Colombian cuisine is quite diverse and unusual. Notable differences between the regions of Colombia are reflected in the country's gastronomic assortment. Dishes that are widely available, for example, in Cundinamarca( a province with the capital of the country) are almost impossible to find in the southern province of Nariño. One aspect of nutrition, which remains virtually unchanged throughout the country, is that breakfast and lunch are the most important meals.
The best dishes of Colombian cuisine
The best and most delicious traditional dishes of the country are soups and stews. One of the main dishes of Bogota, ahiako, is an extremely tasty soup with the addition of several kinds of potatoes, corn and chicken. Sour cream and capers are usually added to taste, the dish is served with fresh avocado and rice. Another very popular food is sancocho, chicken or fish soup( depending on the region), plantain, coriander, corn and potatoes. Those who have a more exotic taste, may wish to try Mondongo - this is a soup made of cow rye with potatoes, carrots, peas, corn and cilantro.
Another undeniable gastronomic landmark is fresh tropical fruit. Vendors work in most parts of the country and offer an incredibly diverse range of fruits, as well as freshly prepared fruit salads at very democratic prices. Freshly squeezed juices are also available in most stalls and in almost every restaurant. The most common flavors include passion fruit, blackberries, strawberries, mangoes, guavas.
The long coastline means the high quality of fresh seafood available in most parts of the country. In coastal areas, lobsters, oysters and royal prawns can be bought at very reasonable prices. Specific dishes in these regions - arros kokoko and kamarones, a special kind of rice made with coconut oil and raisins, invariably served with seafood dishes. Another delicacy is the Colombian version of Ceviche, dishes from raw fish and seafood.
The standard formula for most dishes is simple rice, it is accompanied by a small piece of meat( usually without sauce), fried psyllium or beans and salad. Dishes are often served with arrivals, Colombian tortillas from corn flour, close in size to small pancakes. They come in several varieties and are extremely popular among locals.
The most popular and widely available snacks are usually prepared in deep fat, and include variations such as pancakes with meat( minced meat and vegetables wrapped in a flat cake of cornmeal), dad relen( minced meat and vegetables in potatoes, like Russian zrazy)and bunelos( reminiscent of donuts).
If you end up tired of Colombian cuisine, in the main urban centers there is a wide and more varied choice of dishes from all over the world. Facilities vary from budget to very high-end places. Bogotá, in particular, is famous for its large number of decent international restaurants. As you might expect, the prices for such dishes are much higher than for the more traditional Colombian variants.