Looking to explore authentic Colombian food?
From the iconic bandeja paisa to mouthwatering arepas and hearty soups like ajiaco, Colombian cuisine is a rich blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish flavors.
In this guide, we highlight the most popular traditional Colombian dishes you absolutely need to try—get ready to taste Colombia one plate at a time.
The 45 Most Popular & Traditional Colombian Foods
In no particular order, here are the most popular dishes in Colombia.
These traditional Colombian dishes range from its capital city to its pacific coasts to the caribbean region and andean region of the country.
1. Obleas
Obleas are light brown-colored wafers that are round in shape.
Obleas are served with a spread of Colombian caramel called arequipe, which is very similar to dulce de leche.
Obleas use a variety of toppings such as fresh cheese, jams, or plain sprinkles.
They are most popular in Colombia but also enjoyed in Mexico, El Salvador, and Venezuela.
From Baranquilla to Categena, obleas are at the heart of the country’s kitchen pantries and a very popular Colombian street food.
No pantry would be complete without this irresistible Colombian food.
2. Calentado
The Calentado is the perfect example of pure functionality.
It began as a reheated traditional breakfast made by leftovers and has transformed into a Colombian staple meal.
Calentados are almost always prepared with white rice. Beans that have been simmering since the night before are mixed into the rice.
On top of the beans and the rice, Calentado’s often have some type of meat.
This is often the common Colombian chorizo, a type of pork that is rolled into a tube.
Chorizo often comes with embedded spices to add a little bit extra kick to the meat.
A fried egg is almost always a staple in any Calentado
To top it all off, Calentados come with an arepa.
Arepas are a dough that is thickened out. Think of a thick, hard soft taco shell and you’re on the right track.
Some Colombians like to add a hint of sweet to their Calentado by adding a sweet plantain or by drinking Chocolate Santafereño, a traditional Colombian hot chocolate with their meal.
Preparing a Calentado can be easy, tasty, and super fast.
3. Aborrajados
One way to start a good Colombian meal is with the popular appetizer known as Aborrajados.
These savory yet sweet little delights are slices of plantains that have been stuffed with the cheese of your choice, such as pepper jack to give them a little spicy kick.
They are then battered and deep fried to a crispy golden brown.
With the sweetness of the plantain and the slight heat of the melted cheese, these are a great way to start off your authentic Colombian meal or even finish it.
4. Lechona
In English, Lechona translates to “suckling pig”. But don’t get it twisted.
This Colombian dish is very different from the standard pig on a spit you’ve tasted at barbecues and luaus.
Thanks to the usual Colombian spices and popular fillings of white rice, peas, pork fat, rice, and onions and this is one Colombian dish you don’t want to miss.
Lechona is typically reserved for special occasions like holidays, birthday parties and going away events, but it’s often served at larger social events.
And that’s because one lechona can produce as many as 100 portions!
Lechona supposedly originated from the Department (region) of Tolima, but it can now be found across all of Colombia. Tolima.
5. Pandebono
Pandebono Colombiano is a traditional Colombian dish.
It is baked bread that tastes like a piece of heaven. Its main ingredients are cheese, eggs, and yuca flour.
Chefs usually shape the Colombian cheese bread into balls or bagels; it goes according to each bakery’s preference.
Most Colombian bakeries serve Pan de Bono with a cup of Colombian hot chocolate.
Pan de Bono tastes just right. The bread itself is sweet, but not overwhelmingly sugary.
Meanwhile, the insides are salty, courtesy of the cheese
There’s no better companion for it, anyway. You’ll be having a meal that tastes like winter.
6. Carimañola
Although many native Colombians eat these for breakfast, the Carimañola is another great way to kick off your dinner—especially if you’re exploring Colombian food.
These deep-fried yucca fritters are typically torpedo-shaped and filled with cheese or savory meats like shredded chicken or ground beef.
Carimañolas are often served with Suero, a fermented milk-based condiment that hails from Colombia’s Caribbean coastal region.
7. Fritanga
Fritanga is a popular form of barbecue in Colombia, usually served streetside.
A fritanga platter typically includes chorizo, pork sausage, blood sausage and many other types of meat, along with deep fried plantains and other vegetables.
