Colombia’s culinary scene has steadily gained international attention in recent years, with more people discovering the rich flavors and diversity of traditional Colombian dishes.
While Colombian food may not be as ubiquitous globally as Italian or Chinese cuisine, its presence is growing, especially in cities around the world where food enthusiasts are increasingly seeking out authentic, lesser-known culinary experiences.
In 2025, as Colombia continues to emerge as a top gastronomic destination, more people are beginning to realize that traditional Colombian dishes are anything but bland. Far from the stereotype of being overly fried, salty, or too meat-heavy, Colombia’s cuisine is vibrant, varied, and packed with bold flavors. From coastal seafood to hearty mountain dishes, there’s something for every palate.
Colombian food is deeply influenced by the country’s diverse regions and its rich cultural history, shaped by Spanish, African, Arab, and indigenous traditions. The rise of food tourism in Colombia has led to a renewed appreciation of local ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and regional specialties, making the country a must-visit destination for food lovers in 2025.
We previously looked at 30 exotic tropical fruits of Colombia and 16 Colombian street food options you should try. In this updated guide, we’ll take you through 16 essential Colombian dishes to try. Each dish represents the heart of Colombian culinary tradition, offering an authentic taste of the country’s vibrant culture.
Note that these dishes are listed in no particular order, as they all deserve a spot on your food journey through Colombia.
Colombian Food #1: Lechona
Lechona is one of the most popular Colombian dishes for large parties. The lechona is a traditional Colombian dish from the Tolima Department of central Colombia. But this dish can be found throughout Colombia. Furthermore, lechonas are popular in Colombia on holidays like Christmas, New Years and the Colombian Independence Day.
A lechona is a roasted, stuffed suckling pig. The pig is cut open with the bones removed. And in the body cavity is typically placed herbs, peas, rice, onions and spices along with pork meat cut into small pieces. The lechona is cooked for several hours in a large oven. Or it could be cooked outdoors. A lechona is usually accompanied by arepas or potatoes.
I have ordered lechonas a couple times for large parties at my apartment. Restaurants in Medellín normally have several sizes of lechonas that you can order serving 20, 30, 40 or even more people. Here are two places in Laureles where I have ordered lechonas that were very good:
- Alberto Lechona – Carrera 81 # 34A-134 in Laureles
- Dona Lechona – Calle 39D # 73-106 in Laureles
Colombian Food #2: Bandeja Paisa
Colombian Food #2: Bandeja Paisa
Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian dish from Colombia’s Antioquia region. This is a huge meal that is not for the faint hearted.
Bandeja Paisa is a plater that normally has a steak (or ground beef), crunchy chicharron (pork crackling), chorizo sausage and served with rice and red beans, a fried egg, plantain, arepa and fresh avocado.
There are some disagreements to what should be included in Bandeja Paisa. So, you may see some variety at different restaurants.
You can find Bandeja Paisa at most restaurants in Colombia serving typical Colombian food. I have covered five of my favorite restaurants for Bandeja Paisa in Medellín in separate articles:
- El Rancherito (with nine locations)
- Hacienda (with six locations)
- Hato Viejo (with four locations)
- Mondongo’s (with two locations)
- El Viejo John (with one location)
Colombian Food #3: Mondongo Soup
Mondongo soup is served in most traditional Colombian restaurants. Mondongo soup is made from diced tripe (typically the stomach of a cow), which is slow-cooked with chicken or beef stock, cilantro, and many vegetables such as peas, carrots and onions.
It’s a hearty dish and is sometimes the soup course in a traditional almuerzo (lunch) meal in Colombia.
You can find Mondongo soup at many Colombian restaurants in Medellín. And probably the most famous place in Medellín to find this soup is at Mondongo’s restaurant which has two locations: Calle 10 #38-38 in El Poblado and Carrera 70 # Circular 3-43 in Laureles.
Colombian Food #4: Ajiaco Soup
Ajiaco soup is a Colombian chicken and potato soup, typically served with corn on the cob, chopped avocado, capers and a drizzle of sour cream. An important ingredient in ajiaco is guasca, which is an herb grown throughout South America.
