Opinion: Comida (food) is one of the most exciting & terrifying things about travel.
I have very few complaints about Colombia, the food is just not very versatile. It is often fried and a bit bland. But don't let that somehow overshadow the culture for food that is alive & vibrant. My wonderful neighbors often have tea & a snack in the afternoon. In the city, there is a corner cafe food scene, probably because the temperature here is perfect everyday. The typical food is just a bit underwhelming.
Colombia feels as if it is on the brink of exploding or for the most part already has. The food scene is also changing. For now, there are 2 types of restaurants: The typical ones have the same menu everywhere you go which serve rice, beans, plantains, a basic salad & about 3-6 different types of meat dishes. But many neighborhoods are changing and a lot of "artisanal" gourmet food venues are coming.
Colombian Paella is in a league of it's own. It is exquisite (unfortunately it is only up north by the Caribbean Coast and not along the Pacific Coast or inland).
But, as luck (or answered prayers) would have it, I have befriended a momma from the Costa who made one of the best paella dishes I had ever had.
Below are ceviche & paella from Guatemala, The Galapagos Islands, and Cartagena.
I know this isn't paella - but it was a beautiful burger at a place called Chef Burger here in Medellin. An image to display that a new scene is coming. Most other typical burgers here in Colombia are like the thin fast food style with way too much Mayonnaise.
I have very few complaints about Colombia, the food is just not very versatile. It is often fried and a bit bland. But don't let that somehow overshadow the culture for food that is alive & vibrant. My wonderful neighbors often have tea & a snack in the afternoon. In the city, there is a corner cafe food scene, probably because the temperature here is perfect everyday. The typical food is just a bit underwhelming.
Colombia feels as if it is on the brink of exploding or for the most part already has. The food scene is also changing. For now, there are 2 types of restaurants: The typical ones have the same menu everywhere you go which serve rice, beans, plantains, a basic salad & about 3-6 different types of meat dishes. But many neighborhoods are changing and a lot of "artisanal" gourmet food venues are coming.
Colombian Paella is in a league of it's own. It is exquisite (unfortunately it is only up north by the Caribbean Coast and not along the Pacific Coast or inland).
But, as luck (or answered prayers) would have it, I have befriended a momma from the Costa who made one of the best paella dishes I had ever had.
The first picture was homemade by my friend Nataly with the help of her son Gunty.
Below are ceviche & paella from Guatemala, The Galapagos Islands, and Cartagena.
I know this isn't paella - but it was a beautiful burger at a place called Chef Burger here in Medellin. An image to display that a new scene is coming. Most other typical burgers here in Colombia are like the thin fast food style with way too much Mayonnaise.
