Colombian Food & Drink

Black coffee (Colombian)

In most Spanish-speaking countries, "tinto" means red wine. But in Colombia, "tinto" means black coffee — a small, strong cup of black coffee. Colombia is one of the world's top coffee producers, and the "tinto" is a cultural institution.

Lunch / Main meal of the day

In Colombia, "almuerzo" (lunch) is the most important meal of the day — a full set meal typically including soup, a main course with rice, beans, meat, and a small salad, plus a juice. The "menú del día" or "corriente" is the affordable set lunch found everywhere.

Ajiaco (Colombian potato soup)

Ajiaco is Bogotá's most famous dish — a hearty soup made with three types of potatoes, chicken, corn, and guasca herbs. It's deeply Colombian and a must-try. "Vamos a comer ajiaco" is a very Bogotano thing to say.

Bandeja Paisa (Colombian platter)

Bandeja paisa is Colombia's most famous dish — a massive platter from the Antioquia region containing rice, red beans, ground meat, chicharrón, fried egg, plantain, avocado, and arepa. It's a point of national pride and a must-try experience.

Arepa (Colombian corn cake)

The arepa is Colombia's most iconic food — a round flatbread made from ground corn. Colombians eat arepas at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are dozens of regional varieties. Saying "una arepa con queso por favor" will make any Colombian smile.

Aguardiente (Colombian liquor)

Aguardiente is Colombia's national drink — an anise-flavored liquor. "Irse de aguardiente" (going for aguardiente) means going out drinking. It's deeply cultural and any night out in Colombia will likely involve it.

I feel like / I'm craving

"Me provoca" is a uniquely Colombian way to say "I feel like" or "I'm craving" something. "Me provoca un tinto" means "I feel like a coffee". It's one of the most distinctly Colombian expressions — you won't hear it used this way in other countries.

Sancocho (Colombian stew)

Sancocho is a hearty Colombian stew made with chicken, beef, or fish, yuca, plantain, corn, and potatoes. It's the ultimate comfort food and considered a cure for hangovers (guayabo). "Sancocho de guayabo" is the legendary hangover cure stew.

Obleas (Colombian wafer dessert)

Obleas are thin crispy wafers filled with arequipe (dulce de leche), jam, cheese, or cream. They're sold by street vendors across Colombia and are an iconic street food experience. Asking for "unas obleas con arequipe" is a very Colombian thing to do.

Arequipe (Colombian dulce de leche)

Arequipe is Colombia's version of dulce de leche — a thick, creamy caramel spread made from milk and sugar. It's eaten on obleas, arepas, bread, and straight from the jar. If you're in Colombia and haven't tried arequipe, you're missing out.

Lechona (roasted stuffed pig)

Lechona is a famous Colombian dish from the Tolima region — a whole pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices then slow-roasted for hours. It's a celebratory dish served at parties, festivals, and special occasions. Seeing a lechona is always cause for excitement.