Cali, the capital of Valle del Cauca, is known not only for its salsa music and festive atmosphere but also for its exquisite food. Blending taste and tradition, let’s discover some of the typical dishes and desserts that represent this region of Colombia.
Typical dishes of Cali, Colombia
Sancocho Valluno
Sancocho Valluno is a variation of the traditional Colombian sancocho, but with a distinctive Valle del Cauca touch. It is made with beef, chicken, or pork and cooked with cassava, plantain, potatoes, corn, onion, and spices, resulting in a hearty and flavorful broth.
Marranitas
Marranitas are a fried delight made from green plantain stuffed with crispy pork cracklings. They are fried until golden and crunchy and served with homemade ají (spicy sauce) to enhance their flavor.
Pan de Bono
Pan de bono is a delicious bread roll made with cassava starch, cheese, and egg. It is known for its soft and slightly chewy texture, with a subtly sweet and salty flavor. It is perfect to pair with coffee or hot chocolate.
Arroz Atollado
This dish is a Colombian-style risotto, where rice is slowly cooked with chicken, pork, longaniza (Colombian sausage), potatoes, and spices. It has a creamy texture and a deeply comforting taste.
Typical desserts and beverages of Cali
Manjar Blanco
Manjar Blanco is a traditional sweet made from milk, sugar, and rice, cooked over low heat until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. It is often served with figs or sponge cake.
Aborrajado
Aborrajado is a gastronomic gem from Cali. It is prepared with ripe plantain filled with cheese, dipped in a batter of flour and egg, and then deep-fried. The result is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Cholado
Cholado is one of the most popular treats in Cali. It consists of a base of shaved ice drizzled with fruit syrups such as passion fruit, strawberry, or blackberry. It is topped with chopped fruits, condensed milk, and a wafer cookie.
Champus
Champus is a thick, sweet beverage made with corn, panela (unrefined cane sugar), pineapple, lulo (a tropical fruit), and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Its grainy texture and unique flavor make it a must-try in Cali’s gastronomy.
Gelatina de Pata
This dessert, though uncommon outside Valle del Cauca, is a delicacy made from collagen extracted from cow’s feet, mixed with panela and spices. It is cooled until firm and cut into squares to be enjoyed as an energy-boosting and nutritious treat.
Solteritas
Solteritas are crunchy cookies made with flour, eggs, and sugar, decorated with vibrant-colored meringue. They are very popular at fairs and traditional events in the region.
Lulada
Lulada is a refreshing drink made with lulo, sugar, ice, and water. Unlike conventional juices, the lulo is not fully blended, giving it a unique texture and an unmatched tropical flavor.