in moisture and infuses the chicken with the essence of the vegetables and spices.
Rellena (Colombian Stuffed Blood Sausage)
A traditional Colombian delicacy, Rellena is a type of blood sausage stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, vegetables, and spices, then poached and grilled to perfection.
Tamal Santandereano
A traditional Santanderean tamale, featuring tender pork and chicken, hearty chickpeas, all enveloped in a savory corn masa and steamed to perfection within banana leaves. This is a labor of love, often prepared for special occasions.
Tamales Tolimenses
Authentic Tolima-style tamales, featuring a rich corn masa filling with tender pork and chicken, seasoned vegetables, all lovingly wrapped in fragrant plantain leaves.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(23)
Aborrajados
A popular Colombian street food from the Valle del Cauca region, these are sweet, ripe plantains stuffed with salty cheese, coated in a light batter, and fried until golden and crispy. They offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Arepa Boyacense
A traditional sweet corn and wheat flour arepa from the Boyacá region of Colombia, filled with creamy cuajada cheese and sweetened with panela.
Arepas de Queso
Authentic Colombian cheese arepas, delightful corn cakes studded with melted cheese, griddled to a perfect golden-brown crisp on the outside and wonderfully soft within.
Buñuelos Colombianos
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, these Colombian cheese fritters are a beloved Christmas essential. Made with salty costeño cheese and tapioca starch, they puff up beautifully when fried to a golden brown.
Carantanta (Crispy Corn Crust)
Carantanta is a traditional Colombian snack made from the crispy, flavorful corn masa that forms on the bottom of the pot after preparing tamales or other corn-based dishes. It's a delicious way to utilize every bit of the masa, resulting in a unique, crunchy texture.
Carimañola
Carimañolas are savory, torpedo-shaped fritters made from mashed yuca, stuffed with a seasoned ground beef and hogao filling, and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. A popular street food and breakfast item from the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Carne Oreada (Colombian Sun-Dried Beef)
A traditional Colombian delicacy, Carne Oreada involves thinly slicing beef, seasoning it, and air-drying it until firm, then grilling it to a crispy, flavorful finish. It's a method of preservation that results in a unique chewy and concentrated taste.
Chicharrón (Colombian Crispy Pork Belly)
Authentic Colombian Chicharrón features skin-on pork belly, slow-cooked until tender, then fried to achieve a shatteringly crispy, puffed skin. It's a quintessential element of the iconic Bandeja Paisa and a beloved snack on its own.
Chunchullos (Colombian Grilled Intestines)
A popular Colombian street food, chunchullos are beef intestines meticulously cleaned, then grilled until perfectly crispy and golden brown. Typically served with boiled salted potatoes (papas saladas) and a spicy ají sauce.
Empanada de Pipián (Colombian Potato and Peanut Empanadas)
Authentic Cauca-style empanadas featuring a savory filling of mashed potatoes and a rich, spiced peanut sauce, encased in a crispy corn masa shell. A beloved Colombian street food.
Empanadas Colombianas
Authentic Colombian empanadas featuring a crispy corn masa shell filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a flavorful hogao (Colombian sofrito). Perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Envueltos de Maíz (Colombian Sweet Corn Tamales)
Sweet and tender corn dough, seasoned with sugar and butter, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. These are a delightful traditional Colombian treat, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
Guacamole Colombiano
A vibrant and chunky Colombian-style guacamole, bursting with fresh flavors and a zesty lime finish. Perfect as a side or dip.
Hormigas Culonas (Big-Bottomed Ants)
A traditional and crunchy delicacy from the Santander region of Colombia, these large ants are toasted to perfection and seasoned with salt. They offer a unique, nutty flavor and are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
Marranitas (Fried Plantain and Chicharrón Balls)
Savory and addictive fried balls made from mashed green plantains and crispy chicharrón (pork cracklings), often seasoned with hogao. A popular street food and appetizer from the Valle del Cauca region.
Morcilla (Colombian Blood Sausage)
A traditional Colombian blood sausage, Morcilla is a savory and rich delicacy, typically made with pig's blood, rice, onions, and aromatic spices, then encased and cooked until firm. It's a staple in Colombian fritanga platters.
Pan de Yuca (Colombian Yuca Cheese Bread)
Pan de Yuca is a delightful Colombian cheese bread made from yuca starch, offering a wonderfully chewy interior and a slightly crisp exterior. It's a popular bakery staple, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
Pandebono
Colombian cheese bread - a delightful gluten-free roll made with yuca starch and cheese, offering a crispy exterior and a wonderfully chewy interior. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Panderos (Colombian Cheese and Corn Bread Rings)
Deliciously sweet and savory cheese and corn bread rings, perfect for breakfast or a snack, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee.