The platter is nicknamed “the vitamin Ch” plate for the chunchullo, chorizo, and chicharrón.
The dish is often served with aa cold latin beer, or “una fría.”
There are famous street vendors in Plaza 12 de Octubre, such as Piqueteadero Doña Segunda, who specialize in fritanga.
You can find Andres Carne de Res, a restaurant that occupies an entire city block in the same region and specializes in traditional barbecue, including fritanga.
8. Arepas
One of the most popular and famous foods of Colombia are Arepas. So what is an arepa?
The Arepa is a pastry that is made from maize flour or corn meal.
Far and away the most popular corn meal brand used is harina P.A.N.
It’s the main ingredient when making arepas.
Colombians commonly eat Arepa de Huevo, or arepa stuffed with egg, for breakfast.
But it can be served with any meal be it breakfast, lunch or dinner.
In the mountainous regions you may find this pastry topped with shredded chicken or goat meat.
While in the coastal regions it would most likely be topped with a spicy grilled Caribbean shrimp or lobster.
The Arepa also pairs well with local cheeses and fresh fruits such as the ugly fruit, avocado, mango, or guava paste.
9. Patacones con Hogao
Patacones are fried plantain pieces drained and flattened after being fried in oil until golden brown.
A pataconera— a metal or wooden device explicitly designed for patacones — is used to flatten the plantains, but you can use a small dish or the bottom of a glass jar to flatten the plantain pieces.
The plantains are deep-fried once more after flattening.
This typical Colombian food is also common in the Caribbean, Latin America, and other parts of the world, where plantains grow.
In Colombia they are traditionally eaten with hogao, a savory tomato and onion-based sauce.
Patacones are commonly served with many Colombian dishes.
10. Ajiaco
Because of its colder climate, one of the most popular dishes of the Colombian people living in the mountainous areas surrounding Bogota is Ajiaco.
Ajiaco is a hearty stew containing corn, chicken and three different types of potatoes, with one being the purple skinned Andean potato that is only grown in that region of the world.
The chicken in Ajiaco is most often large pieces severed still on the bone and the corn included in this dish is served on the cob as well.
This stew gets its unique flavor from guascas, a locally grown herb considered by some to be a Colombian superfood. It is traditionally topped with Crema, a seasoned and slightly more fermented, thinner version of what most people recognize as sour cream.
Ajiaco is arguably the most popular Colombian food!
11. Cholado
Cholado is a classic dessert that mixes all kinds of tastes and textures into one big cup.
Perfect for hot weather, fresh tropical fruits are first served on shredded ice.
On this base, sweet condensed milk, passion fruit, and blackberry sauce are liberally poured.
To finish it off, shredded coconut is placed on the top along with a cherry.
This is a favorite Colombian dessert that you can try with any fruit you would like.
12. Bandeja Paisa
Bandeja Paisa is regarded as the national dish of Colombia.
This hearty dish includes red beans, white rice, chicharrón, carne en polvo, chorizo, fried egg, ripe plantain, avocado and arepa.
Back in the day, in the Andean state of Antioquia, peasant field workers would start their day with Bandeja Paisa.
It was a means of providing them a full day’s worth of energy and nourishment to keep them working throughout the day.
Today, Bandeja Paisa is frequently eaten at lunch as it is considered Colombia’s most important meal of the day.
It can actually be quite expensive because of the size of the platter (bandeja) needed to serve this huge portion of assorted Colombian food.
13. Sancocho
Another typical Colombian soup to try is Sancocho.
It too includes large pieces of chicken and cob corn as well as chunks of yucca and plantains.
Served in a clear broth, the chicken soup is popular in all regions of Colombia and is usually served with salsa de hierbas, a spicy cream and herb sauce.
If you’d like to be a little more adventurous, try Sancocho de Gallina.
The dish is very similar to the original sancocho but instead of chicken soup, hen is used in the Colombian recipe.
14. Sancocho de Pescado con Coco
If you want to try the flavors of the Pacific coastal area of Colombia, a good choice would be Sancocho de Pescado con Coco.
