
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Soacha, Cundinamarca, Colombia
1. Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter featuring rice, beans, fried eggs, chicharrón, arepa, and a meat option (usually beef or chicken). Taste the traditional Colombian cuisine at Restaurant El Buen Gusto.
- Authenticity: Prepared with traditional recipes passed down through generations
- Variety: Offers a combination of various Colombian staple foods in one dish
- Popularity: One of the most iconic dishes in Colombia, especially in the Antioquia region
2. Santareña Empanada
Delicious fried pasty filled with beef, corn, and peas. Enjoy this local specialty at Casa Santa Clara.
- Uniqueness: Different from other empanadas in Colombia due to the use of yellow corn flour
- Taste: Filled with a flavorful and juicy meat filling
- Tradition: Originates from the city of Santa Marta, Cundinamarca
3. Ajiaco Soachaño
Creamy chicken and potato soup served with rice, corn on the cob, and capers. Savor this comforting dish at Restaurant La Huerta.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for cold days and provides a warm and filling meal
- Local Twist: Slightly different from traditional Ajiaco due to the addition of capers
- Flavor Profile: Balanced taste with the creamy broth, tender chicken, and earthy potatoes
4. Bogotáneña Sancocho
A stew made with chicken, plantain, yuca, and various vegetables. Experience this rich soup at Restaurant La Fonda.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for cold days and provides a warm and filling meal
- Local Twist: Slightly different from traditional Sancocho due to the addition of plantain
- Flavor Profile: Balanced taste with the tender chicken, sweet plantain, and earthy vegetables
5. Cundinamarca Chochoyoque
A refreshing drink made from sugarcane juice, lime, and salt. Try this local beverage at Juice Stand El Delicioso.
- Refreshing: Ideal for hot days as it quenches thirst and cools down
- Uniqueness: Salt is added to enhance the sweetness of sugarcane juice
- Tradition: Originates from Cundinamarca region
6. Arepa de Choclo
Corn masa stuffed with cheese and sweet corn kernels. Savor this tasty snack at Snack Stand La Empanada.
- Portability: Perfect as a grab-and-go snack or street food
- Unique Ingredient: Uses sweet corn kernels instead of the regular variety
- Taste: Cheesy and slightly sweet flavor from the corn kernels
7. Bocadillo de Queso
A tasty sandwich filled with cheese, onions, and tomatoes. Grab this quick bite at Sandwich Shop El Saboroso.
- Portability: Perfect as a grab-and-go snack or street food
- Taste: Cheesy and savory flavor with the addition of onions and tomatoes
- Local Twist: A popular street food in Colombia, especially in Soacha
8. Empanada de Yuca
A savory pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and served with a creamy garlic sauce. Try this at Empanada Stand La Tradicional.
- Portability: Perfect as a grab-and-go snack or street food
- Unique Ingredient: Uses yuca flour for the dough instead of wheat
- Taste: Savory and flavorful filling with a hint of garlic from the sauce
9. Mozocho
A traditional Colombian dessert made from cornmeal and brown sugar. Taste this sweet treat at Dessert Shop La Tradición.
- Sweetness: Ideal for those with a sweet tooth
- Uniqueness: Made from cornmeal, which is not a common dessert ingredient in many countries
- Tradition: Originates from the Colombian countryside
10. Changua de Gallina
A hearty soup made with chicken, onions, milk, and eggs. Try this comforting dish at Breakfast Restaurant El Sol.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for breakfast or brunch as it is filling and warm
- Taste: Creamy and savory flavor with the addition of milk and eggs
- Local Twist: A popular breakfast dish in Soacha
11. Tortilla de Maiz
A corn tortilla filled with cheese and served with salsa. Try this tasty snack at Taco Stand La Casera.
- Portability: Perfect as a grab-and-go snack or street food
- Unique Ingredient: Uses corn tortillas instead of flour ones
- Taste: Cheesy and savory flavor with the addition of salsa
12. Hornado de Mariscos
A seafood dish made with fish, shrimp, and shellfish cooked in a banana leaf. Savor this flavorful meal at Seafood Restaurant El Manglar.
- Flavor Profile: Balanced taste with the combination of various seafood options
- Unique Ingredient: Cooked in a banana leaf, which infuses unique flavors into the dish
- Freshness: Uses fresh and locally-sourced seafood
13. Postre de Chocolate
A rich chocolate dessert made with milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Enjoy this sweet treat at Dessert Shop La Taza.
- Sweetness: Ideal for those with a sweet tooth
- Uniqueness: Made from scratch using traditional Colombian chocolate-making methods
- Taste: Rich and creamy flavor with a hint of bitterness from the cocoa powder
14. Lechona de Cundinamarca
A whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, herbs, and vegetables. Savor this traditional dish at Restaurant La Finca.
- Taste: Juicy and flavorful meat with the addition of aromatic rice stuffing
- Uniqueness: A traditional dish typically served during festive occasions in Cundinamarca
- Portion Size: Suited for sharing among multiple people due to its large size
15. Fritanga Soachaña
A selection of fried dishes such as plantain, yuca, arepas, and empanadas. Try this variety plate at Fritangas El Portal.
- Variety: Offers a combination of various fried dishes in one meal
- Taste: Crispy and flavorful due to the frying process
- Local Twist: Includes traditional Colombian fried dishes with a Soacha touch