National Classics

• Arepa (Cornmeal Cake): A staple food, grilled, fried, or stuffed with cheese. Sold at breakfast stalls for a few thousand pesos, with regional variations worth exploring.
• Bandeja Paisa (Mountain Platter): A Medellín specialty, loaded with red beans, rice, fried egg, ground meat, sausage, pork rind, and avocado. Around 30,000–60,000 COP per person—split it if you have a small appetite.
• Ajiaco (Chicken and Potato Soup): A Bogotá highland dish made with three types of potatoes, herbs, chicken, cream, and guava. Try the historic La Puerta Falsa.
• Sancocho (Hearty Stew): The Caribbean version often features fish or chicken—it’s a hangover cure and rain-day comfort food.
• Ceviche (Caribbean Citrus-Marinated Seafood): Shrimp cups with lime juice, served with crackers or plantain chips on the streets of Cartagena.

Specialties & Desserts

• Empanada (Fried Stuffed Pastry): Cornmeal pockets filled with meat or cheese, served with spicy sauce—a cheap and tasty street snack.
• Obleas (Wafers with Filling): Two crispy wafers sandwiching blackberry jam and cheese.
• Aguardiente (Anise-Flavored Sugarcane Liquor): The national party drink—enjoy in moderation.
• Andean Fruits: Juices made from tree tomatoes, passion fruit (maracuyá), lulo—must-tries at local markets.

Coffee: Drink It Right

• Order by origin: Narino, Huila, and Antioquia each offer distinct flavors. Look for beans with the freshest roast dates.
• Take a cupping class in Medellín or Salento (around 80,000–150,000 COP) to learn brewing and aroma techniques.
• Traditional tinto is a small black coffee, usually sweetened—ask for sin azúcar if you want it unsweetened.

Where to Eat & Price Range

• Bogotá: Historic spots in La Candelaria and Paloquemao Market for a full taste of Andean ingredients.
• Medellín: Trendy new restaurants in El Poblado or traditional taverns with live salsa and grilled meats.
• Cartagena: Street food in Getsemaní and rooftop restaurants in the Old Town—try classic arroz con coco and seafood paella.
• Budget Guide: Street snacks 5,000–15,000 COP, casual meals 20,000–40,000 COP, mid-range restaurants 60,000–120,000 COP per person.
• Souvenirs: Roasted beans from Huila or Narino, or gift boxes of traditional obleas. Coffee cupping classes often include a bag of your own roasted beans.