Food Amazon
In traditional food in the Amazon, fish from the Amazon River plays an important role. There is also chicken and meat and special dishes for the adventurous eater. Due to its location on the border of three countries, the influence of Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine is very noticeable in Leticia. In Peru the ceviche is very popular (raw fish marinated in lemon) and in Brazil the Pato no Tucupi; roast duck with the Tucupi sauce. This dark sauce made from the yuca root mixed with black peppers, is also found in Colombia.
Read on to learn more about traditional food from the Colombian Amazon.
TYPICAL AMAZON
PESCADO MOQUEADO
This is a traditional dish of smoked fish eaten in many Native American communities in the Amazon. Often served whole, the fish is wrapped in banana leaves and smoked for hours. This is one of the most flavorful dishes of the Amazon.
PIRARUCÚ
This is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world; the Pirarucú can grow as long as 3 meters and weigh 200 kilograms. Its white flesh is tender and flavorful. The Pirarucú is grilled, but also prepared in other methods of preparation, such as these croquettes or chicharrones.
PIRANHA
Piranha fishing is one of the most popular activities in the Amazon, but what you may not have known is that piranhas are also very tasty. Especially fried piranha is very tasty.
MOJOJOY
Do you like a culinary adventure? Then taste the larvae of palm weevils , which are grilled, fried and/or stuffed with meat, chicken or fish. Due to their high nutritional value, these worms are widely eaten in Native American communities.
EXOTIC FRUIT
In the Amazon, you can eat many kinds of fresh fruits, including acai berries and arazá. This typical fruit from the Amazon region, resembles the guava fruit. The arazá is popular as a juice, or as a candy with a chocolate coating around it. At the market in Leticia, you can score many different kinds of exotic fruits.
CREMA DE CUPUAZÚ
A delicious dessert made from the traditional fruit cupuazú, condensed milk and cream. Cupuazú is also delicious in ice cream and fresh fruit juice.
#Colombia Tip
Tip #1
Try the local version of “pizza,” the Casabe.
It dough of the Casabe is made with yuca instead of wheat flour. People are very creative with the toppings of the Casaba, which can range from chicken to seafood.
Tip #2
Check out our Amazon travel guide, Leticia and Puerto Naríno.
Tip #3
Are you a real foodie? Then check out these food tours in Colombia.