This coconut and fish stew usually includes chunks of local fish such as Spanish mackerel or snapper.
This Colombian seafood dish is slow cooked in coconut milk giving this hearty soup a creamy rich texture making more of a chowder than soup.
Most Colombians like to include a side dish of fried plantains when serving Sancocho de Pescado con Coco.
15. Posta Negra Cartagena
As with any Latin American cuisine, most entrees are fresh and hearty. Colombian food is no exception to this rule.
One exceptional beef entrée is, Posta Negra Cartagenera better known as Cartagena Black Beef.
This flavorful dish using the tri-tip steak is slow cooked and then served in a syrupy, spicy and dark mole although no chocolate is incorporated into the recipe.
16. Chontaduro
Walk down the streets Of Cali and you’ll see them on practically every street corner.
Chontaduro (Peach Palm Fruit), is one of the best-selling fruits in Colombia.
Making it one of Colombia’s most popular street foods.
While dry in taste, give it a chance, it will definitely grow on you. Especially when enjoyed with some lemon, salt, or honey.
If the taste isn’t good enough reason to eat Chontaduro, how about the fact that it is very high in protein and best of all, it is known to be an aphrodisiac, hey now!
17. Carne Oreada
Another popular beef dish you may want to try comes from the mountainous region of Santander, Colombia.
This sun-dried steak known to locals as Carne Oreada.
It is a thinly sliced beef steak that’s marinated in a wide range of herbs and spices and then sun-dried to a point of being similar to beef jerky.
Yes, it does seem chewy as you begin to eat this dish.
But when paired with boiled yuccas and a well-seasoned sauce such as pepitoria, which is a rice dish with an almond based cream sauce; you will find that the flavors will intensify with every bite you take.
18. Maracuya
While there are different types of passion fruit, maracuya is definitely the most popular in Colombia, and for good reason.
Yellow in color and oval shaped, maracuya is a rich source of Vitamin C and believed to aid in digestion.
You can cut it in half with a sharp knife and scoop out the fruit and seeds with a spoon to eat it plain.
However, you might want to sprinkle some sugar to ease the tartness.
Most agree though, maracuyá is best enjoyed in juices and smoothies using the pulpa de maracuya (passion fruit pulp).
It also makes for a truly delicious tropical ice-cream flavor.
19. Cabro Santandereano
While not very popular in North America, the Cabro Santandereano or Goat Santander Style is well received by most people of Colombia.
This Colombian dish is made with marinated goat meat that has been marinated until tender, and then grilled to a smoky finish.
Goat Santander is usually served with pepitoria or boiled yucca and pairs well with red and white wine.
20. Colombian Empanadas
Yes, empanadas are enjoyed all throughout Latin America.
However, Colombian empanadas boast an outer crust made with masarepa, which is Colombian precooked cornmeal.
The typical filling is stewed beef (or pork) and potatoes seasoned with hogao.
The empanadas are fried which gives them a crispy exterior, but the cornmeal pastry makes it deliciously soft on the inside.
Traditionally, empanadas are served with spicy aji sauce and are a popular Colombian street food.
21. Colombian Ceviche
If you fancy seafood, perhaps you should try a nice Colombian Ceviche.
Served cold, this dish contains fresh fish such as red snapper, octopus or shrimp.
When marinated in lime juice the seafood “cooks” by acidity and becomes very flavorful.
Most Colombians prefer their ceviche to be served with a rich tomato sauce and crackers.
22. Trucha
Because the region of Quindio is known for its trout fisheries, Trucha or trout is a favorite of the Colombian people.
Trout is very versatile and can be prepared by grilling, broiling, frying or baking.
Paired with local seasonings, spices and herbs it is often scored, then grilled over an open flame and served with plantains and pepitoria.
23. Torta Negra Colombiana
If you have a sweet tooth, then you should check out some of Colombia’s best desserts.
Colombian food has a vast amount of desserts to choose from.
One such choice should always include Colombian Black Cake or as the locals call it, Torta Negra Colombiana.
This rich chocolate cake is usually filled with chocolate chunks and dried papaya giving it a very distinct flavor.
The frosting choices vary, but it is excellent with a nice buttercream and a Colombian coffee.
