In Colombia you will not only enjoy its cities, charming towns and beautiful landscapes. In a destination where you eat great and there are several traditional dishes that you must try.
Colombian gastronomy and food can be defined as a combination or fusion of other cultures such as Spanish and African mainly, complemented by the most representative typical dishes of each region that impose a magical touch of unparalleled flavor and seasoning.
In this post I will tell you about the 10 traditional dishes to eat in Colombia and I will also add some of its most typical drinks.
10 TRADITIONAL DISHES TO EAT IN COLOMBIA
1. Arepas
Arepas are round cakes made with corn flour, usually cooked on the grill and served in different ways. You can find them as they are without accompaniment, also with butter, stuffed with meat, roasts, chicken, vegetables, even sweets. Depending on the area where you eat them, you will find them in one way or another. In Cartagena de Indias, egg-filled ones filled with a mixture of vegetables and fish or filled only with egg are very popular.
2. Pies
Empanadas are popular worldwide and each country customizes them to their taste or local products. It is a perfect snack for any time and they are usually sold in street stalls, bars, restaurants...
They are generally made with thick wheat dough and stuffed with minced meat and onion. They are delicious.
3. Paisa Tray
The Paisa tray is the most representative dish of Antioquia cuisine, very popular in all the municipalities of Antioquia, the Coffee Region (Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda) and part of the north of the Valle del Cauca and the north of Tolima in Colombia.
It is a dish of rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, pork rinds, arepa, egg and avocado. Light, light it is not, but you have to try it at least once.
4. Sancocho
Creole hens are birds raised in the open air and have a very natural diet without hormones or concentrated feed, it is because of the way they are raised that Creole hens have a special flavor and their meat and bones.
The Sancocho has Creole chicken, green plantains, cassava, potato, corn on the cob, cilantro to taste, chopped long onion, wild coriander leaves, finely chopped tomatoes, sprigs of parsley, salt, chicken bouillon cubes, dressings to taste . There are those who like it with lemon or hot pepper when consuming it and also with a slice of avocado or a banana.
When you ask for the Sancocho, ask exactly how much they will bring you... normally with the ration of one person two or three eat.
5. Tamales
Tamales can be found in many countries in the Americas, and Colombia is no exception.
The tamale with a corn dough and stuffed with the most varied ingredients: chickpeas, eggs, chicken, meat, bacon, vegetables...
It is prepared by wrapping it in a banana leaf and slowly boiling or grilling it. You can eat/find it both in restaurants and in street stalls.
6. Ajiaco
In Colombia many soups are eaten (there are all kinds) and one of the best and most typical is ajiaco, especially in the area of Bogotá and its surroundings. It is prepared with shredded chicken, Creole potatoes, white potatoes, savannah potatoes, corn and guasca. They usually serve you a lot, keep that in mind before ordering the second course.
7. Minced
It is a dish of several combined meats. There is usually a large tray with chicken, beef, pork, sausages, chorizos... they are usually accompanied with potatoes, corn on the cob, avocado, crepes and rice. In addition, they always add some sauces to accompany you.
It is usually a very complete and large dish. Generally the portion of one is for 2 or 3 people. Ask the waiter before the size they will serve.
8. Fried Garlic Trout
You can find fried fish in Colombia practically throughout the country. The most popular areas where they offer fried trout with garlic are Salento and the Coffee Region. Sometimes they serve it with a sauce of garlic and prawns.
9. Fried snapper and coconut rice
Pargo is a simple and delicious recipe that you will find in many local restaurants: the snapper (a type of fish) is fried and served with fried plantains and coconut rice.
Patacones are sliced bananas that are fried after being smashed.
10. Sautéed sausages
The name refers to the way the meat is cooked: cooked. In addition to the chorizos, there are also whole dishes with a mixture of meats accompanied by rice, yucca, potatoes, also cooked, and salad. It is a dish that is found above all in the area of the Coffee Region.
TYPICAL DRINKS OF COLOMBIA
Colombian coffee
Colombian coffee is one of the best in the world. Although their way of preparing it is not what we are used to in Spain. Coffee in Colombia is called red and here it is drunk almost by the liter and without adding sugar. In a liter of very hot water (but not boiling) add a little coffee. It's very American and smooth. And they drink it all day.
Fruit juice
Colombian fruit is delicious. And you can find everywhere carts selling pieces of fruit or juice. They are delicious!
Panela water and cheese
It is a traditional Colombian drink that is a glass of water with panela (a type of sugar) and is accompanied by a piece of soft cheese. Some people eat the cheese separately, but the original recipe indicates that the cheese should be soaked in the water with the sugar.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Colombia a lot. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!
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