Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
1. Bandeja Paisa
A hearty plate with rice, red beans, fried egg, chorizo, plantain, and a piece of beefsteak. Solves the challenge of filling visitors up with traditional Colombian cuisine.
- Traditional: Originates from Antioquia region
- Comfort Food: Typically enjoyed for lunch
- Versatile: Many variations exist, but the traditional dish is Bandeja Paisa
2. Sancocho Antioqueño
A delicious stew made with seven varieties of meat, plantain, corn on the cob, and aromatic herbs. Solves the challenge of providing a warm and comforting meal in cooler climates.
- Regional Specialty: Popular dish in Medellín and surrounding Antioquia region
- Warming: Ideal for cold weather in the city's higher altitudes
- Meat-centric: Features seven different types of meat, such as pork, beef, and chicken
3. Chontaduro con Queso Fresco
A unique snack consisting of roasted palmtop fruit served with fresh cheese. Solves the challenge of satisfying a sweet tooth while maintaining local authenticity.
- Authentic: Traditional snack enjoyed by locals
- Sweet and Savory: Combines sweet fruit with salty cheese
- Rare Ingredient: Chontaduro is found in the tropical rainforests of Colombia
4. Arepa de Huevo
A cornmeal flatbread filled with a fried egg, cheese, and sometimes other ingredients like avocado. Solves the challenge of providing a quick and portable breakfast or snack.
- Portable: Easy to eat on-the-go
- Popular: Common breakfast item in Colombia
- Customizable: Additional ingredients can be added to suit individual preferences
5. Posta Negra
A rich and flavorful beef dish where the meat is marinated in a dark sauce made from vinegar, garlic, and oregano. Solves the challenge of offering a memorable dining experience.
- Flavorful: Dark, tangy, and full-bodied sauce
- Slow Cooked: Meat is slow-cooked to tender perfection
- Traditional: Popular in Antioquia region
6. Sancocho de Gallina
A traditional chicken soup made with corn on the cob, plantain, rice, and other aromatic ingredients. Solves the challenge of providing a comforting meal in cooler climates.
- Comfort Food: Ideal for cold weather in Medellín's higher altitudes
- Aromatic: Infused with fresh herbs and spices
- Versatile: Similar to other sancocho variations, but using chicken instead
7. Mazorca con Queso
Corn on the cob served with cheese, salt, and butter. Solves the challenge of providing a simple yet tasty snack.
- Traditional: Common street food in Colombia
- Versatile: Can be found at markets, carts, and restaurants
- Simple Ingredients: Only a few ingredients needed for preparation
8. Tamal Medellinés
A steamed cornmeal cake filled with meat, vegetables, and spices. Solves the challenge of offering a unique take on a popular dish.
- Unique: Features Medellín's own twist on tamales
- Traditional: Common street food in Colombia
- Portable: Easy to eat on-the-go
9. Empanada Antioqueña
A baked or fried turnover filled with potatoes, corn, and meat. Solves the challenge of providing a convenient and tasty snack.
- Convenient: Easy to eat on-the-go
- Traditional: Common snack in Colombia
- Versatile: Found at markets, carts, and restaurants
10. Bocadillo de Platano
A sandwich made with fried plantain slices, cheese, and other ingredients. Solves the challenge of providing a quick and satisfying snack.
- Quick Snack: Perfect for a light meal or snack
- Traditional: Popular street food in Medellín
- Customizable: Additional ingredients can be added to suit individual preferences
11. Ajiaco Antioqueño
A chicken and potato soup flavored with corn on the cob, capers, and guascas (a type of herb). Solves the challenge of providing a comforting meal in cooler climates.
- Comfort Food: Ideal for cold weather in Medellín's higher altitudes
- Aromatic: Infused with fresh herbs and spices
- Regional Specialty: Popular dish in Medellín and surrounding Antioquia region
12. Mondongo Antioqueño
A thick cornmeal porridge made with beans, meat, and vegetables. Solves the challenge of providing a hearty and filling meal.
- Hearty: Filling and satisfying
- Comfort Food: Ideal for cold weather in Medellín's higher altitudes
- Regional Specialty: Popular dish in Medellín and surrounding Antioquia region
13. Arepa de Choclo
A cornmeal flatbread filled with sweet corn kernels. Solves the challenge of providing a unique and tasty snack.
- Authentic: Traditional Colombian dish
- Sweet and Savory: Combines sweet corn with savory cornmeal
- Versatile: Can be found at markets, carts, and restaurants
14. Sopa de Mondongo
A soup made with cornmeal, beans, vegetables, and meat. Solves the challenge of providing a comforting and filling meal.
- Comfort Food: Ideal for cold weather in Medellín's higher altitudes
- Hearty: Filling and satisfying
- Traditional: Popular dish in Colombia
15. Café con Pan de Bono
A traditional Colombian coffee served with a cheese-filled bread roll. Solves the challenge of providing a delightful breakfast or snack.
- Traditional: Common breakfast item in Colombia
- Comforting: Warm and cozy coffee pairs well with the soft cheese-filled bread roll
- Versatile: Can be found at cafes, markets, and restaurants