Patacón (Colombian Fried Plantain)
Crispy, twice-fried green plantain discs, smashed and perfect for topping with a variety of delicious ingredients like hogao, cheese, and shredded meats. A popular Colombian street food.
Patacones
Colombian twice-fried green plantains, smashed and fried until perfectly crispy. These versatile discs serve as an excellent base for a variety of delicious toppings.
Pionono
A popular Colombian appetizer featuring sweet, ripe plantain slices wrapped around a savory ground beef and tomato filling, then topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly.
Salpicón (Colombian Fruit Cocktail)
A vibrant and refreshing Colombian fruit cocktail, featuring a medley of fresh fruits lightly dressed in their own juices and a touch of sweetness. Perfect as a light dessert, snack, or a cooling beverage.
🍲Soup Dishes(17)
Ajiaco Bogotano
A hearty and traditional Bogotá chicken soup featuring three types of potatoes, tender shredded chicken, and the distinctive aroma of the guasca herb. This comforting soup is a staple in Colombian cuisine.
Ajiaco Santafereño
A hearty and iconic Bogotá chicken and potato soup, Ajiaco Santafereño gets its signature creamy texture and unique flavor from three distinct types of potatoes and the essential herb, guascas. Served with shredded chicken, corn, and a trio of traditional accompaniments, it's a comforting and flavorful Colombian classic.
Caldo de Costilla (Colombian Beef Rib Soup)
A deeply comforting and hearty Colombian breakfast soup featuring tender beef ribs, soft potatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a chilly morning or as a restorative meal.
Cazuela de Mariscos
A rich and creamy Colombian seafood stew, featuring a medley of fresh seafood simmered in a flavorful coconut milk base with aromatic vegetables.
Changua
A comforting and traditional Bogotá breakfast soup, Changua is a simple yet satisfying milk and egg soup, infused with the fresh flavors of scallions and cilantro, often served with pieces of stale bread.
Hervido de Pollo (Colombian Chicken Soup)
A light, restorative, and deeply flavorful chicken soup, a staple in Colombian households, perfect for a comforting meal or when feeling under the weather.
Mondongo
A hearty and traditional Colombian tripe soup, slow-cooked with tender beef, pork, and root vegetables. Often enjoyed as a robust breakfast or a comforting meal.
Mute Santandereano
A hearty and traditional soup from the Santander region of Colombia, featuring a rich medley of meats, tender corn, creamy beans, and root vegetables. This dish is a labor of love, requiring time and patience to develop its deep flavors.
Sancocho Costeño
A hearty and flavorful Sancocho from the Caribbean coast of Colombia, featuring tender fish and the rich creaminess of coconut milk.
Sancocho de Gallina (Colombian Hen Stew)
A hearty and traditional Colombian stew made with a whole hen, root vegetables, and corn. This slow-cooked soup is a staple for family gatherings and special occasions.
Sancocho Trifásico
A rich and comforting Colombian trifásico (three-meat) sancocho, a hearty stew brimming with tender meats, starchy root vegetables, and sweet corn. This one-pot wonder is perfect for family gatherings and is known to nourish both body and soul.
Sancocho Trifásico (Colombian Three-Meat Stew)
A hearty and flavorful Colombian stew featuring a trifecta of meats – beef, chicken, and pork – simmered with starchy root vegetables and plantains to create a rich, comforting broth. Perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Sancocho Valluno (Valle del Cauca Style Pork Rib Stew)
A hearty and flavorful Sancocho, a traditional Colombian stew originating from the Valle del Cauca region, featuring tender pork ribs and a medley of root vegetables and plantains. Perfect for a family gathering.
Sobrebarriga en Salsa (Colombian Braised Flank Steak)
A classic Colombian dish featuring tender, slow-braised flank steak bathed in a rich, flavorful creole-style sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal.
Sopa de Papa (Colombian Potato Soup)
A creamy and comforting Colombian potato soup, featuring a delightful balance of smooth and chunky textures. Perfect for a hearty meal.
Sudado de Pollo (Colombian Steamed Chicken Stew)
A comforting and flavorful Colombian stew where chicken is gently braised with aromatic vegetables like tomatoes and onions, creating a rich, savory sauce. Potatoes absorb the delicious juices, making this a hearty and satisfying meal.
Viudo de Pescado
A hearty and flavorful fish soup from the Tolima region of Colombia, featuring tender chunks of river fish, starchy yuca, and sweet plantain, all brought together with fresh cilantro.
