Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
1. Sancocho Caleno
A hearty stew made with various meats, corn, yuca, and plantain, served in a large bowl. Sancocho Caleno is unique due to the use of ajiaco sauce, giving it a distinct flavor.
- Unique Ingredients: Includes ajiaco sauce, not typically found in other sancocho recipes.
- Cultural Significance: Represents the blend of indigenous and Spanish influences in Cali's cuisine.
- Filling Meal: Serves as a complete meal due to the variety of ingredients used.
2. Empanadas de Cali
Delicious fried or baked pastries filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, corn, or beans. Empanadas de Cali are unique due to their large size and distinct taste.
- Size: Larger in size compared to empanadas found in other regions.
- Distinct Taste: Features a unique blend of spices and seasonings.
- Versatile: Available with various fillings, catering to different preferences.
3. Bandeja Paisa
A traditional Colombian dish consisting of rice, red beans, plantain, a fried egg, chorizo, a meat such as beef steak or sausage, and arepa. It is unique to Cali due to the inclusion of Cali-style chorizo.
- Regional Variation: Includes Cali-style chorizo, a variation not found in other regions.
- Complete Meal: Provides a well-rounded and filling meal.
- Cultural Connection: Symbolizes the diversity of Colombian cuisine.
4. Tres Leches Cake
A moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk – condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. It is unique to Cali due to the addition of Colombian rum.
- Moisture Level: Stays moist for several days due to the three types of milk.
- Traditional Element: A traditional dessert enjoyed during special occasions in Cali.
- Flavor Enhancer: Colombian rum adds a unique flavor to the cake.
5. Ajiaco Caleno
A creamy chicken soup made with potatoes, corn, avocado leaves, capers, and sour cream. Ajiaco Caleno is unique due to the addition of guascas, a type of leaf native to Colombia.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes guascas, not found in other ajiaco recipes.
- Comfort Food: Offers warmth and comfort on cold days.
- Versatile: Can be served with rice or without, depending on preference.
6. Arepas de Huevo
Cornmeal patties filled with fried eggs and cheese. Arepas de Huevo are unique to Cali due to the use of fresh corn from the region.
- Regional Corn: Made using fresh corn from Cali.
- Quick Meal: A quick and easy breakfast or snack option.
- Versatile Filling: Can be filled with various ingredients, not just eggs and cheese.
7. Cochayuyo Soup
A seaweed soup made with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Cochayuyo soup is unique to Cali due to the use of cochayuyo, a type of seaweed found only in Pacific coastal regions.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes cochayuyo, a seaweed not commonly used in other soups.
- Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.
- Regional Specialty: A popular dish along the Pacific coast of Colombia.
8. Tamales de Cali
Corn husk-wrapped packages filled with a sweet or savory mixture. Tamales de Cali are unique due to the use of Colombian cheese and banana leaves.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes Colombian cheese and banana leaves.
- Versatile: Available in both sweet and savory versions.
- Portable Food: Easy to carry and eat on-the-go.
9. Cochinilla con Arroz
A dish consisting of fried or boiled cochinillas (grasshoppers) served with rice. Cochinilla con Arroz is unique to Cali due to the use of local grasshoppers, considered a delicacy in the region.
- Regional Delicacy: Considered a traditional and popular dish in Cali.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes local grasshoppers, not typically found in other dishes.
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique cultural experience for visitors.
10. Bocadillo de Plátano Maduro
A sandwich made with ripe plantains, butter, and cheese. Bocadillo de Plátano Maduro is unique to Cali due to the use of ripe plantains instead of bread.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes ripe plantains, not commonly used as a sandwich ingredient.
- Quick Snack: A quick and easy snack option.
- Versatile: Can be filled with various ingredients, not just cheese.
11. Mazamorra Caleno
A thick corn porridge made with milk, sugar, and coconut. Mazamorra Caleno is unique to Cali due to the use of coconut and sweetened condensed milk.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes coconut and sweetened condensed milk, not found in other versions of mazamorra.
- Comfort Food: Offers warmth and comfort on cold days.
- Versatile: Can be served with various toppings, such as cheese or fruit.
12. Chicha de Cali
A fermented corn drink popular in Cali. Chicha de Cali is unique due to the use of local yeast and ingredients.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes local yeast and ingredients.
- Traditional Beverage: A traditional beverage enjoyed during social gatherings in Cali.
- Alcoholic Beverage: Contains alcohol, making it an adult beverage option.
13. Hornado de Mariscos
A seafood dish consisting of a whole fish or shellfish cooked in banana leaves. Hornado de Mariscos is unique to Cali due to the use of banana leaves and local spices.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes banana leaves and local spices.
- Festive Dish: Often served during special occasions and festivals in Cali.
- Seafood Specialty: Showcases the fresh seafood available along the Pacific coast of Colombia.
14. Bandeja Paisa Variation
A variation of Bandeja Paisa, which includes additional ingredients such as chicharrón and plantain. This version is unique to Cali due to the inclusion of local chicharrón.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes local chicharrón, not found in traditional Bandeja Paisa.
- Regional Variation: Represents another regional take on the popular Bandeja Paisa dish.
- Cultural Connection: Symbolizes the diversity of Colombian cuisine.
15. Churros Calenos
Deep-fried dough pastry coated in sugar and cinnamon. Churros Calenos are unique to Cali due to the addition of cheese.
- Unique Ingredient: Includes cheese, not found in traditional churro recipes.
- Traditional Snack: A traditional snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
- Versatile: Can be served with various sauces or dips.