- LA AREPA- there is nothing more Colombian than an arepa… In Antioquia the locals (Paisas) have a phrase “Soy mas paisa que la arepa”. The arepa is incredibly typical of Antioquia and Colombia at large. It’s like a corn pancake that’s super common for breakfast but can (and will) be served at any meal. Arepas are not my cup of tea (I always leave them on the plate, sorry Doña Rosa) but you can’t come to Colombia and not at least try…..
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Here we have an arepa con queso campesino (farmer cheese).
2. Bandeja Paisa– This is the second most Colombian food… maybe even tied with the arepa. The bandeja paisa includes rice, beans, egg, maduros or patacones (two different kinds of fried plantains… the first is made when the plantain is maduro (mature/ripe) the second when it is still green), chorizo, arepa, carne molida (ground meat), morcilla (blood sausage… excuse me while I throw up), and avocado. There is definitely some variation of bandeja paisa but more or less, this is what you’ll find. I’m a vegetarian so I’ve never tried a real bandeja paisa but I do the vegetarian version- rice, beans, avocado, eggs, plantains and whatever else they want to add (potatoes, salad, etc.). It’s a must try, omnivore or vegetarian 🙂
3. SANCOCHO– It’s hard enumerating these foods because they are SO, SO, SOOOOO COLOMBIAN (and specifically Paisa). It is apparently known in English as “hen’s stew”. This stew consists of chicken, corn, carrots, potatoes, yuca, cilantro, and spices. Of course there are many variations on this stew but more or less that is how it is made in Colombia. This dish is particularly popular for days at the river.
4. Buñuelos– Fried balls of dough + small curd white cheese. These are a classic snack in Colombia. They are being fried up all day and are crunchy on the outside soft on the inside…. delicious! They are specifically popular around Christmas time!!! It’s buñuelo season!!!
5. Arroz de Coco (Coconut Rice)- This sweet rendition of rice is very popular here in Colombia, even more on the coast but I’ve had the pleasure of trying it a few times here in Antioquia. It is a white rice soaked in coconut milk and served with coconut flakes, sugar and sometimes raisins. It is often the accompaniment of a fish meal. It is delicious, sweet, and refreshing. Must try!!!
Thanks for reading about these traditional Colombian foods!!!! I love the food here… it’s so much less processed and healthier seeming (minus all the fried foods) than what I eat in the states! QUE RICO Y BUEN PROVECHO
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