Colombia has a rich and vibrant food scene that uses fresh local ingredients mixed with local flair. Like many South American cuisines, Colombia also takes a bit from its Spanish influence and adds some native influences as well.

We previously wrote about Colombian culture and how gathering around food is important to Colombian life. But now we're taking a closer look at some of the country's dishes that are not only popular locally but are also a must-try for those visiting or who are curious about Colombian food.

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Colombia: 5 Must-Try Colombian Food

While Colombia is known more for its coffee, the food scene in the country is no slouch either. Here are five examples of food that will surely make your mouth water.

Sancocho

Sancocho is a culturally significant dish in Colombia. Cooking the dish is often a social affair in the country, whether it be for social gatherings, celebrations, or just a general excuse to hold a cookout.

The custom is called El Paseo de Olla, or pot gathering, and Colombian families usually gather around the riverside and cook sancocho.

The dish is a rich and hearty meat stew filled with vegetables and lots of flavors. The main ingredients vary in each region, but one thing stays the same: the dish often brings families together.

Calentado

Leftovers are often forgotten inside the refrigerator, but not in Colombia. Calentado is a typical Colombian breakfast that is made with leftovers, according to Chef's Pencil. It is a staple meal in the country and is often prepared with rice, beans, and some type of meat, the most common being Colombian chorizo. 

Servings often come with fried eggs and arepas. Some variants also come with sweet plantains. However, no matter the style, it is always a great way to start the day.

Lechona

If you love lechon, then you might also like lechona. The dish puts a twist on the standard roast pork. It is stuffed with various fillings such as rice, peas, and pork fat. Usually, suckling pig is used for this, according to Amigo Foods. It is definitely a lechon with a twist.

Morcilla (Spanish Blood Sausage)

While it is definitely a Spanish influence, Morcilla is still one of the most famous Colombian dishes out there. It is a traditional blood sausage, and the Colombian variant is a sausage made with cow blood, pork fat, rice, and other ingredients. It is popularly grilled and eaten at gatherings.

Colombian Empanadas

Every country that Spain colonized has its own version of the empanada, from Spain itself to Mexico to Ecuador to the Philippines. However, the Colombian version is often regarded as one of the best. 

Like all empanadas, it is still a fried pie made with either corn or wheat flour. However, in Colombia, there are many different variants, from simple ones that only contain mashed potatoes or ground beef to more exotic fillings.

We cannot talk about Colombian food without discussing empanadas, as these savory pies are one of the most iconic foods in Colombian cuisine. Colombia's version is often stuffed to the brim and is usually served with various sauces. 

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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