Bogota Bogota Dc, Colombia Travel Guide
Potatoes (criolla, sabanera, pastusa), corn (maíz), panela (unrefined cane sugar), tropical fruits (lulo, maracuyá, guanábana, feijoa), and local herbs (guascas, cilantro) form the backbone of Bogotá's dishes.
Ajiaco is a defining Bogotá soup featuring three potato types, chicken, corn, and guascas. Panela contributes a distinct sweetness to drinks and desserts.
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM. Often light, with options like caldo de costilla, arepas, or eggs.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. The main meal of the day, featuring dishes like menú del dían or ajiaco.
7:00 PM onwards. Typically lighter than lunch, or a full restaurant experience.
A hearty chicken and potato soup with three types of potatoes, corn, and guascas herb. Served with cream, capers, and avocado.
Locate in traditional restaurants in La Candelaria.
A large platter with beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón (pork belly), fried egg, plantain, avocado, arepa, and chorizo.
Widely available and popular across Bogotá.
Tamales are corn dough with meat/veg steamed in banana leaves. Fritanga is a platter of fried meats, blood sausage, potatoes, and plantains.
Tamales are common for breakfast; Fritanga is often shared.
Fried pastries, sometimes associated with specific holidays.
Traditional Christmas desserts, widely enjoyed during the festive season.
Bogotá's fine dining scene thrives in Zona G, Zona T, and Usaquén, offering sophisticated culinary experiences.
Countless options exist across Chapinero, Usaquén, and La Candelaria, providing comfortable plus yummy meals.
Affordable and authentic flavors found throughout the city, perfect for quick bites or full meals.
Bogotá's largest traditional market for fresh produce, flowers, meats, and local food stalls. A true culinary and cultural experience.
Offers an authentic glimpse into local life.
The Sunday Flea Market includes many food stalls. Modern food halls like Mercado del Chicó and Contenedores Food Place present diverse dining.
Variety of local and international street food.
Pizza, pasta, fine dining.
Sushi, ramen, modern fusion.
Ceviche, lomo saltado.
Tacos, enchiladas.
Arepas (corn-based) are naturally gluten-free. Request "sin gluten." Cross-contamination is a concern.
Consciousness is increasing.
Best to hold a translation of your specific allergies to show restaurant staff.
Direct communication is important.
The HappyCow app or website assists in locating vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
For severe allergies, specify the gravity of your condition to kitchen staff.
Several schools and tour operators present classes focused on traditional Colombian dishes.
Popular in La Candelaria and Paloquemao Market. Guided tours present samples of street food, local dishes, and culinary history.
Not typically within Bogotá city limits, but possible as day trips to surrounding agricultural areas (e.g., dairy farms).
Traditional taverns serving Chicha, a fermented corn drink. A glimpse into historical drinking culture.
Experience local history.
The afternoon coffee or hot chocolate with bread and cheese. Experience this local ritual in a traditional cafe.
A beloved local ritual.
displays of fresh produce, exotic fruits, and flowers.
Ajiaco, Bandeja Paisa, and various street foods present colorful compositions.
Historic environments and cozy corners for beverage and snack photography.
Always try to sample local specialties, venture beyond tourist areas for authentic experiences, and be open to new flavors.