🥗Salad Dishes(2)
Ensalada Colombiana (Colombian Salad)
A vibrant and refreshing Colombian salad, featuring crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing. It's a simple yet flavorful side dish perfect for any meal.
Papas Saladas (Colombian Salted Potatoes)
A simple yet essential Colombian side dish where small potatoes are boiled in intensely salty water, resulting in a flavorful crust and tender interior. Perfect for serving with traditional fritanga or as a standalone snack.
🥔Side Dishes(5)
Arroz Atollado
A rich and comforting soupy rice dish from the Valle del Cauca region of Colombia, featuring a medley of tender pork, chicken, and savory chorizo, simmered with aromatics and rice to a luscious, spoonable consistency.
Arroz con Coco (Colombian Coconut Rice)
A beloved Colombian side dish from the Caribbean coast, this Arroz con Coco is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, with tender rice infused with the rich flavor of coconut milk.
Bandeja Paisa
Colombia's legendary platter - a generous feast featuring rice, beans, seasoned ground beef, crispy chicharrón (pork belly), flavorful chorizo, a fried egg, sweet fried plantain, a corn arepa, and creamy avocado, all brought together with a rich tomato-onion sauce (hogao).
Frijoles Antioqueños (Antioquia-Style Beans)
A hearty and flavorful Colombian classic from the Antioquia region. Tender red beans are slow-cooked with pork, thickened naturally with green plantain, and enriched with a savory hogao (a Colombian sofrito). Perfect as a side dish or a main course.
Frijoles con Chicharrón (Colombian Beans with Pork Rinds)
A hearty and comforting Colombian classic, this dish features tender red beans slow-cooked with aromatic hogao, thickened with green plantain, and crowned with crispy chicharrón (pork rinds). Perfect for a satisfying meal.
🍰Dessert Dishes(23)
Agua de Panela
A simple, traditional Colombian beverage made by dissolving panela (unrefined whole cane sugar) in water. It can be enjoyed hot as a comforting drink or chilled as a refreshing thirst-quencher.
Almojábanas
Sweet and cheesy Colombian cheese corn bread rolls, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Arequipe (Colombian Dulce de Leche)
Arequipe is the Colombian version of dulce de leche, a rich, creamy, and intensely sweet caramelized milk spread. It's a staple in Colombian desserts and enjoyed on its own.
Avena Colombiana (Colombian Oatmeal Drink)
A creamy, comforting, and subtly sweet oatmeal drink, traditionally enjoyed as a refreshing street beverage. It's blended to a smooth consistency and infused with the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.
Bocadillo (Guava Paste)
A traditional Colombian sweet made from guava paste and sugar, often served with cheese. It has a firm, jelly-like texture and a rich, sweet guava flavor.
Brazo de Reina (Queen's Arm Cake)
A classic Colombian jelly roll cake, known as 'Brazo de Reina' or Queen's Arm, featuring a light sponge cake filled with sweet guava paste and rolled to perfection. This dessert is a beloved treat for celebrations and everyday enjoyment.
Champús
A traditional Colombian fermented corn and fruit drink, often enjoyed for its refreshing and slightly tangy flavor. This recipe combines the earthiness of corn with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and the unique citrusy notes of lulo.
Cholao
A refreshing and vibrant Colombian shaved ice dessert, typically enjoyed as street food, featuring a delightful mix of fruits, sweet condensed milk, and colorful syrups.
Cocadas
Sweet, chewy coconut candies, traditionally made on the Caribbean coast. They can be white or brown depending on the sugar used, offering a delightful tropical treat.
Cuajada con Melao
A simple and beloved Colombian dessert featuring fresh, slightly firm cuajada cheese drizzled with a rich, dark panela syrup.
Dulce de Mora (Colombian Blackberry Jam)
A classic Colombian blackberry jam, perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or serving with desserts. This recipe balances the tartness of blackberries with the sweetness of sugar for a rich, flavorful preserve.
Dulce de Papaya (Candied Green Papaya)
A traditional Colombian dessert featuring tender strips of green papaya slowly simmered in a spiced sugar syrup until candied. It's a sweet and aromatic treat, often served chilled with a slice of fresh cheese.
Empanadas de Cambray
Delicate and sweet Colombian empanadas filled with creamy arequipe (dulce de leche), perfect as a dessert or sweet snack.
Helado Colombiano (Colombian Ice Cream)
A delightful Colombian ice cream featuring vibrant tropical fruit flavors, perfect for a refreshing treat. This recipe offers a creamy and intensely fruity experience, reminiscent of popular street food desserts.
