Exploring the Food Scene in Cali Colombia

Buen provecho!

That’s how they say “have a good meal” in Spanish. And when you find yourself in Cali, Colombia, you’re sure to have a good meal indeed.

There’s no shortage of good food in Colombia, after all!

There are a plethora of local dishes in Cali that you may or may not have known about. But one thing is for sure: these dishes are an absolute delight to the mouth!

So if you’re having trouble trying to figure out what food to eat on a date with a Latina, look no further. Here, we’re going to give you an extensive list of must-try dishes that can be found throughout the city.

Cholado

Cholado is shaved ice topped with fruit syrup, fresh fruit, coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, or perhaps even a cookie. They use traditional syrup flavors such as passion fruit and mora (blackberry from Colombia) that make this dessert melt in your mouth much easier.

This sweet treat is enjoyed by everyone and you can commonly find it in the streets of Cali. This is also known to be a miracle cure for hangovers. So if you’re looking into beating the heat or curing a hangover with a cool, sweet dessert, why not give cholado a try?

Raspado

In Spanish, this quite literally means shaved ice. It’s like a simmered-down version of choloda — but its simplicity is what really gets you addicted to the taste.

You can even make it at home! Just grab some shaved ice, raspberry-flavored syrup, condensed milk, and viola! You have your own Raspado.

However, the authentic experience you get when eating this in Cali is unrivaled. It is much better to eat this delicacy in Colombia, especially when roaming the streets.

Manjar Blanco

Manjar Blanco is a typical South American sweet used on a daily basis as a filling for pastries, the topping of alfajor biscuits and tejas (filled chocolates), or just as a snack on its own.

It’s typically made with milk, soaked rice, sugar, and raisins.

This is almost similar to dulce de leche, but not entirely. Dulce de Leche has a more runny consistency and the color is lighter, coffee with milk sort of brown. Manjar Blanco, on the other hand, has a thick, rich substance that is typically a darker, richer caramel brown.

Chontaduro

Chontaduro is a dry, starchy palm fruit that looks and tastes like yam and is high in protein, carotene, and vitamin A. You may find the dryness off-putting at first, but don’t be put off by the first bite — because soon it will grow on you.

Vendors on the streets of Cali would normally peel, cut, and serve this fruit in a bag. And much like icing on the cake, they add salt, lemon, or honey on top.

Tamales valluno

There are different varieties of tamales throughout Latin America.

Tamales Valluno, on the other hand, originates from Valle del Cauca and is made with corn dough and filled with chicken and mixed vegetables. And much like all other Colombian tamales, this dish is usually served with patacones and wrapped in banana leaves.

There is another variant of the Colombian tamale that is very much similar to this one, and it’s the tamales paisas. Their preparation and cooking methods are uncannily similar. The main difference between them is that Tamales Valluno is that the meat portions are bigger and they’re often made with chicken.

Aborrajados

Colombians are known for their fondness for deep-fried meals. Because of this, they like a variety of delicacies, including Aborrajados.

Aborrajados are delicious, ripened plantain pancakes stuffed with mozzarella. In order to make the crust, they use plants, eggs, and flour. The cheese inside softens when deep-fried, this makes it a dessert that literally melts in your mouth.

Sancocho de gallina

Sancocho de gallina, also known as Sancocho Valluno, is a typical Colombian soup from the El Valle region.

It’s a hearty soup with hen broth and meat that’s eaten with rice, corn cobs, yucca, patacones or fried green plantains, avocado, and fiery peppers.

This is perhaps the most famous staple dish in rural areas in Cali. It can also be found in restaurants specializing in Colombian gastronomy throughout Colombia’s major cities.

So if you’re wondering what the soup du jour is, you best bet Sancocho de gallina is on the menu!

Arroz atollado

There are a lot of rice dishes in South America, but Colombia’s Arroz Atollado is a classic that beats them all by a landslide when it comes to taste. After all, this dish sums up all of Colombia’s best flavors in one plate.

Each region has its own variation of this dish. In Cali, this is commonly made with pork ribs, bacon, chicken breast, sausage, and (occasionally) egg. Bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, as well as herbs and spices such as coriander, pepper, and cumin are also included in this recipe.

Marranitas vallunas

This dish also has its own variations throughout Latin American countries. In Ecuador, they have Bolón. In Cuba, they have banana fufu. In other parts of Colombia, they have puerquitas.

Meanwhile, Cali has Marranitas vallunas.

Only 3 ingredients are needed for this dish: green bananas, bacon, and garlic paste. The preparation is very simple although it requires some precision since it has to come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Empanada caleña

There are Empanadas everywhere in Latin America, with each region having its own distinctive incarnation. In the Valley of Cauca, they have Empanada caleña.

These cornbread-based pastries are stuffed with beef, chicken, potatoes, garlic, and onion. In the end, everything is deep-fried for a minute or so, until it is crisp and tasty. And the result? An absolutely aromatic dish with a lingering aftertaste!

Empanadas Vallunas

Another variation of empanada that you can find in Cali.

The empanada Valluna is filled with shredded beef and Colombian potatoes called Papa
Criolla. Frequently served with this snack is the Ají, Colombia’s tasty but watered-down version of a hot sauce.

Salpicón de Frutas

Who could forget the ever iconic Salpicón de Frutas? This drink ALWAYS comes to mind when you think of the streets of Cali. On every corner of the street, there is always a street vendor selling Salpicón de Frutas.

This ice-cold drink is often made with fruit bits and Colombian juice. On a hot day, salpicón is the perfect refreshment. Not only that, but the fruit provides a delicious snack as well!

Enjoy Cali!

There are many delicious meals waiting for you in Cali, Colombia. You’re sure to sweep any Latina off her feet once you start cooking these dishes.