Do NOT Visit Colombia Without Trying These 10 Foods!

Let’s talk about Colombia, the land of emeralds, coffee, and jaw-dropping landscapes. But honestly, all that pales in comparison to the true national treasure: THE FOOD. If you’re planning a trip to Colombia and you’re not planning to eat like a champ, let me stop you right here. You’re doing it wrong. Here are 10 Colombian foods you absolutely, positively, must try—or risk committing a culinary crime.

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1. Arepas

The MVP of Colombian cuisine. These cornmeal cakes are served with everything: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, existential crises, you name it. My favorite? An arepa con queso that’s gooey and buttery enough to make you rethink every diet you’ve ever attempted.
Pro Tip: Grab one from a street vendor; they’re the real heroes here.

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2. Bandeja Paisa

This dish is basically Colombia’s way of saying, “Come hungry or don’t come at all.” Picture this: rice, beans, chicharrón, avocado, fried egg, plantain, ground beef, and a sausage. It’s like they threw a whole pantry onto one plate and called it a day.
Personal Moment: I once attempted to finish a bandeja paisa solo. Spoiler alert: I didn’t, and I’m still full.

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3. Ajiaco

This hearty chicken and potato soup is comfort food at its finest. But the real MVP here is guascas, an herb that gives it a unique flavor. Don’t forget the capers, cream, and avocado for the full experience.
Warning: It’s served piping hot. Learned this the hard way when I enthusiastically dove in too soon and spent the next five minutes pretending my tongue wasn’t on fire.

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4. Empanadas

You’ve had empanadas before, but not like these. Colombian empanadas are crunchy, golden pockets of joy filled with beef, chicken, or potatoes. Add some spicy ají sauce, and you’re in snack heaven.
Confession: I may have eaten six in one sitting once. No regrets.

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5. Lechona

A whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices. Yes, it’s as extra as it sounds, and yes, it’s worth every bite. This is a party dish, so look out for it at festivals or family gatherings.
Fun Fact: Watching a lechona being prepared is a commitment, but it’s also mesmerizing—a true culinary art form.

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6. Buñuelos

These fried cheese balls are the snack you didn’t know you needed. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and slightly sweet. Perfect with coffee, or, you know, just because.
Challenge: Try eating just one. Spoiler: You can’t.

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7. Pandebono

Speaking of cheese, meet buñuelo’s cousin, the pandebono. This gluten-free cheese bread will make you question why you ever settled for plain old rolls.
Real Talk: I once bought a bag of pandebonos “for later” and ate them all before I left the bakery.

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8. Sancocho

A rich, slow-cooked stew with meat, yuca, plantains, and corn. It’s comfort in a bowl. Pair it with rice, and you’ve got a meal that will make you want to call your mom and tell her you’re doing just fine.
Pro Move: Order it on a rainy day for maximum coziness.

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9. Patacones

These smashed, fried green plantains are the ultimate side dish. Think of them as Colombian french fries, only better. Dip them in hogao (a tomato-onion sauce) for peak deliciousness.
Life Hack: They’re also great for scooping up leftover ajiaco or beans.

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10. Obleas

Dessert time! Obleas are thin wafers sandwiching arequipe (Colombian dulce de leche), jam, and sometimes cheese. It’s a sticky, sweet mess, and you’ll love every second of it.
Pro Tip: Get one from a street vendor for that authentic vibe. Bonus points if they add sprinkles.

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Colombia is a foodie’s paradise, so don’t even think about skipping these culinary delights. Your taste buds will thank you, your waistband might not, but hey—that’s what stretchy pants are for.

What’s your favorite Colombian food? Share your thoughts (or food pics—we’re all friends here) in the comments below!