Mazamorra
A traditional Colombian corn porridge made from tender white corn, simmered until soft and creamy, then served chilled with milk and a sweet panela syrup. It's a comforting and refreshing dish, especially popular in the Antioquia region.
Natilla (Colombian Cornstarch Custard)
A beloved Colombian Christmas dessert, this creamy, cornstarch-based custard is infused with the warm flavors of panela and cinnamon. It's a smooth, sweet treat that sets to a delightful pudding-like consistency.
Obleas (Colombian Wafer Sandwiches)
Obleas are a beloved Colombian street food treat. They consist of two thin, round, crispy wafers sandwiched together with a generous spread of 'arequipe' (dulce de leche) and often enhanced with optional toppings like shredded cheese or fruit jam for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
Plátano Maduro Frito (Fried Ripe Plantain)
A beloved Colombian side dish, plátano maduro frito features ripe plantains fried until tender, sweet, and beautifully caramelized. The natural sugars in the plantain create a delightful sweet and slightly savory flavor profile that complements many main courses.
Postre de Natas (Colombian Milk Skin Custard)
A traditional Colombian dessert featuring layers of delicate milk skin (nata) sweetened with sugar and studded with raisins, often finished with a rich caramel sauce. It's a rich, creamy, and subtly spiced treat.
Torta de Choclo (Colombian Corn Cake)
A delightful sweet and savory Colombian corn cake, made with fresh corn kernels baked into a tender, moist cake. Perfect as a side dish or a light dessert.
Torta de Maduro (Ripe Plantain Cake)
A delightful Colombian dessert featuring layers of sweet, mashed ripe plantains and savory cheese, baked to a golden perfection. It's a comforting treat that balances sweetness and richness.
Torta Fría (Colombian No-Bake Layered Cake)
A delightful no-bake refrigerator cake, featuring layers of crisp cookies, a rich condensed milk and cream mixture, and fresh mixed fruit. This easy dessert is perfect for making ahead and chilling until set.
Tres Leches Colombiano
A classic Colombian sponge cake, generously soaked in a rich blend of three milks, resulting in an incredibly moist and decadent dessert.
🍵Beverage Dishes(7)
Café con Panela
A traditional Colombian coffee sweetened with panela, offering a complex, rustic flavor profile.
Chicha de Maíz
Chicha de Maíz is a traditional, slightly alcoholic fermented corn beverage, originating from indigenous cultures in the Andes region. It's a refreshing and unique drink with a history spanning centuries.
Jugo de Maracuyá (Colombian Passion Fruit Juice)
A vibrant and refreshing Colombian passion fruit juice, known for its delightful tartness balanced with sweetness. Perfect for a hot day or as a tropical treat.
Limonada de Coco (Colombian Coconut Lemonade)
A lusciously creamy and incredibly refreshing coconut lemonade, a popular beverage from the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It perfectly balances tart lime with sweet, tropical coconut.
Lulada
Lulada is a tart, refreshing, and vibrant fruit drink, a specialty from the Valle del Cauca region of Colombia. It features the unique lulo fruit, known for its citrusy and tropical notes, blended with sugar and water, and served over ice for ultimate refreshment.
Refajo Colombiano
A refreshing and traditional Colombian beverage made by mixing beer with a sweet, fruity soda. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
Tinto (Colombian Black Coffee)
A simple yet deeply satisfying Colombian black coffee, known for its robust flavor and customizable sweetness. Traditionally brewed on stovetops, this tinto is a staple in Colombian households and a beloved street-side refreshment.
🫙Sauce Dishes(4)
Ají Casero (Colombian Homemade Hot Sauce)
A vibrant and fresh homemade hot sauce, perfect for adding a kick to any meal. This recipe focuses on fresh herbs and a bright, tangy flavor profile.
Ají Colombiano
A vibrant and fresh Colombian hot sauce, perfect as a condiment for any meal. This recipe features the bright flavors of cilantro and scallions balanced with a tangy lime dressing.
Hogao (Colombian Tomato and Onion Sofrito)
Hogao is the quintessential Colombian sofrito, a flavorful and aromatic base sauce made from slow-cooked tomatoes, onions, and scallions. It's the foundation for countless Colombian dishes, from hearty stews and rice dishes to fried eggs and plantains.
Papas Chorreadas
A beloved Colombian comfort food, Papas Chorreadas features tender boiled potatoes generously topped with a creamy, savory sauce made from tomatoes, scallions, and cheese.