Common Meals in Colombia

1. Bandeja Paisa (The National Classic)

• The most iconic dish, especially from the Antioquia region (Medellín).

• A hearty platter with: red beans, rice, ground beef or carne asada, chicharrón (crispy pork belly), fried plantain, avocado, fried egg, and sometimes chorizo.

• Often served with arepa and salad. It’s a complete, filling meal.

2. Ajiaco Santafereño

• Traditional thick chicken soup from Bogotá.

• Made with three types of potatoes, corn, guascas herb (unique Colombian herb), and chicken.

• Served with avocado, cream, and capers. A comfort food staple.

3. Arepa

• The everyday staple across Colombia.

• Cornmeal cakes that can be grilled, fried, or baked.

• Eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — plain with butter/cheese, or stuffed with meat, cheese, eggs, or avocado.

4. Empanadas Colombianas

• Fried cornmeal pastries filled with potato and meat (beef or chicken).

• Usually served with ají (spicy sauce) or hogao (tomato-onion sauce).

• Extremely popular street food and party snack.

5. Sancocho

• A rich, hearty stew.

• Typically includes beef, chicken, or pork with plantain, yuca, potato, corn, and vegetables.

• Different regions have their own versions (e.g., Sancocho de Gallina).

6. Tamales Colombianos

• Banana leaf-wrapped bundles of corn dough with rice, meat, vegetables, and spices.

• Especially popular during Christmas and special occasions.

Other Very Common Dishes:

• Arroz con Pollo (Chicken with Rice)

• Patacones (Fried smashed plantains)

• Ceviche (on the Caribbean coast)

• Cazuela de Mariscos (Seafood stew – popular on the coast)

• Calentao (Breakfast rice dish with leftovers)

Colombian food is flavorful, generous, and deeply tied to family and region. Meals are often shared and eaten with rice, plantains, and arepas.