When it comes to travel, most people choose a destination based on their culinary options. The rise of the foodie-obsessed traveller is no joke. If you’re looking for a city that is known for its vibrant culture, landscapes that take your breath away and a culinary scene unlike any other, look no further than Medellín, Colombia. With influences from traditional Columbia dishes right through to international flavours, the gastronomic experiences on offer in Medellín will delight even the pickiest of palettes.
Ready to tantalise your tastebuds? Here’s the House of Coco round-up of the best restaurants in the city to showcase the diverse range of influences….
Traditional Colombian Cuisine
With authenticity at the forefront, when it comes to Colombian cuisine, look no further than La Antigua Taverna. It’s a cosy restaurant which serves up classic dishes like bandeja paisa, a hearty meal featuring fried pork, black beans, rice, plantain, and a fried egg. Another must-try is arepas, grilled corn cakes that can be filled with a variety of ingredients and will be the talking point on any dining table.
El Fogón de Doña Ana is another authentic option for traditional Colombian food. Known for its delicious sancocho, a hearty soup made with meats, vegetables and starchy ingredients which doesn’t sound appealing but is the epitome of not judging a book by its cover. Their bandeja paisa is also worth trying and is packed to the brim with flavours that will make your tongue dance.
Modern Colombian Fusion
If you’re looking for a more modern take on Colombian cuisine, El Cielo is a must-visit. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers innovative dishes that blend traditional Colombian flavours with international techniques. The tasting menu is a great way to experience the full range of El Cielo’s culinary masterpieces.
La Cuchara de Mamá is a restaurant that offers a modern twist on Colombian cuisine. Their menu features dishes like crispy pig’s ear with mango salsa and grilled octopus with a plantain puree. Exotic, unique and flavourful, this restaurant will be a memorable experience that will make you want to go back to time and time again.
International Flavours
Medellín also offers a variety of international cuisine options. La Brasserie is a French restaurant that serves up classic dishes like escargots, foie gras, and steak frites. La Trattoria is an Italian restaurant that offers a wide selection of pasta and pizza dishes.
For a more casual dining experience, La Burrería is a great option. This restaurant specialises in burgers, tacos and other American-style comfort food that will fill you up to the brim.
Street Food
There is no better way to discover a city food scene than exploring its street food offerings. Street food is at the heart of this city so no trip here would be complete without delving beneath the surface. Arepas de maíz are a popular street food option and they can be filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, meat, and avocado. Empanadas are another popular street food, and they come in a variety of fillings like beef, chicken, and pork.
Plaza Botero is a great place to sample street food. Several vendors are selling a variety of delicious treats, including arepas, empanadas and fresh juices. It doesn’t get more authentic than here.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Colombian cuisine or international flavours, Medellín has something to offer. With its diverse range of restaurants, this city is a true foodie paradise so be sure to have your stretchy pants on so you can eat your way around the city without a care in the world. If you’ve got a friend who likes to stick to the beige side of life, a trip to Medellin will help them step outside of their comfort zone and taste the rainbow.
Be open-minded and don’t be afraid to try dishes that you have never heard of before because life begins outside of your comfort zone after all. There is no better way to explore the world than by tasting it through your palette, and getting ready to travel through flavours without having to even leave the city.
