I have not been to Colombia yet, and now I'm wondering, why not? Colombian food is so varied and absolutely delicious. But having lived in Miami for many years, where there are lots of Latino restaurants all over, I've been lucky to be able to eat Colombian food whenever I want to. My introductory dish into Colombian cuisine was a bandeja paisa. Have you had it? Believe me, this is not a dish for just one person. In the end, everyone at my table had to help me! You'll see what I mean when you check out the recipe below.
More from MamásLatinas: 40 Delicious Peruvian recipes you should try
While researching Colombian recipes, I was surprised to find out how many similar dishes we have in Perú, like arroz con pollo. I can't wait to try the Colombian version. If you haven't had the pleasure of indulging in the culinary delights of Colombia, I urge you to find a Colombian restaurant around where you live. Better yet, why not try making one (or a few!) of the more than 40 recipes we have included in this gallery? I promise you won't be disappointed.
From easy appetizers and side dishes such as patacón pisa'o to delicious main dishes like traditional sancocho or fritanga, there's a wide array of choices that are sure to satisfy any palate. Just reading the recipes makes my mouth water, especially the desserts. I could definitely see myself indulging in a flan de coco tonight!
¡Buen provecho!
Pan de coco is a lovely treat.
Pan de coco is a type of Colombian sweet bread. It's a delicious treat that is loaded with coconut and vanilla flavor and baked to perfection. It's a yeast bread, so it's really light and fluffy inside, but it has a nice crunch on top.
Get the full recipe from My Colombian Cocina.
Seafood lovers will adore this crab rice.
Colombian arroz atollado de cangrejo, or crab rice, hails from regions along the country's Pacific coast and is packed with seafood and tropical flavors, especially when prepared with coconut milk.
Get the full recipe from My Colombian Recipes.
Colombian hot chocolate is enjoyed with cheese.
Hot chocolate is a very popular morning beverage or snack in Colombia and is often served with cheese bread or even a slice of cheese dropped into the bottom of the mug. This version with coconut milk looks amazing.
Get the full recipe from My Colombian Cocina.
Bandeja paisa is in a class of its own!
Bandeja paisa is a dish that is served on a large platter, and it is the perfect meal to share with your family on a lazy Sunday. Don't try eating it all by yourself, like I did! It's a lot of food.
Get the full recipe at MamásLatinas.
A favorite among Colombians, ajiaco is a yummy traditional dish.
Ask any Colombian about ajiaco, and you will immediately make them homesick. This chicken and potato soup is a go-to in many Colombian households. It's so soothing and comforting.
Get the full recipe at MamásLatinas.
Colombian meatball stew is a perfect slow-cooked meal.
This is a delicious and easy dish that you can prepare in your slow cooker. Be sure to make enough for the whole family! It's a delicious twist on traditional beef stew that's sure to appeal to kids.
Get the full recipe at MamásLatinas.
Sobrebarriga is flank stake, and cooked in Colombian creole sauce it is super delicious!
Flank steak tends to be a tougher cut of meat, but by cooking it in a slow cooker or even a pressure cooker, it will become very tender. Serve sobrebarriga with rice, cassava, and maduros for a complete meal.
Get the full recipe at MamásLatinas.
Bistec a caballo is a traditional dish—a Colombian cowboy's feast.
Literally, bistec a caballo means steak on a horse. Well, that leaves a lot to the imagination, but fear not: This is a juicy steak topped with a fried egg. Now that's the ultimate breakfast—or lunch or anything really.
Get the full recipe at Global Table Adventure.
How about a whole fried fish?
My father loved to eat a whole fried fish. It really is a culinary experience, and in Colombia, this is a dish that is readily available, especially when you're close to the ocean. Give it a try!
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
It may be called Russian salad, but it's very much a Colombian side dish.
This is a popular side dish made for parties and special events. It is so easy to make and pairs well with any pork or chicken dish. It's a bit different from the Russian salad served in other countries.
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
Colombian short ribs that fall off the bone.
Sensing a theme here? Meat—and beef in particular—rules in Colombian cuisine. Made in the slow cooker, these yummy short ribs will delight you and anyone else who is lucky enough to try them!
Get the recipe at MamásLatinas.
Arepas are the perfect snack!
