Top 5 Weird Colombian Foods

Colombia is not especially famous for its gastronomy (unfairly in my opinion), however, there are many delicious regional varieties of food to try which will ensure that even the most committed foodie can have an amazing experience traveling through Colombia. 

From the thick, hearty stews and soups of Bogotá, to the fried fish and plantain of the Caribbean coast, there’s a flavor to satisfy every taste. There are also plenty of slightly strange flavors, ones that might have you scratching your head a little. That’s not to say that they’re bad, just perhaps more of an acquired taste… 

More content like this in 7 typical characteristics of Colombians.

So here are the Top 5 (slightly) weird Colombian foods:

1. Changua

This Bogotá soup is certainly a leap-of-faith: a mixture of water and milk served hot with a whole egg, cilantro, and a piece of slightly stale bread known as “calado”. It sounds pretty bad but is actually a rather satisfying breakfast, especially on a chilly day in the capital. Not for the faint of stomach…

2. Mondongo

Speaking of strange soups… Mondongo is a soup found in variations all over Latin America, but they’re all based on the same key ingredient…diced tripe! A lovely bit of stomach soup to warm your cockles on a wintry morning. Not really for beginners this one, although, like the changua, once you get over the slightly strange ingredients, it’s genuinely tasty.

3. Hormigas Culonas

Big-arsed ants! I really shouldn’t have to say more, but, since you asked, these crunchy, fried ants are a delicacy in Santander department, but can be found all over Colombia. I get mine from a nice little place in Chapinero Bajo, when I find I have an ant itch that needs scratching! Once you can get over the strange sensation of eating something with multiple legs, it’s a pretty decent little snack, especially with a cold beer.

 Give it a try! Reserve your visit to Colombia now.

4. Lechona

Nothing too weird about the flavor of this one: it’s roasted pork stuffed with yellow peas, green onion, yellow rice and spices, all cooked up in a brick oven for around 10 hours. It’s genuinely delicious. What elevates it to the status of ‘weird’ is the presentation: it’s a whole roasted pig, head, snout and all, and this is how you see it in the restaurant or food-stand, ready to be scooped out and served!

5. Cuy

…or guinea pig! A popular traditional dish all over the Andean regions of South America, Cuy is eaten in the south of Colombia, and is likely to be found only if you’re around Pasto in Nariño department. There it’s a delicacy and is served whole, with a crispy fried skin. It’s not weird here, and again, it’s pretty good, but for anyone traveling to Colombia who grew up with a cute little guinea pig, it certainly qualifies as weird!

And there you have it. I could have included plenty more interesting little snacks and drinks; Colombia has no shortage of the weird and wonderful! But where’s the fun of travel without a few surprises, right!? So come and visit Colombia, roll up your sleeves, and tuck into some weird grub…you won’t regret it (hopefully).

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Chris