Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Pasto, Nariño, Colombia

Pasto, Colombia, Pasto, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

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.