The ajiaco of Bogotá, Antioquia’s Bandeja Paisa, the sancocho throughout the country, they are examples of the wide gastronomy that Colombia has, which invites tourists to visit the country and learn more about its culture.
But beyond the typical dishes that are recognized throughout the world, the country also has contemporary fusions that seek to please the tastes of the most demanding palates. And there are many exponents of the cuisine that deserve to be known.
Thanks to its extensive territory and diversity, Colombia offers different options to the palate. To find out how traditional and modern cuisine are achieving a fascinating fusion, the tourism and entertainment medium Time Out at the beginning of the year took on the task of listing What are the 20 best restaurants in Colombia? These are some of them.
Carmen, in Cartagena and Medellin
This restaurant is run by one of Colombia’s most renowned chefs, Carmen Angel, who has two branches, one in Medellin and one in Cartagena. The atmosphere is elegant, but of course, the food is the star, with fresh ingredients and dishes that include coastal ceviche and beef tenderloin with gratin Andean potatoes.
El Cielo, in Bogotá and Medellín
If you plan to visit Bogotá or Medellín, one option worth checking out is El Cielo, owned by the first Colombian chef to receive a Michelin star, Juan Manuel Barrientos. His restaurant is one of the most luxurious in Colombia and offers a 12-course tasting menu and wine pairing, all inspired by Colombia’s enormous diversity.
Leon, in Bogota
An option for those who prefer something more relaxed and minimalist is León, a place that celebrates the Colombian heritage of chef Leonor Espinosa. This restaurant fuses the country’s most traditional products and enjoys them with fermented Latin-inspired drinks.
Platillos Voladores in Cali
Here you can enjoy the combination of ingredients and flavors from the Pacific with international cuisine. The specialists recommend trying the spring rolls made with chontaduro and combined with spicy chili jam.
Elvia, in Barichara
This restaurant emphasizes teamwork, and you can enjoy that good vibe thanks to the open kitchen that will allow you to see how delicious combinations come to life with rural inspiration and ingredients that come from their own organic garden, an unparalleled experience.
History of Colombian gastronomy
Colombia is a country, like many others in Latin America, which is the product of a rich history, multiculturalism and migrations.
It is for this and many other reasons that Colombian cuisine is on the lips of many chefs worldwide, with dishes as characteristic and unique as the geography itself and others that are shared with other nearby countries.
The roots of gastronomy
Colombia is primarily a cultural mix made up of three major ethnic groups, and not only in culture, but also in music, language and cuisine. Spaniards and Africans joined the local indigenous people and it was this cultural clash that most influenced the Colombia that exists today.
Although it is not only about Spaniards, Africans and indigenous people, to understand Colombian cuisine it is also important to consider Asian, German and Arab migrations, among others.
The pre-Hispanic heritage
Before the arrival of the spanish, in these lands, the natives had a diet based on tubers, hunting, corn as a cereal and fruits.
Given the estimated time that they had been inhabiting the American lands, experts point out that the civilization built up to that time was one of the most advanced.
Visit Colombia and enjoy its culture and delicious food!
