What do People Eat in Medellin?

We’ve received quite many clients that after booking their trip, ask us, what do people eat in Medellin? They ask us about the water, street food hygiene and the most common question they ask is, how’s the food?

What’s the Food like in Medellín?

Colombian food may not be popular all over the world but that’s not to say it’s not exotic and delicious. Many of our clients before coming to visit, have been to Costa Rica and got used to the wide variety of fruits associated with Costa Rican culture. The food in Medellín (and in Colombia for that matter) is not too different from the food found in Costa Rica.

Food in Latin American countries has predominantly been very starchy. This is due to the always prevalent rice and bean combo found in many traditional dishes of the region. Colombian food is no exception. The traditional dish of Medellín for example is “Bandeja Paisa”. A dish made up of rice, beans, an egg, fried pork fat (chicharron), fried plantain, chorizo, and blood sausage. It sounds heavy but it will be one of the highlights of your trip.

At most traditional Colombian restaurants found here in Medellín. You’ll be sure to find Sancocho (a stew made up of potatoes, yuca, plantain, avocado, oxtail, or chicken and cilantro). Don’t be surprised if you also find slow-cooked ribs in there too.

Mondongo (beef tripe soup with pork, potatoes, and vegetables). You’ll also find the bandeja paisa in every Colombian restaurant as well. But, if none of those sound tasty enough, many of the traditional restaurants also have other more international options. Plates such as grilled chicken breasts with french fries, rice, avocado, and a side salad.

Breakfast in Medellin

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Most Colombians do not leave home without a big hearty (again starchy) breakfast. In a Colombian home, breakfast starts out with scrambled eggs, an arepa, and fresh cheese. But that’s not all. Refried beans and rice and sometimes a small steak for good measure. Not exactly the preferred breakfast of cross-fitters. But it seems to please most Colombians.

Thanks to globalization though, if you’re picky with food, there are other options you may be more accustomed to. There’s a great little spot called D’Andre right off 10th street in El Poblado. This place is the city’s best breakfast spot. In no small part thanks to the variety of traditional and international breakfast options. They serve homestyle flapjacks, fresh fruit, freshly squeezed OJ, not to mention hashbrowns. A must if you find yourself hungry in the AM.

To summarize, the food here is very good. One thing we forgot to mention is, there is a barrage of restaurants from all over the world that has opened in the past 5 years. These restaurants cater to a large number of tourists. As well as ‘paisas’ (locals) looking to try a little bit of the world without leaving home.

You might not come for the food but we’re quite sure there will be no disappoints either.