Colombia is a country that has distinguished itself for the diversity and richness of its culture and traditions. Its cuisine is one of the clearest examples of this. The variety of ingredients, techniques, and flavors in Colombian cooking is impressive, as each region of the country has its own specialties and typical dishes shaped by centuries of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences.
Breakfast, for example, is one of the most important and representative meals of Colombian cuisine, known for being hearty regardless of the region. In this context, the Bogotá breakfast stands out for its abundance and flavor. This breakfast offers a wide variety of dishes and foods that together create a complete and delicious culinary experience.
What accompanies a good Bogotá breakfast?
1. Chocolate Santafereño
Chocolate is a traditional Colombian breakfast drink prepared with cocoa powder, milk, and panela (unrefined cane sugar). In Bogotá, “chocolate santafereño” is a typical local dish consisting of a thick, hot chocolate drink usually served with diced campesino cheese submerged in it, alongside an almojábana or bread. This drink is not only popular for breakfast but is also perfect for “onces” (afternoon tea) or dinner on a rainy day.
2. Changua
Changua is a typical Bogotá soup, especially popular in the Andean region, and is a breakfast enjoyed in the mornings. This soup is made with water, milk, onion, cilantro, eggs, and sometimes calao or bread. Changua is very popular in rural areas of Cundinamarca, Boyacá, and Bogotá as a warm, comforting soup that provides energy for the day’s activities. It can be enjoyed on its own, though it’s often accompanied by chocolate, bread, and fruit.
3. Caldo de Costilla
Like changua, caldo de costilla is a traditional Colombian dish, particularly popular in the Andean region where Bogotá is located. It’s a hearty broth made from beef ribs, potatoes, onion, and cilantro. This dish is very popular for Bogotá breakfasts because it’s considered an energizing and comforting meal that helps start the day with strength and vitality. It’s often accompanied by chocolate, bread, and eggs. In much of the Andean region, it’s known as a “Levanta Muertos” or “Hangover Cure,” as it’s commonly enjoyed to recover from a hangover.
4. Aguapanela
Also known as “aguapanela,” this iconic drink of the Andean region, especially in departments like Boyacá and Cundinamarca, is a hot beverage made from water and panela, a type of brown sugar derived from sugarcane. It’s typically served with chunks of cheese and an almojábana, adding a comforting and delicious touch, perfect for a Bogotá breakfast or “onces” on a cold day. Another popular variation is “tetero,” which mixes aguapanela with milk for a sweet drink perfect to accompany bread, almojábana, or cheese.
5. Tamal
The tamal is one of the most popular dishes in Colombia. Depending on the region, you’ll find different preparations, with the Tolimense tamal being the most famous, containing cooked egg, pork, chicken, peas, and other typical ingredients. While Bogotá has its own version, the Santafereño tamal, which includes sausage and chickpeas, the Tolimense tamal is more commonly found in Bogotá breakfasts, often accompanied by a good chocolate santafereño and bread.
6. Coffee
Unlike other countries, in much of Colombia, black coffee is known as “tinto,” while coffee with milk is simply called “café” or “perico.” Tinto is a very popular beverage in Colombian households, enjoyed at any time of day. While not as common in Bogotá breakfasts, it’s a good companion for a light breakfast to recharge with energy. Coffee with milk, however, is often seen as an alternative to chocolate in Bogotá breakfasts, served alongside bread, cheese, tamal, eggs, fruits, and other sides.
In addition to these perfect accompaniments for a good Bogotá breakfast, we can’t overlook arepa with cheese, stuffed arepas, almojábana (a Colombian bread roll made with cornmeal, cheese, and eggs, baked and served warm), eggs to taste such as pericos (scrambled with tomato and onion), fried or boiled eggs, papaya, melon, mandarin, orange juice, oatmeal, and more.
The variety of ingredients and the ways they’re combined show that Bogotá breakfast is a meal that reflects the richness and diversity of Colombian cuisine. With its abundant and traditional flavors, it’s a culinary experience you absolutely must try.
