Colombian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, colors, and textures that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
From hearty stews to crispy snacks, this South American gem has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons or just someone who loves a good meal, these Colombian recipes are about to become your new favorites.
Ready to dive into a world of mouthwatering dishes? Buckle up, because we’re taking you on a flavor-packed journey through the 10+ best Colombian recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
1. Arepas The Ultimate Colombian Comfort Food
Let’s kick things off with the MVP of Colombian cuisine: arepas. These golden, crispy corn cakes are the ultimate comfort food and a staple in every Colombian household.
Think of them as the Colombian version of a sandwich, but way more versatile. You can stuff them with cheese, eggs, or even shredded chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)
- 2 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
- Cheese, eggs, or meat for filling (optional)
How to Make It:
Mix the cornmeal, water, and salt in a bowl until you get a smooth dough. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shape it into small patties.
Cook them on a hot griddle or skillet for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Slice them open and stuff them with your favorite fillings.
Why did this make it to our list? Arepas are the heart and soul of Colombian food.
They’re simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
2. Bandeja Paisa A Hearty Feast on a Plate
If you’re the kind of person who loves a meal that feels like a hug, Bandeja Paisa is your jam.
This iconic Colombian dish is a hearty platter that includes grilled steak, chorizo, rice, beans, plantains, avocado, and a fried egg.
It’s a flavor explosion that’ll leave you stuffed and smiling.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb grilled steak
- 2 chorizo sausages
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup red beans
- 1 ripe plantain, sliced and fried
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 fried eggs
- 1 arepa (optional)
How to Make It:
Grill the steak and chorizo separately. Cook the rice and beans. Fry the plantain slices until caramelized.
Assemble everything on a large plate, topping it off with a fried egg and avocado slices.
Why we chose it? Bandeja Paisa is the ultimate Colombian comfort food. It’s a meal that brings people together and satisfies even the biggest appetites.
3. Ajiaco The Cozy Chicken Soup You’ll Crave
Ajiaco is the kind of soup that warms you up from the inside out. Made with chicken, three types of potatoes, corn, and a herb called guascas, this creamy soup is a Bogotá classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 3 types of potatoes (yellow, red, and white)
- 2 ears of corn, cut into chunks
- 1 bunch of guascas (or substitute with parsley)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Capers for garnish
How to Make It:
Boil the chicken in a large pot with water, salt, and guascas. Add the potatoes and corn, simmering until everything is tender.
Serve with a dollop of cream, avocado slices, and capers.
Why we selected it? Ajiaco is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up.
4. Empanadas Crispy, Flaky, and Irresistible
Colombian empanadas are the perfect snack or appetizer. These little pockets of joy are filled with seasoned meat, potatoes, and spices, then fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)
- 2 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cooked ground beef
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
How to Make It:
Prepare the dough by mixing cornmeal, water, and salt. Shape into small discs, fill with the meat and potato mixture, and fold into half-moons. Fry until crispy.
Why did this make it to our list? Empanadas are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
5. Sancocho A Soul-Warming Stew
Sancocho is a hearty stew that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with chicken, plantains, yuca, and corn, it’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 plantains, peeled and sliced
- 1 yuca, peeled and chopped
- 2 ears of corn, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
How to Make It:
Boil the chicken with onions, garlic, and spices. Add the plantains, yuca, and corn, simmering until everything is tender. Serve with rice on the side.
Why we chose it? Sancocho is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or lazy Sundays.
6. Patacones Twice-Fried Plantain Goodness
Patacones are crispy, savory plantain slices that are fried, smashed, and fried again.
They’re the perfect side dish or snack, especially when paired with a tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 green plantains
- Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Slice the plantains into thick rounds and fry until golden. Remove, smash them flat, and fry again until crispy. Sprinkle with salt.
Why we selected it? Patacones are simple, addictive, and a must-try for anyone who loves plantains.
7. Lechona A Festive Stuffed Dish
Lechona is a show-stopping dish made with a whole stuffed with rice, peas, and spices.
It’s traditionally cooked in a clay oven for hours, resulting in tender, flavorful meat and crispy skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole (or substitute with shoulder)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
How to Make It:
Season the or shoulder with spices. Stuff with the rice and pea mixture. Roast in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender.
Why did this make it to our list? Lechona is a celebration dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
8. Cholado A Refreshing Fruit Dessert
Cholado is a colorful dessert made with shaved ice, fresh fruit, condensed milk, and a sprinkle of coconut. It’s the perfect treat for a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shaved ice
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, mangoes)
- 2 tbsp condensed milk
- 1 tbsp shredded coconut
How to Make It:
Layer the shaved ice and fruit in a glass. Drizzle with condensed milk and top with coconut.
Why we chose it? Cholado is a refreshing, Instagram-worthy dessert that’s perfect for summer.
9. Pandebono Cheesy Bread Rolls
Pandebono are cheesy, gluten-free bread rolls that are perfect for breakfast or a snack. They’re soft, chewy, and utterly addictive.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients into a dough, shape into rolls, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Why we selected it? Pandebono is a simple, cheesy delight that’s hard to resist.
10. Arroz con Coco Coconut Rice with a Twist
Arroz con Coco is a sweet and savory rice dish made with coconut milk. It’s a unique side dish that pairs perfectly with seafood or grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
How to Make It:
Cook the rice with coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt until fluffy.
Why did this make it to our list? Arroz con Coco is a tropical twist on traditional rice that’s sure to impress.
11. Buñuelos Cheesy Fried Dough Balls
Buñuelos are crispy, cheesy dough balls that are a holiday favorite in Colombia. They’re perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients into a dough, shape into balls, and fry until golden.
Why we chose it? Buñuelos are a cheesy, crispy treat that’s impossible to resist.
Conclusion
Colombian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these 10+ recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you’re craving something hearty, sweet, or savory, there’s a Colombian dish for every mood.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and start cooking your way through these delicious recipes.