Colombian breakfasts are as diverse as the country’s landscapes, varying from region to region but always characterized by generosity and heartiness. Whether in the Andean highlands, the Caribbean coast, or the Amazon basin, breakfast is a rich and satisfying affair, reflecting local ingredients and traditions. Let’s take a closer look at what Colombians eat to start their day.
Six typical Colombian breakfasts
Medellin and the Coffee Axis: Calentao Paisa with Arepas
In Antioquia and the Coffee Axis, the day begins with a comforting breakfast featuring a steaming cup of hot chocolate or htmlcoffee. This is complemented by ‘Calentao’ paisa, a beloved dish that ingeniously utilizes the previous day’s beans. These beans are mixed with rice, a fried egg and sometimes chorizo. As a perfect sidekick, you’ll find arepa with cheese that make this breakfast both substantial and delicious.
Bogota and Boyaca: Chocolate with Cheese and Changua
Bogota and Boyaca have a unique breakfast tradition. Here, the day commences with a cup of hot chocolate served with a side of cheese and almojabana, a sweet, cheesy pastry. Alternatively, breakfast can include rib broth or changua, a nourishing soup prepared with milk, onion, cilantro, bread, and an egg. These hearty options provide a perfect start to the day in these elevated and cooler regions.
Caribbean Coast: Fried Delights and Natural Juices
On the Colombian Caribbean coast, breakfast is an explosion of flavors, especially for those who adore fried foods. The menu features the iconic egg arepa, a traditional fried dish. You’ll also find cheese and meat carimañolas, patacon (fried plantains) and costeño cheese. These mouthwatering fried foods are typically accompanied by refreshing natural juices such as corozo or corn water, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The Llanos Region: Hallacas, a Meaty Morning Treat
In the Llanos region, a unique breakfast delicacy awaits – hallacas. These savory cakes are made from corn dough and generously stuffed with a medley of beef, pork, and chicken. Wrapped carefully in banana leaves and tied with a pita, hallacas offer a burst of flavor that is both wholesome and comforting.
Tolima: Tamale, Hot Chocolate, and Arepas
Tolima, in the heart of Colombia, offers residents a traditional breakfast that is both hearty and delicious. The star of the meal is the Tolima tamale, made with corn flour, rice, peas, hard-boiled eggs, carrots, pork ribs and belly, bacon, and chicken. This substantial dish is paired with a warm cup of hot chocolate, a comforting and classic morning beverage. No breakfast in Tolima is complete without arepas, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
Cali and Valle del Cauca: Pandebono, Pandeyuca, and Buñuelos
In the Cali region, breakfast features pandebono, pandeyuca, and buñuelos. These traditional pastries offer a blend of sweet and cheesy flavors. They are often served with fried eggs, oatmeal, or hot chocolate.