Colombian arepas are delicious and easy to make. You can add any extra ingredients you may have on hand; I love adding cheese for perfect cheesy arepas, but people stuff them with everything from hamburger patties to eggs.
Get the full recipe at MamásLatinas.
You can't go wrong with these Colombian tamales.
There are many variations of tamales in Latin America, and Colombian tamales do not disappoint! There are also variations within Colombia, but what makes them a bit different from tamales in most other countries is that they are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.
Get the full recipe at Food.com.
Lentils are easy to prepare, and they are good for you!
Whether having them as a snack or soup or served with rice, Colombian lentils are a satisfying and complete meal. They are packed with flavor from the use of cumin and are quite filling.
Get the full recipe at Allrecipes.
Rabbit stew with coconut milk: This dish sounds amazing; you should try it!
I have to admit that when I was a kid, I would've never had rabbit stew. This is a special dish that is made in Colombia, and with the addition of coconut cream, it sounds exotic and delicious.
Here is the recipe.
For the perfect snack or appetizer, try some fried yuca.
Yuca or cassava, as it is known in English, is a starchy root vegetable that is served in many Latino countries. It is a very typical snack in Colombia, and especially yummy when fried.
Ge the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
Fritanga or picada is a fried food platter that is meant to be shared.
The fritanga, or picada Colombiana, combines an incredible array of fried meats, sausages, potatoes, and vegetables. It will serve a party, but if you're watching your waistline, it is definitely not a dish to be eaten often!
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
Arroz con pollo is a go-to dish in Colombia that will satisfy anyone in your family.
For a family meal, why not make chicken and rice Colombian-style? It is a dish full of flavor, easy to make, and a true winner. In Colombia, it's common to add vegetables like peas and carrots to arroz con pollo.
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Cocina.
Patacón pisa'o, or fried green plantains. Who doesn't love them?!
This is a typical snack in several Latino countries, and in Colombia, they're served as a side with fish, chicken, or pork or just eaten as a snack. It's such a traditional food, but so addictive.
Get the full recipe at MamásLatinas.
Sancocho is an amazing stew that is very traditional in Colombia; here's a recipe for one made with chicken.
Today is rainy and chilly and, as I write this, I am dreaming of having a Colombian sancocho. Whether you make it with chicken or beef or both, this is one stew that is sure to stick to your ribs and warm you up.
Get the full recipe at Food.com.
The ultimate comfort food: papas rellenas.
Literally meaning stuffed potatoes, papas rellenas is a perfect meal in Colombia. And believe me, this is a true favorite—and so easy to make! It's common to fill them with cheese, but you can also use meat.
Get the full recipe at The Spruce Eats.
Summer is still here, and what better way to celebrate than with Colombian hot dogs?
Colombian perros calientes are really the epitome of summer, and with toppings like crushed potato chips and coleslaw, I was all in the first time I tried them! All the toppings really bring the humble hot dog to another level.
Get the full recipe at MamásLatinas.
Gooseberry hot sauce...sounds as exotic as it is!
If you're lucky enough to find gooseberry (in Colombia, uchuvas), here's a perfectly sweet yet spicy sauce that will go well with all your dishes. Colombians know how to do spice right.
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
Colombian red beans: Make them in a slow cooker.
Prepare frijoles Colombianos for dinner and you'll be the star. When cooked in a slow cooker, they'll be more tender and flavorful, and you won't spend as much hands-on time tending to them.
Get the full recipe at MamásLatinas.
Chuleta valluna, or pork milanesa. Whatever you call it, you cannot go wrong with this dish!
There's something so comforting about a breaded piece of pork or chicken. Flattened, breaded, spiced, and then fried, this is a dish that I'm sure you will love! Serve it with rice and a simple salad.
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Cocina.
Cazuela de mariscos: OK, I've confessed I have many favorite dishes, but this one is really a must!
This is an absolutely delicious seafood soup, and Colombians really know how to perfect this dish with aromatic herbs, cream, vegetables, and seafood. It's typical to use squid, clams, fish, and shrimp. Give this recipe a try!
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Cocina.
Tangy prawn Colombian ceviche. This refreshing dish won't disappoint!
We know that every Latino country has its own version of ceviche, and we can't get enough. The Colombian ceviche uses tomato sauce and cooked prawns, and it is delicious any day of the week.
