Sancocho
Often eaten: Lunch or dinner
Known for: Across Colombia, with well-known regional versions in the Caribbean and Andean regions
TraditionalFamily
Photo: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan (CC BY-SA 2.0)
5 dishes to discover
Food of Colombia
Colombia is a country full of yummy foods that are fun to try! Each part of the country has its own special flavors, mixing tastes from native people, Spaniards, Africans, and even from places far away. You might enjoy arepas, which are like corn pancakes, or bandeja paisa, a big plate with rice, beans, and meat. Every bite tells a story of Colombia’s rich and colorful culture.
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In Colombia, meal times are often a time to gather with family and friends, sharing food and stories. Meals can include dishes from different regions, making each meal special and diverse.
Eating Etiquette
In Colombia, it is polite to say 'buen provecho' to others before eating. Eating together with family and friends is important and finishing your meal shows that you enjoyed the food.
When People Eat It
Pandebono
Often eaten: Breakfast or snack
Known for: Valle del Cauca, especially around Cali
SnackBreakfast
Arepas
Often eaten: Breakfast, lunch, or snack
Known for: Across Colombia, including Antioquia
TraditionalSnack
Ajiaco
Often eaten: Lunch or dinner
Known for: Bogotá and the Cundinamarca highlands
TraditionalComfort
Bandeja Paisa
Often eaten: A hearty lunch or special weekend meal
Known for: Antioquia, especially Medellín and the Paisa region
FestiveHeartEnergizing
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
SancochoSancocho
Makes 6 servingsIngredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g)Chicken pieces
- 3 potatoesPotatoes, cubed
- 2 cobsCorn on the cob, cut into chunks
- 1 plantainPlantain, sliced
- 1 onion, 2 clovesOnion and garlic
- 1/4 cup (10 g)Fresh cilantro
How to Make It
- 1Put the chicken, onion, and garlic in a big pot with about 8 cups of water.
- 2Ask a grown-up to bring it to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- 3Add the potatoes, corn, and plantain.
- 4Simmer for another 20–25 minutes, until everything is tender.
- 5Sprinkle in the cilantro and a little salt.
- 6Ladle into bowls and serve with rice — a hearty Colombian soup.
PandebonoPandebono
Makes 12 rollsIngredients
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g)Tapioca flour (or cornstarch)
- 1/2 cup (60 g)Cornmeal (masarepa)
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g)Grated fresh cheese
- 1 eggEgg
- 2 tbsp (30 ml)Milk
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2Mix the tapioca flour, cornmeal, and cheese in a bowl.
- 3Add the egg and milk and knead into a smooth, soft dough.
- 4Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a lined tray.
- 5Bake for 15–18 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden.
- 6Eat them warm — chewy little cheese breads.
ArepasArepas
Makes 6 arepasIngredients
- 2 cups (250 g)Precooked cornmeal (masarepa)
- 2 1/2 cups (590 ml)Warm water
- 1 tspSalt
- 1/2 cup (50 g)Cheese (optional)
- 1 tbspButter or oil
How to Make It
- 1Stir the cornmeal and salt into the warm water and mix into a soft dough.
- 2Let the dough rest for 5 minutes, then knead until smooth.
- 3Divide into 6 balls and flatten each into a thick patty.
- 4Ask a grown-up to cook them in a buttered pan for 4–5 minutes on each side, until a crust forms.
- 5Split them open and add cheese if you like.
- 6Enjoy warm for breakfast or a snack.
AjiacoAjiaco
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 2 breastsChicken breasts
- 4 potatoesPotatoes (mixed kinds), sliced
- 2 cobsCorn on the cob, in chunks
- 2 stalksGreen onions
- to serveCream and capers
How to Make It
- 1Put the chicken, potatoes, corn, and green onions in a pot with about 6 cups of water.
- 2Ask a grown-up to simmer it for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked.
- 3Lift out the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- 4Keep simmering until some potatoes melt and the soup turns thick and creamy.
- 5Ladle into bowls.
- 6Add a spoonful of cream and a few capers on top — a Bogotá classic.
Bandeja PaisaBandeja Paisa
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 2 cups (400 g)Cooked red beans
- 2 cups (370 g)Cooked white rice
- 1/2 lb (225 g)Ground beef
- 4 eggsFried egg
- 2 plantainsSweet plantain, sliced
- 1 avocadoAvocado, sliced
How to Make It
- 1Warm the cooked beans in a small pot.
- 2Ask a grown-up to cook the ground beef in a pan until browned.
- 3Fry the plantain slices until golden and soft.
- 4Fry the eggs sunny-side up.
- 5On each big plate, arrange rice, beans, beef, plantain, and avocado side by side.
- 6Top each plate with a fried egg — a giant, hearty Colombian platter.
Vocabulary
If you love Mexican tacos or American burgers, you might find Colombian arepas delightful as they can be filled with various ingredients, just like your favorite dishes!