Colombia
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy Colombia's cuisine safely and confidently.
Drink bottled water
Tap water is not safe to drink in most areas. Stick to bottled water with sealed caps and avoid ice in drinks outside of high-end restaurants and hotels.
Street food precautions
When enjoying Colombia's vibrant street food scene, choose busy stalls with high turnover where food is cooked in front of you at high temperatures.
Wash fresh produce
Colombia has an abundance of fresh fruits. Always wash them thoroughly with bottled water or peel before eating.
Altitude sickness awareness
Bogotá and other Andean cities are at high altitude. Stay hydrated and take it easy with alcoholic beverages, as effects can be stronger at altitude.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYTraditional Colombian cuisine is meat-heavy, but vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Rice, beans, plantains, and arepas are vegetarian staples.
vegan
LOW AVAILABILITYVegan options are limited outside major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, which have dedicated vegan restaurants. Traditional dishes often contain animal products.
gluten-free
HIGH AVAILABILITYColombian cuisine is naturally gluten-free, based on corn, rice, potatoes, and plantains. Arepas (corn cakes) are a gluten-free staple.
halal
LOW AVAILABILITYHalal food is difficult to find outside major cities. The Muslim population is small, but some international restaurants in Bogotá may offer halal options.
Common Allergens
Corn
HIGH PREVALENCECorn is a staple in Colombian cuisine, present in many forms including arepas, empanadas, and mazamorra.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Dairy
HIGH PREVALENCECheese is common in many Colombian dishes and snacks.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Seafood
MEDIUM PREVALENCESeafood is common in coastal regions like Cartagena and the Pacific coast.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Tropical Fruits
HIGH PREVALENCEColombia has an incredible variety of tropical fruits, some of which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define Colombia's food culture for travelers.
Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter from the Antioquia region featuring beans, rice, chicharrón (fried pork belly), ground meat, fried egg, plantain, avocado, and arepa.
Arepas
Cornmeal patties that can be grilled, baked, or fried. Often split and filled with cheese, meat, or eggs, or served as a side dish.
Ajiaco
A potato and corn soup typically containing chicken, capers, and cream, served with avocado and rice on the side. A specialty of Bogotá.
Empanadas
Fried pastries filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese, typically served with ají (spicy sauce).
Colombian Coffee
World-renowned coffee known for its rich flavor and medium body. Best experienced at a traditional café.
Sancocho
A hearty stew made with meat (chicken, beef, or fish), plantains, potatoes, yuca, corn, and herbs. Variations exist throughout the country.
Patacones
Flattened and twice-fried green plantains, often served as a side dish or topped with meat or cheese.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase Colombia's diverse culinary traditions.
Bandeja Paisa
Colombia's most iconic dish - a generous platter showcasing beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón, fried egg, plantain, avocado, and arepa, representing the hearty cuisine of Antioquia.
Allergens:
Arepas
Versatile cornmeal patties that form the foundation of Colombian cuisine, eaten throughout the day either plain, topped, or stuffed with cheese, meat, or eggs.
Allergens:
Colombian Coffee
World-renowned for its smooth, balanced flavor and medium body, Colombian coffee reflects the country's ideal growing conditions and centuries of cultivation expertise.
Ajiaco
Bogotá's signature potato and corn soup with shredded chicken, distinctive guasca herbs, cream, and capers, traditionally served with avocado and rice.
Allergens:
Empanadas Colombianas
Golden-fried corn pastries filled with meat and potato mixtures, typically served with spicy ají sauce for a perfect savory street food experience.
Allergens:
Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of Colombia.
Paisa Region (Antioquia, Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda)
Known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, often featuring beans, rice, meat, and plantains. Bandeja Paisa is the most iconic dish from this region.
Cultural Significance:
Reflects the agricultural abundance and traditional values of the Paisa people.
Signature Dishes:
- Bandeja Paisa
- Mondongo
- Arepas de Choclo
Key Ingredients:
Caribbean Coast (Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar, Córdoba, La Guajira, Magdalena, Sucre)
Characterized by its use of fresh seafood, coconut milk, and tropical fruits. Dishes often have African and Indigenous influences.
Cultural Significance:
Reflects the region's coastal location and cultural diversity.
Signature Dishes:
- Arroz con Coco
- Mojarra Frita
- Sancocho de Pescado
Key Ingredients:
Andean Region (Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Huila, Nariño, Santander, Tolima)
Features a variety of soups, stews, and roasted meats, often incorporating potatoes, corn, and other Andean ingredients. Ajiaco is a representative dish from this region.
Cultural Significance:
Reflects the region's mountainous terrain and agricultural traditions.
Signature Dishes:
- Ajiaco
- Tamales
- Lechona
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in Colombia's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
Arroz con Leche (Rice Pudding)
A creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes raisins. It's a comforting dessert often enjoyed after meals.
Obleas (Obleas)
Thin wafers traditionally filled with arequipe (dulce de leche) and sometimes cheese. They are a popular street food and snack.
Postre de Natas (Natas Dessert)
A creamy dessert made from the thick cream that forms on top of boiled milk. It's typically sweetened with panela (unrefined cane sugar) and flavored with cinnamon.
Traditional Beverages
Discover Colombia's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
Aguardiente (Aguardiente)
A strong anise-flavored liquor, considered the national alcoholic beverage of Colombia. It's typically consumed neat in shots.
Ron (Rum)
Colombia produces a variety of rums, ranging from light to dark. It's often enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
Cerveza (Beer)
Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage in Colombia, with both domestic and imported brands available.
Soft Beverages
Discover Colombia's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
Aguapanela (Aguapanela)
A hot beverage made from panela (unrefined cane sugar) dissolved in water. It's a popular drink throughout Colombia, often enjoyed with cheese or lime.
Jugo de Lulo (Lulo Juice)
A refreshing juice made from the lulo fruit, a citrus fruit native to the Andes. It has a tart and slightly sweet flavor.
Chocolate Santafereño (Santafereño Chocolate)
A traditional hot chocolate drink from Bogotá, typically served with cheese and almojábanas (cheese bread).