Gastronomy in Cali

Cali people have a special enjoyment for food, it is and has always been a vital center and awakens passions. As they themselves often say, they are “mouth-waterers” who proudly enjoy the fruits of the land and the ancestral wisdom of their kitchens.

Enjoy a unique gastronomic experience

In recent years, a large number of chefs have joined the culinary tradition who have reinvented the flavors, creating fusion cuisines where haute cuisine is present with a gourmet proposal with a local seal that is undoubtedly one of the experiences that no traveler you can miss on your trip to Santiago de Cali.

Get to know the typical dishes of Cali!

Atollao

Atollao is a delicious and comforting dish that consists of rice cooked to a very moist consistency, mixed with sausage, pork and yellow potatoes.

This preparation, popular in certain regions, offers an explosion of flavors and textures. The combination of soft rice with the juiciness of the sausage and pork, along with the softness of the yellow potato, creates a comforting and satisfying dish.

Its preparation requires meticulous attention to achieve the perfect texture and ensure that the ingredients integrate harmoniously, making it a true culinary delight to enjoy on any occasion.

Sancocho

Sancocho is a popular soup in many places in the country, but in the Valley it stands out for its unique flavor, thanks to wild cilantro, chicken, banana and yucca. Unlike other versions, Sancocho del Valle does not include potatoes.

This soup is a delicious combination of flavors and textures, with ingredients that are simmered to create an aromatic and comforting broth. Cimarron cilantro gives it a distinctive touch, while hen, banana and yucca add substance and flavor. It is a unique dish perfect to enjoy on any occasion.

Champús

Champús is a refreshing drink made from whole cooked corn, pineapple, lulo and orange leaves.

This delicacy is best enjoyed when served very cold, which highlights its flavor and freshness. The cooked corn gives it a unique texture, while the pineapple and lulo add a touch of sweetness and acidity that perfectly balances the whole. The orange leaves add a fresh and characteristic aroma that completes this traditional Colombian drink. Ideal to cool off on hot days and enjoy a unique experience of tropical flavors.

Aborrajados

Los Aborrajados are a delicious typical fried food that is prepared with ripe banana and cheese. This popular snack combines the sweetness of ripe banana with the saltiness of cheese, creating a combination of irresistible flavors and textures.

The banana is sliced, stuffed with cheese, and then fried until golden and crispy on the outside, and soft and creamy on the inside. It is an indulgent appetizer that is enjoyed as both a sweet and savory bite, perfect to accompany a good meal or simply as a delicious treat between meals.

Manjar blanco

Manjar Blanco is a sweet similar to arequipe or dulce de leche, but with a firmer consistency. It is made by simmering milk and sugar over low heat until it reduces and thickens, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.

Unlike arequipe or dulce de leche, which tend to be softer and more unctuous, manjar blanco has a firm texture that makes it ideal for spreading on bread or cookies, or even for using as a filling in desserts. Its sweet and slightly caramelized flavor makes it a favorite in traditional baking in many regions.