One of the best ways to get to know a country is through its food and Colombia is no exception. From Bogotá’s bustling fruit stalls to coastal dinners by the Caribbean, every region had its own flavours and surprises.

Our 15 day trip was full of incredible sights, but it was the meals, snacks, and shared tables that made the experience truly come alive. Here’s a taste of the dishes, drinks, and food moments that stayed with us.

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Bogotá – First Bites of Colombia

Our first Colombian meals were at Hotel Dios, a boutique spot in Bogotá where the food was as stylish as the décor.

Breakfast here set the bar high: tropical fruits, fresh juices, perfectly cooked eggs, and strong Colombian coffee that woke us right up.

Lunch was equally good – creative, light, and beautifully presented. It felt like the perfect “welcome to Colombia” on a plate.

But what really sticks in our mind is our first glimpse of Colombia’s exotic fruits at a simple stand in Plaza de Bolívar. Bright yellow lulos, spiky guanábanas, shiny passion fruits. I wanted to try them all right there on the spot. That first look at Colombia’s fruit bounty was a promise of flavours to come.

You can read all about our stay in Bogota on my post called ‘Colombia Travel Diary – From the Andes to the Caribbean’

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Salento – Best Coffee Ice Cream

Salento is where we discovered the real star of the trip: the coffee ice cream at Pailart Helados de Paila. Creamy, rich, and intensely flavoured, the best of Colombia’s beans turned into dessert right in front of you. I may have forgotten to mention that I don’t even like coffee ice cream normally!

Back at Hotel Kawa Mountain Retreat, the food was a revelation. Meals were creative, fresh, and original – the kind of cooking that feels both nourishing and a little indulgent. After long hikes in the mountains, sitting down to a beautiful plate at the hotel felt like its own reward.

For more details on Salento  & La Carbonera, you can read about it ion my post called ‘Colombia Travel Diary – From the Andes to the Caribbean’

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Medellín – Flavors in the City

Medellín is a modern, forward-looking city, and that’s reflected in its food. From quick snacks in shopping malls (sometimes you really do just need air-con and an empanada) to trendy cafés, the city is full of options. One of our favorite memories was simply sipping cocktails or smoothies and watching the city go by.

We also treated ourselves to a dinner at the hotel Zarzo‘s restaurant called Cocina 33, founded by the renowned Colombian Chef Manuel Mendoza. it is very creative, uses local produces, and each dish is inspired by the Chef’s Caribbean roots.

You can read all about our stay in Medellín on my post called ‘Colombia Travel Diary – From the Andes to the Caribbean’

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Santa Marta – Vegan Feasts at Mundo Nuevo

Up in the hills above Santa Marta, at Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge, food took on a different rhythm. Every meal was vegan, served at long communal tables where guests from around the world shared stories. It wasn’t just about the food (though it was delicious) but about the atmosphere and the view. It felt like joining a big, temporary family.

For more details on Santa Marta you can read about it ion my post called ‘Colombia Travel Diary – From the Andes to the Caribbean’

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The Chocolate Experience at Cacao de La Sierra

Near Tayrona National Natural Park, we visited a cacao farm, Cacao de La Sierra and discovered chocolate in a whole new way. We cracked pods, scooped out the beans, roasted, ground, and tasted at every stage. The flavors were earthy, nutty, and surprisingly varied. The experience ended with us slathering chocolate on our faces in a “chocolate facial” – messy, hilarious, and oddly refreshing. It was chocolate as culture, as history, and as skincare all in one.

You can read about Senda Watapu & Tayrona National Natural Park on my post ‘Colombia Travel Diary – From the Andes to the Caribbean’

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Cartagena – Caribbean Flavors

Mornings at Casa Jaguar hotel boutique began with lush breakfasts – fruit platters, fresh juice, and local specialties – the kind of spread that makes you linger just a little longer at the table.

One night we splurged on dinner at Alma, and it was worth every bite. Elegant, beautifully cooked seafood with a Colombian twist, served in a setting that felt both stylish and intimate. It was one of those meals you remember not just for the taste, but for the atmosphere.

Check out my post on Cartagena on ‘Colombia Travel Diary – From the Andes to the Caribbean’

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Isla Barú – Sea, Stars, and Seafood

At Hotel Las Islas on Isla Barú, meals were as much about the setting as the flavour. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and delicious ceviche were enjoyed between boat rides and stargazing.

One day the hotel organized a private boat trip to secluded beaches – and even lunch on the sand. Simple grilled lobster, the sound of waves, and salt in the air – it was as Colombian as it gets.

You can read more about our stay on Isla Barù on the post ‘Colombia Travel Diary – From the Andes to the Caribbean’

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Final Thoughts – Eating Our Way Through Colombia

Looking back, Colombia’s food wasn’t just about taste. It was about context: the people we met, the places we stayed, the stories behind each dish. From the sophisticated plates at boutique hotels to the fruit stand in Bogotá, each meal became part of the adventure.

Colombia gave us color, flavor, and energy on every plate – and plenty of food memories we’ll carry long after the trip.