Ajiaco soup is probably the most representative dish of Bogotá. In addition, Ajiaco has a very distinct taste and you can find it in any city in Colombia. Many restaurants serving traditional Colombian food will have Ajiaco soup on the menu. In Medellín, Ajiacos y Mondongos in El Poblado located at Calle 8 # 42-46 has some very good Ajiaco soup in my experience.
Colombian Food #5: Sancocho Soup
Another hearty soup in Colombia is Sancocho. This soup is based on the Spanish cocido and is popular in most countries in South America, with some regional variations.
In Colombia, the ingredients vary depending on the region of the country. It typically consists of meat, plantain, cassava, coriander, sweetcorn and potatoes. And on the Caribbean coast, fish is frequently used instead of chicken, beef or pork.
Sancocho is typically served with white rice, which may be a side dish or added to the soup. You can find Sancocho in many restaurants in Medellín serving typical Colombian food.
Perhaps the best Sancocho soup I have had in Medellín was at El Rancherito, which has nine restaurants in the Medellín area.
Colombian Food #6: Buñuelos
Buñuelos are both a traditional Christmas dish and a popular breakfast treat for Colombians.
Slightly larger than golf-ball size, these tasty morsels are concocted of salty flour and small curd white cheese. They are rolled into a ball then fried until golden brown. They are best served piping hot.
You can find many places selling buñuelos in Medellín. Near most parks in the city you will find one or more places selling buñuelos. For example, near Parque Poblado on the corner of Calle 9 and Carrera 43B you can find a shop that has been frying up this quintessential street food for Colombians and tourists alike for over 20 years.
And in Sabaneta next to Parque Sabaneta to the right of the church is the El Peregrino restaurant that is famous for its buñuelos. This restaurant makes 200 gram buñuelos as well some giant buñuelos that are more watermelon size and it also has some good traditional Colombian food. For example, in December, you will find in this place a nativity scene made entirely of buñuelo.
Colombian Food #7: Natilla
Natilla is a rich, custard-like dessert that is traditionally enjoyed at Christmas in Colombia. It is usually served alongside buñuelos. Colombian-style natilla tends to be firm and sliceable, although it can also be served in a creamier pudding form.
Places that sell buñuelos normally also offer natilla. For example, the El Peregrino restaurant in Sabaneta that is famous for its huge buñuelos also sells natilla.
Colombian Food #8: Arepas
Arepas are one of the most commonly served foods in Colombia. Arepas are a staple food in Colombia, kind of like tortillas in Mexico. And arepas are a common accompaniment for other dishes and they are also eaten separately. In most restaurants in Colombia, you will typically be served with a bland white corn version as an accompaniment.
Paisas (as people from Medellín are called) usually eat arepas for breakfast, they can also accompany lunch or even dinner.
An arepa is basically a type of bread made from cornmeal. It is commonly served with butter or cheese. My favorites are the arepas de chócolo and arepas de queso with cheese previously covered in our Colombian street foods article. In addition, you can find arepas everywhere in Medellín. You will also see a section in each grocery store selling many different types of arepas.
Colombian Food #9: Pescado Frito (Fried Fish)
Pescado frito (fried fish) is a very common dish on the coast in Colombia. But you can find this dish throughout Colombia. The fish are fried whole and usually are accompanied with several sides including rice, beans, a salad and patacones.
But be careful with bones as these are obviously not fish filets. Furthermore, some of the most popular fish in Colombia used for this dish are tilapia, red snapper and mojarra.
Some restaurants serving traditional Colombian food will have pescado frito on the menu. Three of the best seafood restaurants in Medellín that have pescado frito on the menu are:
- El Barco – Carrera 48 # 85-198 in Itagüí – this restaurant sits above the Buena Mar fish market. This place is a hidden gem and is typically filled with Colombians who know how good it is.
- Donde Bupos – Carrera 43 A # 19-153, Edificio Recife in El Poblado.
- Lo Exquisito del Mar – Calle 49B # 68-56 in Suramericana near the stadium in Estadio.
Colombian Food #10: Cazuela de Mariscos (Seafood Casserole)
Cazuela de Mariscos is a seafood casserole with coconut milk that is typical dish found along the coast in Colombia. Several types of seafood are normally found in this casserole including shrimp, prawns, clams, octopus and fish fillets.