24. Roscón
Another favorite dessert of this country is Roscón, a ring pastry common in almost every bakery in Colombia.
It is usually topped with raw sugar and filled with guava paste.
Roscón is very light and airy and when paired with fresh coconut ice cream it is a great finish to any good meal.
Always save room for Colombian dessert!
25. Changua
Soup for breakfast? Actually it’s quite common thanks to the Colombian soup dish, Changua.
Changua is a popular Colombian breakfast soup with broth made from milk and poached eggs.
Cilantro and chopped green onions flavor this broth, while toasted bread is served on top to give this soup a unique look and texture.
Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
26. Bollo
Bollo is a bun that can be made with either corn, potatoes, or yuca.
It’s then wrapped in corn husks and boiled.
In Colombia, it’s usually eaten for breakfast with cheese or served with chorizos or other types of fried meats.
You can also buy bollo from street vendors, and they’re available at supermarkets.
27. Huevos Pericos
Huevos Pericos is one of Colombia’s most popular breakfast dishes.
It is an easy and quick Colombian scrambled egg recipe that incorporates scallions or green onions and tomatoes.
It traditionally is served along with a side of arepas and Colombian cheese.
The term “pericos” means parakeet in english referring to the Colombian dish’s bright and colorful presentation.
28. Arroz con Pollo
Arroz con pollo means “rice with chicken”.
Not only is this a popular dish in Colombia but throughout Latin America.
Each country, region, town, and family has its version of this delicious latin dish.
Colombian cuisine opts to mix in “sofrito” to flavor the rice, a sauce made from vegetables and seasonings such as tomato or saffron.
29. Cuchuco de Maiz
Cuchuco de Maíz is a hearty, traditional soup made with cracked corn, vegetables, and often pork or beef, simmered until rich and comforting.
This rustic dish is especially popular in the Andean regions of Colombia, where it’s enjoyed as a nourishing meal on cooler days.
Packed with fiber and flavor, Cuchuco de Maíz reflects the indigenous roots and rural traditions behind much of Colombian food.
Its thick, porridge-like consistency and wholesome ingredients make it both filling and deeply satisfying.
30. El Bistec a la Criolla
El Bistec a la Criolla is essentially Colombian style skirt steak topped with a creole sauce or the famous colombian sauce, hogao.
It’s a quick and easy Colombian recipe and typically served with white rice, maduros and sliced avocados.
31. Postre de Natas
Perhaps Colombia’s most popular dessert, so you should definitely give it a try.
It’s a unique dessert unlike to anything else you’ve had before.
It originated in the Andean area of Colombia, but now you can find Postre de Natas all over the country.
It’s made by boiling milk a few times and utilizing the foam that rises up in the boiling process.
You then mix it with eggs, raisins, and syrup.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even put rum in it.
32. Arroz con Coco
Arroz con Coco or coconut rice is a popular latin side dish within Colombian cuisine.
It is mostly enjoyed on the Caribbean coast of Colombia where it is made with white rice cooked in coconut milk, coconut meat, water, salt, sugar, and optional raisins.
The coconut rice dish has a long history in coastal Colombia for its flavor and tropical taste.
33. Salpicon de Frutas
Salpicon de frutas is a traditional Colombian fruit cocktail.
Most people make it with a wonderful assortment of fresh tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, pineapple, watermelon, bananas and more.
However, Colombians often top it with soda, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla ice cream, or juice, this dish usually tastes very sweet.
34. Mojarra Frita
Mojarra Frita is a traditional Colombian dish featuring a whole mojarra fish.
The fish is marinated with a blend of spices, such as garlic, cumin, and paprika, then deep-fried to achieve a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, flaky interior.
The fish dish is widely enjoyed throughout Colombia, and its coastal regions in particular, due to the abundance of fresh fish and the locals’ affinity for deep-fried delicacies.
Mojarra Frita is typically served with a variety of traditional Colombian side dishes, such as patacones (fried green plantains), arroz con coco (coconut rice), or ensalada de aguacate (avocado salad), which complement the rich flavors of the fried fish.
