From roadside stalls and fine dining restaurants to coffee plantations, Colombia should be on everyone’s foodie bucket list.
Before we ship two lucky readers off to Colombia thanks to HomeWorld Travel, we want to give you a little taste of what you could experience – and just like Shakira’s hips, we don’t lie.
(psst. Enter here!)
MORE STREET FOOD THAN YOU CAN POKE A SKEWER AT
Cheap, cheerful, and chock full of flavour – Colombian street food demands to be held in two hands and devoured with joy. These perfect bites of happiness are the perfect accompaniment to your adventure, and these are ones you just HAVE to try.
Tamales – these tasty little morsels are hot little pockets of maize dough filled with meat, vegetables, fish or cheese – then wrapped in banana leaves to cook. We’ll take 50.
Chinchulín – feeling daring? Fried or grilled cows intestines, are HUGELY popular with locals, and are served twisted in knots and served with lime and salt.
Arepa – a staple of Colombian street food, these ground maze cakes come in many variations but the most popular are either topped with cheese, or deep fried with an egg cracked in. Arepa de huevo are so popular that there’s even a n annual festival held for them!
VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE, AND FRUIT MARKETS ARE THE SWEETNESS
The fruit markets of Medellin are an absolute spectacle within themselves. Make your way around and sample everything from sweet, juicy mangosteens, tangy mamoncillo, tart lulo and the adorable higo – a small green fruit that grows on a cactus. Fill your basket and gorge yourself, or blend them up into cocktails. Your holiday, your rules.
BEAN THERE DONE THAT? NOT IN COLOMBIA
Chasing something a little stronger than fructose? Head to Santa Elena to experience firsthand the coffee making process, from the fruit to roasted beans, before trying some of the best in the world.
Afterwards hit up Urbania, a café that specialises in coffee from agro-ecological sustainable farming, or head to Pergamino Café and learn more about that magical little bean.
DINING WITH A DIFFERENCE
Colombia’s restaurants are loved by locals and foreigners alike, serving traditional and modern dishes that’ll have you reminiscing about them well after you step back on Australian soil.
El Poblado is home to two of Colombia’s most iconic restaurants. Indulge in modern Colombian cuisine at ElCielo, offering a multi-sensory experience alongside their outstanding service – and don’t forget to sample each of the limited boutique wines they have on offer.
If you’re after more traditional tastes that’ll have you doing the salsa on tabletops, stop by La Matriarca for dinner with a side of live music, coffee and local seafood.
SHAKE THINGS UP
Coffee not your cup of tea? Maybe this will be your shot of whisky. Colombian’s are mad for Aguardinente, an anise flavoured liquer made from sugar cane, also known as firewater (!!!), as well as rum and beer.
Thirsty for a cocktail? Order yourself a Canelazo. With cinnamon, lime juice, sugar cane, cloves and the famous Aguardinente, this is one strong drink, so take it easy!
TAKE A WALK ON THE DARK CHOCOLATE SIDE
For those who like it dreamy and creamy, chocolate con queso might be right up your alley. The ultimate Colombian comfort drink, and for a good reason. Hot chocolate and melted cheese might sound surprising – but trust us, it’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty.
Hungry for travel now? Take a walk on the wild, Colombian food side!
For a chance to experience all of this for FREE thanks to HomeWorld Travel through a 10 day tour + LATAM Airlines flights, check out our competition, or lust over their private tours here.