Some restaurants in Medellín serving traditional Colombian food will have cazuela de mariscos on the menu. The three of the best seafood restaurants in Medellín listed above under pescado frito all have good cazuela de mariscos in my experience: El Barco, Donde Bupos and Lo Exquisito del Mar.
Colombian Food #11: Frijoles Antioqueños or Cazuela de Frijoles
This hearty soup or casserole is a hearty mix of delicious beans, normally with plátano, carrots or corn and bacon.
Frijoles Antioqueños or cazuela de frijoles are typically served with rice or arepas or aguacate. This is one of my favorite soups of Colombia and I really like the cazuela de frijoles at El Rancherito.
Colombian Food #12: Empanadas
Empanadas are small-sized snacks that are typically stuffed with minced beef and cubed potatoes and encased in a cornmeal doughy bread, which are typically deep fried in Colombia. But a few places offer baked versions as well. In comparison, the empanadas in Argentina are encased in a flour wrapper and are baked.
Many other varieties of empanadas can be found in Colombia including vegetarian, chicken and cheese versions. And to spice up your empanada, try topping it with a teaspoon of fresh ají sauce and/or guacamole.
Empanadas are widely available everywhere, particularly from street vendors. In addition, there are small empanada restaurants or stalls in many malls. And you can find stands or carts selling empanadas near most parks in Medellín. Empanadas are a ubiquitous Colombian street food.
Colombian Food #13: Churros
Colombian churros are slightly different than the Spanish variety. In Colombia, they are small and circular and generally are normally served sprinkled with sugar instead of a side dish of chocolate. But they still have that sweet donut taste.
Churros are long pieces of fried dough and are occasionally for breakfast in Colombia and they are also a very popular street food. You can find churros all over Medellín. Similar to buñuelos you can normally find churros being sold in a place or a cart near most parks in Medellín.
Colombian Food #14: Fritanga
Fritanga is a meat filled traditional Colombian food that is meant to be shared by a family or group of friends. In a fritanga communal basket of food, you will typically find grilled meat like beef or chicken, sausage, chicharrón (pork rind), arepas, patacones, corn and potatoes or French fries.
Fritanga is more common in Bogotá than in Medellín. And the El Tambor restaurant chain of three restaurants in Bogotá is famous for fritanga.
Colombian Food #15: Tamales
Tamales are corn or corn/rice cakes that are made in Colombia with a wrapping in platain tree leaves and steamed. In Colombia, tamales can be filled with everything from chicken, pork, rice, potatoes, peas, carrots, corn and cheeses.
Tamales in Colombia can vary in shape and fillings in each region. Some well-known variations are from Bogotá, Cúcuta, Santander (Bucaramanga), Tolima and Valle del Cauca (Cali). For example, the Tamales Tolimenses, which are from the Tolima region, are filled with pork, chicken, rice, potatoes, peas and a variation of spices.
You can find tamales being sold in several restaurants in Medellín. In addition, you can normally find places near several of the parks in the Medellín metro area selling tamales.
Also, there are even some small restaurants like Tamales Exquisitos in El Poblado and Envigado and Tamales Deligia in Estadio that specialize in tamales and have pretty good tamales in my experience.
Colombian Food #16: Patacones
Green plantain is a type of banana that is popular all over Latin America. To make patacones in Colombia, plantain is squashed into thick pancakes, then deep fried in oil until golden brown.
Patacones are a very common side dish that accompany traditional Colombia meals in many restaurants. I personally prefer patacones to the bland arepas that are also commonly used as an accompaniment. It is common to also order patacones with hogao (a sauce) and guacamole.
Note: It is Colombian Food NOT Columbian Food
Many people from other countries misspell “Colombia” as “Columbia”. So, many use “Columbian food” instead of “Colombian food”.
What if you constantly had to correct the misspelling of your country? There is even a social media campaign “It’s Colombia NOT Columbia”. There are a lot of people in the world who have an outdated impression of Colombia. Colombia is a lot more than coffee. And Colombia is a lot more than Pablo Escobar.
So, make sure to use the correct spelling of the country’s food – it’s “Colombian food” not “Columbian food”.