Get the full recipe at SBS.
Sopa de verduras: A richly flavored vegetarian option.
Yes! A vegetarian option! Even in balmy weather, soups are very popular in Colombia, and this one is loaded with veggies and lots of spices. You can omit pureeing the soup at the end if you prefer it chunky.
Get the full recipe at SBS.
These can be addicting: Oven-baked sweet plantains.
Rather than frying sweet plantains, baking them will save you some calories, and I can confirm this recipe is delicious! When the plantains are ripe enough, they are just as soft and sweet as the fried version.
Get the full recipe at Food.com.
Empanadas Colombianas are very popular and delicious. And now you can make them at home!
Empanadas are served everywhere in Colombia, and you can find them at any Colombian restaurant in the US. Try them with a lime and some fresh ají. We love the crust of the Colombian version.
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
Enjoy your empanadas with this fresh and bright Colombian ají.
This is so easy to make, check out the recipe below. Oh, and refrigerate it for an hour so all the ingredients have time to meld. The tangy, spicy ají really adds so much flavor to the empanadas.
Get the full recipe at Food.com.
Because you cannot have enough ají. This version is with roasted chile peppers. Yum!
There are so many ways to make a spicy chile sauce. In Colombia, you can have ají with your empanadas, fritangas, or literally anything! It's basically like a homemade hot sauce.
Get the full recipe at The Spruce Eats.
Mantecada: You cannot miss having this spongy Colombian corn cake.
This is one of those recipes that are super easy to make. You can have this delicious corn cake in no time at all! It's basically Colombia's version of cornbread, and it has a secret ingredient.
Get the full recipe at Hispanic Kitchen.
Papas chorreadas: A true Colombian specialty.
To be honest, I've never had this dish, but after reading the recipe, I think I will! The red potatoes are the star of the dish, topped with a delicious cheesy sauce and seasoned with onions and tomatoes. What's not to like?
Get the full recipe at The Spruce Eats.
Caldo de costilla: This beef rib broth will wake you up!
Here's a traditional soup served in the morning for those who overindulged a little the night before. They say it's the perfect cure for a hangover, or guayabo. It's basically stewed short ribs and veggies.
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
Breakfast of champions: Colombian huevos pericos.
Made with tomatoes and scallions, scrambled eggs are the perfect meal for a fortified breakfast. In Colombia, they're usually served with an arepa and a cup of coffee. Sounds perfect to me!
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
Cream cheese arepas: Watch the video recipe; they look delicious!
These arepas are perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or orange juice! The chef makes them with an arepera, or arepa maker, but you can make them in a pan or flat top as well. So satisfying.
Get the full recipe at Allrecipes.
Colombian flan, with tropical coconut!
Flan de coco is variation of flan de leche, a typical dessert on the coast of Colombia. Coconut flan is truly such a decadent dessert. You should definitely try this recipe!
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
Arroz con leche is another Colombian dessert for those of you with a sweet tooth!
Not only is rice pudding a well-loved dessert in Colombia, there's an implicit competition among families to see who makes the best one. Give this recipe a try; yours could be the winner!
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
And for dessert ... Colombian natilla!
This is a yummy dessert, which is traditionally served during Christmas in Colombia. It is another wonderful custard that is accompanied with buñuelos, deep-fried cheesy fritters, which are also delicious!
Get the full recipe at MamásLatinas.
Buñuelos are perfect when paired with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
These are cheesy, doughy goodies that are a great treat any time of year, and they're particularly special in Colombia during Christmas. They are such a fun and tasty snack that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the full recipe here.
Torta negra is decadent and finger-licking good!
This delectable chocolate cake is no ordinary cake; it's made very special with the addition of raisins, port wine, and rum! All those ingredients serve to add a deeper and richer taste and bring out the true chocolate flavor.
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
And we end with an incredibly creamy and traditional Colombian drink: sabajón. ¡Salud!
This traditional eggnog-style drink is a favorite not only during Christmas but also for special occasions like Mother's Day and birthday parties. It is spiked with Colombian aguardiente, a strong alcoholic drink with flavors of anise, but you can also make this drink with rum instead.
Get the full recipe at My Colombian Recipes.
