Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Manizales, Caldas, Colombia

1. Bandejada Manizaleña

A hearty platter featuring steak, fried eggs, chorizo, avocado, and arepa. A must-try for meat lovers.

Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced beef, sausages, and fresh produce.
Unique Presentation: Served on a large round platter, creating an impressive visual appeal.
Traditional Touch: An authentic representation of local Manizales cuisine.

A thick, hearty soup made with corn, squash, meat, and vegetables. Warm and comforting for any time of day.

Cold Weather Comfort: Perfect for the chilly climate of Manizales.
Shared Experience: Traditionally served in a large communal bowl, encouraging shared dining.
Ingredient Flexibility: Can be made vegetarian or with various types of meat.

A traditional Colombian stew with chicken, plantains, yuca, and several types of squash. Warm and flavorful.

Nutritious Meal: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and slow-cooked to maximize nutrients.
Wide Variety: Each restaurant offers slight variations of the dish, allowing for unique culinary experiences.
Cultural Significance: A cherished dish in Colombian culture, reflecting their diverse ingredients and flavors.

A traditional coffee brewed with sugar, cinnamon, and orange peel. Strong and aromatic.

Rich Taste: Bold flavors from the added ingredients set it apart from standard coffee.
Local Coffee Culture: Coffee is a significant part of Colombian culture and history.
Warm and Cozy: Ideal for cold mornings or evenings in Manizales.

Cornmeal dough filled with meat, vegetables, and cheese. Steam-cooked in banana leaves.

Traditional Packaging: Steamed in banana leaves, providing a unique texture and aroma.
Portable Snack: Perfect for a quick, on-the-go meal or snack.
Versatile Fillings: Fillings can vary based on preference and regional differences.

A layered pie filled with ground beef, cheese, peas, carrots, and potatoes. Delicious comfort food.

Comfort Food: Hearty filling offers a warm and comforting dining experience.
Sharing Option: Perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Local Take on Italian Cuisine: A Colombian adaptation of the classic lasagna, using local ingredients.

Fried fish served with a crispy fried green plantain (patacon). Simple yet tasty.

Seafood Freshness: Uses fresh, locally caught fish.
Crispy Texture: The fried patacón provides a delightful contrast in texture to the tender fish.
Quick and Affordable: Ideal for a quick, budget-friendly meal.

A traditional stew made with goose meat, plantains, yuca, and various vegetables. Rich and flavorful.

Celebratory Meal: Traditionally served during special occasions and holidays.
Tender Goose Meat: Slow-cooked to ensure the goose meat is tender and juicy.
Cultural Significance: An important dish in Manizales' cultural heritage.

A cornmeal flatbread filled with cheese and fried egg. Quick and satisfying.

Street Food Option: Ideal for a quick, on-the-go breakfast or snack.
Versatile Fillings: Can be filled with various ingredients such as meat, beans, or vegetables.
Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced corn and cheese.

A large pot of chicken soup served with rice, plantains, yuca, and various vegetables. Filling and comforting.

Nutritious Meal: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
Shared Experience: Traditionally served in a large communal pot, encouraging shared dining.
Cold Weather Comfort: Perfect for the chilly climate of Manizales.

A fried bread roll filled with a savory meat and cheese mixture. Delicious and portable.

Handheld Snack: Perfect for grabbing on the go.
Versatile Fillings: Can be filled with various meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced bread, meat, and cheese.

A dessert made with milk, sugar, lemon juice, and egg whites. Light and refreshing.

Creamy goat's milk caramel served over sandalo nut (a type of palm nut) ice cream. Sweet and indulgent.

Local Ingredients: Uses locally sourced goat's milk and sandalo nuts.
Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of goat's milk caramel and sandalo nut ice cream creates a unique taste.
Traditional Treat: A cherished dessert in Manizales and the surrounding region.

A refreshing drink made from cornmeal, fruit juices, and various spices. Perfect for hot days.

Thick corn porridge made with milk, sugar, and coconut. Sweet and comforting.

Comfort Food: Hearty filling offers a warm and comforting dining experience.
Traditional Ingredients: Uses simple, locally sourced ingredients.
Warm and Cozy: Ideal for cold mornings or evenings in Manizales.