Medellin Guru’s Guide to Colombian Food and Drinks
On the Medellin Guru website, we have six articles covering Colombian food and drinks:
- 16 Traditional Colombian Food Dishes You Must Try in Colombia
- 16 Colombian Street Food Options You Really Must Try
- 18 Popular Colombian Desserts You Must Try While in Colombia
- 30 Exotic Tropical Fruits of Colombia a Fruit Lovers Paradise
- 13 Traditional Colombian Drinks to Try When You Visit
- 12 Popular Colombian Soups to Try When You Visit Colombia
The Bottom Line: Traditional Colombian Food Dishes (not Columbian Food)
The 16 traditional Colombian foods in this article are some of the more popular dishes that you are likely to encounter. Colombia has many more traditional Colombian foods to experience. In addition, Colombia is blessed with many exotic tropical fruits. And many of these fruits are used to make natural juices to drink with your traditional Colombian dishes.
Note that it is Colombian food, not Columbian food, as some foreigners mistakenly spell it.
I have seen some foreigners call Colombian food bland and I agree with that description in regards to the bland arepas commonly used as an accompaniment for Colombian meals. But there are many other ways to make arepas, some of which I like. The bottom line is that Colombia has a diverse cuisine with many dishes that are tasty to many foreigners, which are worth trying.
How many of the above traditional Colombian dishes have you tried? And do you see any popular Colombian food dishes we missed? Please let us know in the comments below.
In addition, “What Colombian food dishes should I try?” is a common question asked by expats visiting Medellín and other cities in Colombia. So, we included this question in our list of Medellín frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Medellin Guru's comprehensive Colombian culture series
In Medellin Guru, we love Colombia, and we usually write many blogs about Colombian culture, places to visit, and other tips for all expats to have a reliable guide and valuable and relevant information about Colombia. Read our blogs about Colombian Culture here:
- Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia: Top Things to Do
- Top Things to Do in Medellín and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- How to be an Expat in Colombia: 12 Tips to be a Successful Expat
- Top Things to Do in Cali and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- Celebrating July 20th: Colombia Independence Day
- Norte de Santander: 5 Escapes for a Weekend Adventure
- Unlock Ipiales in 24 Hours: Your Essential Adventure Blueprint!
- Pasto: Discover the wonders of the Surprise City
- Top Popular Colombian Drinks to Try When You Visit Colombia
- Villa de Leyva: A Colonial Gem in the Colombian Andes
- Traditional Colombian Food Dishes You Must Try in Colombia
- Medellin Guru Launch 2023: Gentrification, Tourism and Investment
- Popular Colombian Desserts You Must Try While in Colombia
- Exotic Tropical Fruits of Colombia a Fruit Lovers Paradise
- Popular Colombian Soups to Try When You Visit Colombia
- Día de las Velitas: Day of Candles Tradition in Colombia on December 7
- Things in Colombia That May Be Strange for Foreigners
- Things Colombians Do That Foreigners May Find Weird
- Popayán: A Well-Preserved Colonial Gem in Colombia Worth Visiting
- Tejo: A Colombian Game That Rewards You for Explosions
Other things to see and do in Colombia
- Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
- Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
- Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
- Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
- Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
- Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
- Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
- La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
- Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
- Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
- Feria de Las Flores Medellin – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
- Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
- Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
- Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
- Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
- Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
- San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
- San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.
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6 thoughts on “16 Traditional Colombian Food Dishes You Must Try in Colombia – Update 2025”
Punta de anca, traditional fa.ily meal, beef leg deboned cook very slow with curcumun, onions carrots, served with rice and veggies,
desserts postre de arroz con leche, rice pudding. and masamorra, white corn cooked on and added milk, served with panela, or bocadillos , guava paste.
Have tried many of these COLOMBIAN foods think the food is great haven’t been to Medellin but Cali Bogata Cartaghena all have great food
Amazing list, love it!
Sudao or sudado is another traditional food of Medellin. And yes I was going to say papas rellenas, love those things.
Lengua rellena is another food missing on the list. Arequipe for desert?
great list. I would also add Papas Rellenas Colombianas. Colombian style stuffed potatoes with egg and mincemeat or mincemeat and vegetables.
The is a great list of traditional Colombian dishes and nice that you included some good restaurants in the list also. I love the seafood at El Barco. I highly recommend it.
What a great list! I haven´t tried Sancocho soup yet so need to try it.