Bogota is an intriguing city of contrasts, with its contrasting buildings, its multiethnic people, and its equally eclectic food. Bogota, Colombia’s capital since the country’s independence from colonial Spain in 1810, is quickly approaching the 500th anniversary of its foundation. Yet, the Spanish influence on Colombian cuisine survived the country’s separation from Spain. Over time, this influence has merged with local Colombian, African, and Arabic cuisines, along with those of neighboring nations, to create really diverse and unique Colombian flavors.
Colombian cuisine, unlike that of other countries, may be broadly classified into six unique regional cooking styles: Amazonian, Andean, Caribbean, Insular, Orinoco, and Pacific. Bogota, being the country’s capital, draws inspiration from each of these cuisines to produce a diverse and delicious food and drink scene. Bogota is home to some of Colombia’s best restaurants, and we’ve compiled a list of ten of the city’s most iconic eateries below.
Ajiaco
Recognized as Bogota’s famous hallmark dish, ajiaco is as much a part of the Bogota experience as the city’s churches and mountains. The city’s altitude of 2,620 meters (8,646 feet) causes the weather to be rather cold. Thus, ajiaco is an excellent cure for bringing about internal warmth. The chicken, potatoes, herbs, corn, and avocado in this hot soup served alongside rice. Feel free to add cream and capers for added texture and richness.
The city’s oldest restaurant, dating back 200 years, La Puerta Falsa (Calle 11, No. 6-50), is where you want to go to try ajiaco like a local. To guarantee yourself a spot at lunch, arrive as early as possible. The neighboring La Escuela Restaurant (Calle 9, No. 8-71) in the lovely La Candelaria neighborhood is also worth a visit if the wait seems too long.
Tamales
Further, Tamales are not only a popular dish in Bogota, but all over the Americas, the Caribbean, and even some of the old Spanish colonies. There is regional variation in the ingredients used to make tamales in Colombia, although the staples of rice, maize flour, and chicken appear in all versions. Many times, the contents of packages wrapped in plantain or banana leaves are far larger than their Mexican counterparts.
Since tamales tend to take on regional variations, you’ll find a wide selection of tamale styles in Bogota. Stop into Pastelera Florida for the tamal tolimense variety, which goes well with a mug of hot cocoa and some melted cheese for breakfast (Carrera 7, No. 20-82). Nevertheless, there is a warning: the servings are enormous! Tamale options for vegetarians and vegans are available for both breakfast and lunch at La Esquina Vegetariana.
Changua
Even though it’s not Bogota’s most popular soup, this morning staple is a hit with visitors and locals alike thanks to its soothing flavor and hearty texture. It consists of pan calado dipped in a mixture of poached egg, spring onion, and hot milk (stale bread). Soup used to “soak” the bread, making it more palatable. Lightly sprinkling the meal with coriander adds flavor and makes it appropriate for lacto-ovo vegetarians.
Mama Lupe (Calle 11, No. 6-14), located conveniently close to Bolivar Square, is the place to go for traditional Colombian comfort food. Panadera Golconda (Calle 118, No. 6-74) in hip Usaquén loved by the community for its excellent changua, which is a perfect way to start the day before exploring the nearby flea market.
Arepa
Visitors visiting Bogota often greeted by the aroma of freshly produced arepas, a tortilla-like maize delicacy that has gained global recognition. Made from wheat and maize flour, cheese, butter, and sugar, and then topped with anything you like, this is a recipe that can’t go wrong and will appeal to the widest possible audience. Clay tablets from the pre-Columbian period discovered in Colombia and Venezuela, indicating that the tradition of eating arepas may go back thousands of years.
When looking for a place to try them, remember that freshness is crucial. You may get some great, freshly squeezed juices and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at Misia by Leo Espinosa (Avenida Carrera 7, No. 67-39). Tourists passing by the tiny El Envigadeo (Calle 23, No. 5-19) might be put off by the building’s uninviting exterior, but the interior offers a tasteful, natural appeal that is hard to resist. Arepas, by the way, are rather tasty.
