Typical Colombian dishes change from one region to another: in Antioquia, bandeja paisa; in Bogotá, ajiaco; on the coast, fried fish and patacón; and all over the country, arepas and empanadas. Here are ten to start with, and where to try the ones we have at Tequendama in Madrid.
Ten dishes to get to know Colombia
- Bandeja paisa (Antioquia): beans, rice, meat, chicharrón, chorizo, egg, plantain, arepa and avocado. More about bandeja paisa.
- Ajiaco santafereño (Bogotá): chicken soup with three kinds of potato, mazorca and guascas. More about ajiaco.
- Arepas (all over the country): corn cakes, plain or filled. Types of arepa.
- Empanadas (all over the country): made with corn dough, fried and filled with meat and potato, served with ají.
- Patacones (Caribbean and Pacific coasts): green plantain fried, flattened and fried again.
- Mojarra frita (the coast and river regions): whole fried tilapia. More about mojarra.
- Sobrebarriga (central Colombia): beef flank cooked low and slow. More about sobrebarriga.
- Sancocho (all over the country): a broth with cassava, plantain and meat or fish, depending on the region.
- Tamal (all over the country): filled corn dough wrapped in a plantain leaf.
- Natilla and buñuelos (Christmas): the sweet and the savory of the December holidays.
Which ones we serve at Tequendama
On the Las Rozas menu you'll find bandeja paisa, ajiaco, arepas, empanaditas, patacones, mojarra frita (subject to availability) and sobrebarriga. On the Moments menu, ajiaco, arepitas, empanaditas and patacones, among others.
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical dish of Colombia?
There isn't just one: bandeja paisa is the best known outside the country, but ajiaco, arepas and sancocho are just as representative in their regions.
Where to eat typical Colombian dishes in Madrid?
At Tequendama Las Rozas (C/ Escorial, 1) and at Tequendama Moments (Av. de Felipe II, 4, Goya).
Updated October 7, 2026 · By the Tequendama Team · Next: what to order on your first visit · More from the guide