Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia

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1. Bandeja Paisa

Traditional Colombian dish with rice, beans, fried egg, chicharrón, plantain, arepa, and a meat of your choice. Try it at El Corral in La Candelaria.

Authentic Experience: Experience the hearty flavors of Colombia's Paisa region.
Variety of Choices: Choose from different types of meats such as beef, pork, or chicken.
Large Portions: Bandeja Paisa is a generous serving, perfect for hearty appetites.

Chicken and vegetable stew served with rice. Visit Restaurante El Tunal in La Calera for this tasty dish.

Comfort Food: Warm, comforting meal that is perfect on a cool Bogotá day.
Vegetable Variety: Enjoy a mix of potatoes, yuca, plantains, and more in this hearty stew.
Healthy Option: Sancocho de Gallina is a nutritious choice, packed with chicken and vegetables.

Chicken and potato stew served in a creamy sauce with corn on the cob and capers. Visit Ajiacos Las Margaritas for this local favorite.

Creamy Delight: Savor the unique, creamy flavor of this Bogotá specialty.
Seasonal Ingredients: Ajiaco's ingredients are typically fresh and seasonal.
Social Meal: Ajiaco is traditionally served family-style, encouraging camaraderie.

Flank steak marinated in salt and vinegar then grilled on a cloth. Try it at La Puerta Falsa for an authentic experience.

Unique Preparation: The cloth-grilling method gives Lomo al Trapo its unique texture.
Simple Ingredients: This dish is made with just a few ingredients, showcasing the quality of the meat.
Quick Meal: Lomo al Trapo is a fast and flavorful option for a quick bite.

Corn on the cob smothered in cheese and served with bread. Enjoy this simple delight at Mercado de Paloquemao.

Easy Snack: Choclo con Queso y Pan is a tasty, easy snack to grab on the go.
Fresh Ingredients: The corn and cheese are sourced from local farmers' markets.
Cultural Experience: Sharing this snack with friends or family is a common Colombian tradition.

Wafers sandwiched together with cheese and strawberry preserve. Visit La Nevería Artesanal El Vergel in La Macarena for this sweet treat.

Traditional Dessert: Obleas con Queso y Fresa is a classic Colombian dessert.
Quick Satisfaction: This sweet treat is easy to find and perfect for a quick snack.
Creamy and Sweet: The combination of creamy cheese and sweet strawberry preserve makes for an irresistible dessert.

Cornmeal pudding served with milk and sugar. Visit La Puerta Falsa for this comforting dessert.

Comfort Food: Mazamorra Colombiana is a warm, comforting dessert perfect after a long day.
Unique Texture: The cornmeal gives this pudding a unique, creamy texture.
Versatile Topping: Customize your Mazamorra Colombiana with milk, sugar, or condensed milk to suit your taste.

Cornmeal patty filled with a fried egg and cheese. Try it at Andres Carne de Res for this unique twist on an arepa.

Creative Twist: Arepa de Huevo offers a fun, creative take on the traditional Colombian arepa.
Hearty Breakfast Option: This filling dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Unique Flavor Combination: The combination of crispy cornmeal, gooey cheese, and runny egg creates an unforgettable flavor profile.

Cornmeal pastries filled with meat, chicken, or cheese. Try them at Empanada Paisa in La Candelaria.

Authentic Experience: Empanadas Bogotanas are a popular street food in Colombia.
Variety of Fillings: Choose from meat, chicken, or cheese fillings for your Empanada Bogotana.
Handheld Snack: Empanadas Bogotanas are a convenient, tasty snack to enjoy on the go.

Stuffed pig roasted whole. Visit La Lechonera de Usaquén for this delicious dish.

Cultural Experience: Lechona Colombiana is a traditional dish often served during special occasions.
Flavorful and Tender: The pig is stuffed with aromatic ingredients, resulting in a flavorful and tender meal.
Sharing Dish: Lechona Colombiana is traditionally served family-style, encouraging camaraderie.

Bean salad made with black beans, onions, tomatoes, and avocado. Try it at Restaurante Andres Carne de Res for a refreshing side dish.

Healthy Option: Ensalada de Frijol is a nutritious and flavorful side dish.
Refreshing Choice: This salad is perfect for a hot day in Bogotá, offering a refreshing contrast to richer dishes.
Versatile Ingredients: The ingredients can be adjusted based on personal preference or availability.

Hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. Try it at Café San Alberto for this indulgent treat.

Indulgent Drink: The Cappuccino de Chocolate is a decadent, sweet drink.
Cultural Experience: Colombian hot chocolate is a staple of Colombian culture.
Versatile Toppings: Customize your Cappuccino de Chocolate with extra whipped cream, cinnamon, or marshmallows.

Creamy dessert made with condensed milk and cinnamon. Try it at Pan del Barrio for this delightful treat.

Traditional Dessert: Suspiro de Limeña is a classic Colombian dessert.
Creamy and Sweet: The creamy texture and sweet flavor of Suspiro de Limeña make it a favorite among locals.
Easy to Find: Suspiro de Limeña is widely available in Bogotá, making it easy for visitors to try.

Fermented maize drink with fruits and vegetables. Try it at a local roadside stand or market for this refreshing beverage.

Refreshing Drink: Champús is a cooling, refreshing drink perfect for hot days.
Local Flavor: This unique drink showcases the flavors of Colombia's tropical fruits and vegetables.
Street Food Experience: Enjoy Champús from a local vendor for an authentic street food experience.

Fermented corn drink with a spicy kick. Try it at a local roadside stand or market for this unique taste.

Unique Taste: Picoa's tangy, spicy flavor is unlike any other drink.
Street Food Experience: Enjoy Picoa from a local vendor for an authentic street food experience.
Refreshing Drink: Picoa is cooling and refreshing, making it perfect for hot days in Bogotá.