Food Cali
Food in Cali and Southwest Colombia, can be divided into 5 regions, each of which has its own specialties: Valle de Cauca (capital city Cali), Cauca (capital Popayán), Nariño (capital city Pasto), Putumayo (capital Mocoa) and Huila (capital Neiva). Here you can read all about the best food in Cali, Popayán and surrounding areas, from traditional dishes, to snacks and popular street food.
TYPICAL CALI & SOUTHWEST COLOMBIA
VALLE DE CAUCA & CALI
The Valle de Cauca is home to many authentic “Valluna” dishes, and further traditional dishes and snacks, which are given their own twist, such as empanadas, Sancocho de gallina (a thick, filling chicken soup), tamales (cornmeal packets filled with beef, chicken and vegetables)
A typical snack in Cali is the Cholado, a cup full of “goodies,” such as fresh fruit, condensed milk and syrup. A great fresh snack on a hot day in Cali!
Other specialties of Cali and the Valle de Cauca include:
Chuleta
Breaded pork chop is one of the most traditional dishes of Cali and the Valle de Cauca. The chuleta valluna is usually served with salad and fries.
Marranitas
Balls of banana dough that are stuffed with chicharrones (pork belly) and then deep-fried. The result: a crunchy, savory snack
Aborrajados de plátano,
Slices of ripe banana with white cheese / mozzarella cheese, which are rolled through a batter of eggs and flour. After this, the packets are deep-fried and the cheese becomes nice and chewy.
Manjar blanco
Manjar blanco is the local version of dulce de leche (caramel) and is typical of the Valle de Cauca region. Manjar blanco is made with milk, sugar and soaked rice. Because of the rice, this caramel has a different (more porridge-like) texture than the arequipe from the Antioquia region
Torta de pastores
A traditional dessert that is very popular during the Christmas season. The basic recipe is made from rice pudding, port, cake crumbs, cheese and vanilla, among other ingredients. In addition, cinnamon and nutmeg are added.
POPAYÁN
Popayán is known throughout Colombia for its annual gastronomic festival and flavorful dishes. In 2008, Popayán was recognized by UNESCO as the gastronomic capital.
Empanadas de Pipián
The empanada de Pipián are like no other empanada: the empanada consists of a puree of potatoes, spices and peanuts. A spicy peanut sauce is served with it, which makes this empanada unique in Colombia.
HUILA
Asado Huilense
This is one of the most traditional dishes of Huila. The pork is marinated in orange juice, beer, spices and vegetables. After this, the dish is covered with banana leaves and baked in a clay oven. The Asado Huilense is very popular during the folklore festival in Neiva every June.
NARIÑO & PUTAMAYO
All the way south, in Nariño and Putumayo, the culinary influence of neighboring Ecuador and Peru is quite noticeable.
In Nariño, the Cuy asado (grilled guinea pig) a popular dish. There is a tradition in Nariño of eating roasted guinea pig on special occasions. This dish came over from neighboring Ecuador, where it is very popular. The cuy asado is the authentic taste of Nariño.
In Putumayo, the Platano Hartón used, to make a puree of plantains. This banana has the right texture for the puree, which is called Tacacho. It is usually served with chicharron (fried pork belly).
#ColombiaMyWay Tips
#Tip 1
You can taste the best food in Cali on one of the food tours in Cali and in Cali’s best restaurants.
#Tip 2
Check out our travel guide Cali and southwest Colombia for helpful tips and information on the best neighborhoods to stay in Cali.
#Tip 3
Travel guides for other destinations can be found here.