35. Sobrebarriga
Sobrebarriga is a classic dish in traditional Colombian cuisine, made from a cut of beef taken from the belly of the cow—similar to flank steak or brisket in English-speaking countries.
The name “sobrebarriga” literally translates to “over belly.”
There are various ways to prepare this flavorful cut, with two of the most popular being Sobrebarriga al Horno (roasted sobrebarriga) and Sobrebarriga en Salsa (sobrebarriga in sauce).
Both versions are staples of Colombian food and are commonly served with sides like rice, beans, plantains, yuca, or arepas for a hearty and satisfying meal.
36. Cazuela de Mariscos (Seafood Casserole)
Cazuela de Mariscos is a hearty and comforting dish that hails from Colombia’s coastal regions, revered for its heart-warming flavors and the freshest mix of seafood.
The dish typically features a colorful medley of seafood – prawns, fish, squid, clams, and mussels or any other seafood you fancy.
It is cooked in a thick and creamy broth enriched with coconut milk, tomato sauce, and a variety of herbs and spices, resulting in a flavorful concoction that pleases your palate with every bite.
37. Buñuelos
Buñuelos are a popular Colombian snack and dessert, particularly enjoyed during the Christmas season.
They are small, round, deep-fried dough balls made from a mixture of cheese and yucca flour.
The main ingredients include cheese (usually a fresh, white cheese like queso costeño or feta), yucca flour (also known as cassava or tapioca flour), eggs, a little sugar, and sometimes a touch of anise for flavor.
The dough is formed into small balls and then deep-fried until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
The inside remains soft and cheesy, creating a delightful contrast in texture.
Buñuelos are typically served warm and are often enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.
38. Chuleta Valluna
Chuleta Valluna is a traditional Colombian dish from the Valle del Cauca region, specifically from the city of Cali.
It consists of breaded and fried pork cutlets, similar to a schnitzel.
The main ingredient is pork, typically a thin cutlet or chop.
The cutlets are seasoned, breaded, and deep-fried to a crispy, golden perfection.
The breading mixture usually includes flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
The pork cutlets are pounded thin, seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, and sometimes a touch of cumin or other spices.
They are then dipped in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs before being fried.
Chuleta Valluna is usually served with a side of rice, fried plantains, a simple salad, and often accompanied by a slice of lemon or lime for squeezing over the cutlet.
Common accompaniments include white rice, fried plantains (patacones or maduros), avocado, and a fresh salad with tomatoes and onions.
Aji sauce or hogao (a Colombian creole sauce made with tomatoes and onions) is often served alongside Chuleta Valluna to add extra flavor.
39. Brevas con Arequipe
Brevas con Arequipe is a traditional Colombian dessert that features brevas (figs) paired with arequipe (a caramel-like spread similar to dulce de leche).
This simple yet delightful dessert combines the natural sweetness of figs with the rich, creamy texture of arequipe.
Brevas are often used in Colombian desserts because of their natural sweetness and soft texture.
Pairing Colombian Food with Arequipe:
The figs are typically cut open or halved.
A generous spoonful of arequipe is placed inside or drizzled over the figs.
Brevas con Arequipe can be served as a standalone dessert or as part of a dessert platter.
They are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
40. Mondongo
Mondongo is a traditional Colombian soup made with diced tripe (the stomach lining of a cow), along with a variety of vegetables and seasonings.
It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is popular in many Latin American countries, with regional variations in ingredients and preparation methods.
Mondongo is typically served hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and sometimes accompanied by rice, avocado, or lime wedges.
Mondongo holds a special place in Colombian cuisine, often enjoyed as a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Each region in Colombia might have its own version of mondongo, incorporating local ingredients and flavors, making it a versatile and beloved dish across the country.
41. Milhojas
Milhojas is a traditional Colombian dessert that consists of multiple layers of thin, crispy pastry filled with creamy fillings, typically arequipe (a caramel-like spread similar to dulce de leche) and pastry cream.
The name “milhojas” translates to “a thousand sheets,” reflecting the many layers of pastry used in the dessert.
It is a popular treat in Colombia and is enjoyed for its rich flavors and delightful textures.
