
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Pasto, Nariño, Colombia
1. Sancocho Pastusio
A hearty stew made with chicken, beef, plantain, yuca, and various vegetables, served in traditional restaurants.
- Local Ingredients: Uses fresh produce from the region's farms.
- Cultural Significance: Reflects the rural traditions and flavors of Pasto.
- Filling Meal: Provides a substantial, satisfying meal for tourists.
2. Bandeja Paisa
A traditional Colombian dish consisting of rice, beans, fried egg, chicharrón, a piece of fried pork, plantain, avocado, and arepa. Available in local eateries.
- Variety of Flavors: Offers a wide range of tastes in a single dish.
- Representative Dish: Showcases the diversity and richness of Colombian cuisine.
- Portion Size: Provides a generous serving for tourists to enjoy.
3. Empanadas de Bacalao
Salt cod empanadas with onion, olives, and capers, available at street food vendors.
- Traditional Preparation: Uses a traditional method of salting and drying codfish.
- Portable Snack: Easy to eat on the go for tourists.
- Flavorful Components: Features a unique combination of ingredients.
4. Mazamorra de Maiz
A corn-based dessert made with coconut milk and cinnamon, served in Pasto's local pastry shops.
- Regional Specialty: Is a unique dessert option not found everywhere in Colombia.
- Sweet Treat: Offers a delicious and refreshing dessert option for tourists.
- Cultural Connection: Traces its roots to the indigenous cuisine of the region.
5. Morcilla Pastusa
A type of black pudding made with corn and potatoes, typically found in local butcher shops.
- Uncommon Ingredients: Features ingredients not commonly used in black puddings.
- Rich Flavor: Offers a rich and unique taste for tourists.
- Savory Option: Provides a savory choice for breakfast or lunch.
6. Pasteles de Yuca
Steamed cornmeal and yucca dumplings filled with meat, typically served during Christmas.
- Seasonal Specialty: Is a popular dish during the holiday season.
- Regional Tradition: Is a traditionally made dish in Pasto.
- Festive Meal: Adds to the festive atmosphere during Christmas.
7. Tamales de Maiz
Corn husk-wrapped packages filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables, available at street food vendors.
- Portable Food: Easy to carry and eat on the go for tourists.
- Authentic Street Food: Represents the authentic street food culture of Pasto.
- Variety of Fillings: Allows tourists to try different fillings and flavors.
8. Arroz con Pollo
Chicken and rice dish served in many local restaurants.
- Simple yet Delicious: Offers a simple yet delicious meal for tourists.
- Versatile Dish: Can be found in many parts of Colombia but with variations.
- Popular Choice: Is a popular dish among locals and tourists alike.
9. Cazuela de Mariscos
Seafood stew made with fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, and coconut milk, served in local seafood restaurants.
- Coastal Flavors: Features the rich flavors of the Pacific Coast.
- Seafood Delight: Offers a delicious seafood option for tourists.
- Warm and Filling: Provides a warm and comforting meal during colder weather.
10. Ajiaco Pastuso
Chicken and potato soup made with corn and capers, served in local eateries.
- Regional Twist: Features a regional twist on the traditional Ajiaco dish.
- Warm and Comforting: Offers a warm and comforting meal for tourists.
- Filling Meal: Provides a substantial and filling meal.
11. Arepas con Queso
Cornmeal pockets filled with cheese, served at street food vendors.
- Traditional Snack: Represents a traditional Colombian snack.
- Quick Bite: Provides a quick and easy snack for tourists.
- Cheesy Delight: Offers a delicious and cheesy option for tourists.
12. Hornado de Cerdo
Roasted pork dish served in local restaurants.
- Slow-Cooked Flavor: Offers a slow-cooked flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Hearty Meal: Provides a hearty meal for tourists.
- Regional Specialty: Is a traditional dish in Pasto and the surrounding region.
13. Postre de Guayaba y Queso
Guava and cheese dessert served in local pastry shops.
- Unique Flavor Combination: Features a unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Refreshing Dessert: Offers a refreshing dessert option for tourists.
- Regional Specialty: Is a traditional dessert in Pasto and the surrounding region.
14. Tostada de Choclo y Carne
Corn cake topped with ground beef, avocado, tomato, and onion, served in local restaurants.
- Flavorful Snack: Offers a flavorful snack option for tourists.
- Versatile Dish: Can be found in many parts of Colombia but with variations.
- Quick Bite: Provides a quick and easy snack for tourists.
15. Chicha de Yuca
Fermented yucca drink served in local bars.
- Regional Beverage: Is a traditional beverage in Pasto and the surrounding region.
- Unique Taste: Offers a unique taste for tourists to try.
- Local Experience: Provides an authentic local experience.