Caldo de costilla
Moreover, Caldo is the perfect hangover remedy, and it’s something that every cuisine should have. Further, Caldo de costilla, a soup made by simmering beef ribs, is traditionally eaten for breakfast, but caldo de carne, made with stewed beef, is traditionally offered for dinner (boiled with a slice of beef). There’s beef, of course, but there are also potatoes, cilantro, garlic, onions, and more in this hearty stew. Caldo is such a popular hangover cure that bars and restaurants near Bogota’s clubs stay open late to serve it to their patrons.
If you’ve had a little too much to drink and it’s becoming late, your best bet is usually the nearest location that offers caldo. Caldo de Costilla can be found in the stalls of the Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao (Av 19, No. 25-02), a historic farmers’ market, and is enjoyed by those who visit for its culinary rather than medicinal qualities. Caldo Parao Gigio (Calle 161, No. 18-35) is open nonstop if you ever find yourself in dire need of a hangover remedy.
Herbal fruit tea
This herbal fruit “tea” is a warm and comforting drink made from herbs, fresh fruit, and sugar cane. At some eateries, you may get hot water with a fruity twist by adding your choice of fruit to the pot.
Although aromática is similar to tea, you can find it sold by street vendors and at small cafés all around the city. Each variation of the drink is actually distinct, thanks to several merchants taking their own approach to the tea-making process as well as using different herbs. Oma Café is where it’s at when it comes to cafe adventures.
Refajo
Moreover, Refajo, one of Colombia’s most popular alcoholic drinks, is made by combining lager and Colombian fizzy drink Colombiana. This liquor is a good companion to foods that are heavy in animal fats – which is why locals particularly like it at barbecues. For those who are well-versed with Caribbean fare, the term “Kola Roman” may ring a bell.
Try the meaty cuisine at La Esquina de la mona (Calle 82, No. 13-48), which is simple, cheap, and filling. This restaurant further is ideal for refajos. Huerta Bar Cocteleria Artesanal is the place to go if you want to enjoy a drink in a genuine Colombian bar (Calle 69a, No. 10-15). Their expertise is artisan cocktails, although you’ll find tons of Refajo versions here too.
Chicha
Further, Chicha is Colombia’s traditional alcoholic beverage, made by fermenting corn and honey. The alcoholic content, however, can range from completely non-alcoholic to quite alcoholic. It’s often served in shot glasses, but there are non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic varieties that come in huge bottles.
Furthermore, it would be foolish not to propose having a glass at La Puerta Falsa (Calle 11, No. 6-50), where it said that national hero Simón Bolvar met with revolutionary Manuela Sáenz to drink chichas in the early 1800s. If you’re in the mood for some risk, head on over to El Portal del Chorro and order a drink.
Drinking Chocolate with Melted Cheese
Answer these two questions before passing judgment on this recipe: do you like hot chocolate? Inquiring minds want to know: do you enjoy cheese? Further, if you said yes to both questions, you’re probably going to enjoy this Colombian cuisine. Hot chocolate, which is an imperative necessity in the lives of the inhabitants, given alongside a platter of cheese that may then be dipped into the beverage – causing it to melt. Use a spoon and dig into the ensuing goop.
You further can try this, along with a variety of other drinks and dishes, at any of the cafes in the area. La Puerta Falsa is where you should go to experience this deliciously inspired collision of textures and flavors (Calle 11, No. 6-50).
Obleas
Bogota natives and tourists alike love obla, the sweetest of the city’s street foods. A dessert option, arequipe, raspberry sauce, coconut, cheese, or any combination thereof, can be sandwiched between two large, round wafers.
The many vendors selling food on the streets in the downtown area are your best bet for sampling this sweet treat. Further, the proprietor of Obleas Mick Jagger (Avenida Calle 53, No. 70-18) has become one of the city’s most recognizable street vendors because to his claim that he once sold Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones an oblea that the musician thoroughly enjoyed. Yet, we can’t be positive that Mick Jagger would have liked the name of the restroom.