The base of milhojas is made from puff pastry, which is known for its thin, flaky layers. The pastry is baked until golden and crisp.
The most common fillings are arequipe and pastry cream.
Arequipe provides a sweet, caramel flavor, while pastry cream adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Some variations might include whipped cream, fruit preserves, or fresh fruits.
Milhojas are often topped with powdered sugar, a drizzle of arequipe, or a thin layer of icing.
Milhojas are typically cut into squares or rectangles for serving.
42. Achiras
Achiras are traditional Colombian cheese biscuits made from achira (canna) flour.
They are a popular snack, especially in the Andean region of Colombia.
The primary ingredient is achira flour, which comes from the root of the achira plant (Canna indica).
Other key ingredients include butter, eggs, and cheese, typically a fresh, white cheese like queso fresco or queso campesino.
The dough is made by mixing achira flour with the other ingredients to form a smooth, pliable dough.
Small pieces of dough are then shaped into rings or small logs and baked until they are golden and crisp.
Achiras have a unique, slightly gritty texture due to the achira flour.
They are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with a mild, cheesy flavor.
Achiras are particularly associated with the Huila region in Colombia, where the achira plant is widely cultivated.
They are a staple in local bakeries and a beloved treat for both locals and visitors.
They pair well with coffee or hot chocolate and can be served alongside other traditional Colombian food.
43. Pandeyuca
Pandeyuca is a traditional Colombian bread made from yuca (cassava) starch and cheese, creating a deliciously chewy and slightly tangy snack.
Known for its soft, airy texture and golden crust, it is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, often paired with Colombian coffee or hot chocolate.
This gluten-free bread is a staple in Colombian bakeries and households, reflecting the rich use of local ingredients like yuca and cheese in the country’s cuisine.
Pandeyuca is a beloved treat throughout Colombia, offering a taste of the Andean region’s culinary traditions.
44. Mote de Queso
Mote de Queso is a traditional Colombian soup from the Caribbean coast, particularly popular in the departments of Bolívar, Córdoba, and Sucre.
This hearty dish is made with ñame (a type of yam), costeño cheese (a salty, crumbly cheese), and a flavorful broth seasoned with onions, garlic, and a touch of sour orange or lime juice for a slight tang.
Mote de Queso is often enjoyed with white rice or fried plantains and is a staple in many coastal households, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage that blends indigenous, Spanish, and African influences.
Its combination of creamy texture, salty cheese, and zesty citrus notes makes it a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases Colombia’s diverse gastronomy.
45. Mazamorra Paisa
Mazamorra Paisa is a traditional Colombian corn dessert from the Antioquia region, especially associated with the Paisa culture.
Made from dried white corn kernels that are soaked and slow-cooked until soft and tender, it has a mild, comforting flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
Unlike many sweet desserts, mazamorra paisa itself is not heavily sweet; it’s typically served with panela (unrefined cane sugar) syrup, milk, or sweetened condensed milk poured over the top.
Simple, rustic, and deeply rooted in Colombian culinary history, it’s a staple in many homes and often enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or alongside hearty Paisa meals.
Traditional Colombian Food Is A Culinary Experience
Now that you have seen some fine examples of delicious Colombian food, it’s time for you to explore some of the excellent food that Colombia has to offer.
Head out to your local Colombian restaurants for more traditional dishes like pan de yuca and cazuela de mariscos.
From its flavorful spices, seasonings and herbs, to its rich culturally influenced meat, seafood, fruit and vegetable dishes, traditional Colombian cuisine has a little bit of everything to try and enjoy. And if you’d rather start in your own kitchen, that’s where our Colombian recipes come in.
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Jorge Garcia is the founder of AmigoFoods, where he has spent over 20 years helping readers discover authentic Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Raised in a Cuban-American household, Jorge learned to cook at the hands of his mother and grandmother, carrying forward generations of family recipes. That heritage, backed by his family’s four-generation history in the Latin food industry, inspired him to launch AmigoFoods in 2003. With more than 1,000 published articles on recipes, ingredients, and food culture, Jorge’s mission is simple: make authentic Latin cooking approachable for home cooks everywhere while honoring the traditions behind every dish.