Bandeja Paisa is one of the most traditional Colombian foods and it can be summed up as “a festival of meat on a Frisbee-sized plate.” In fact, the word bandeja in Spanish means platter, so you know you’re in for a lot of food. Traditionally, a Bandeja Paisa consists of two types of Colombian sausage, ground beef, rice, red beans, a fried pork rind called chicharrón, an arepa, a plantain, a slice of avocado and a fried egg to top it all off.

Beverage: Juice or Soda

Sancocho is one of the most well known Colombian and Latin American soups of which there are many different varieties.

Sancocho is basically a very thick soup made with root vegetables and different kinds of meats, in a broth, usually flavored with herbs (cilantro or parsley), combined with achiote, garlic, onion, scallions and bell peppers. It is almost a stew, but still considered a soup.

Served with avocado, white rice and ají picante (Colombian hot sauce) on the side.

Beverage: Juice or Soda

Ajiaco is one of the many regional Colombian dishes you can’t leave the country without trying. It’s a hearty soup made from three different kinds of potatoes (criolla, sabanera and pastusa), chicken, guasca leaves, with a half an ear of corn splashed in for good measure. Most times, Ajiaco is accompanied by a plate of rice and a slice of avocado. A helping of capers and something similar to sour cream is sometimes provided to mix with the soup if you choose.

Served with White Rice & Avocado

Beverage: Juice or Soda