Despite its reputation, Cali, Colombia has a lot going for it. The culture is vibrant, the people are incredibly friendly, and the cost of living is extremely low. However, out of everything that Cali has to offer, the food is one of my favorites. You definitely don’t need to worry about going hungry while you’re here.
Cali has a number of unique foods to offer and they’re all worth a try during your visit. Whether you have a major sweet tooth or are crazy for fruit, Cali has something for you (and at a great price!).
Here are 15 delicious foods (and drinks) that you need to try in Cali, Colombia:
1. Chontaduro
Chontaduro is one of the fruits that makes Cali stand out from the rest. For those trying it for the first time, it can be a strange and surprising experience. People tend to either love it or hate it. Unlike most fruits, chontaduro has a dry texture and its flavor is very distinct. Personally, I’m a huge fan and it can be difficult not to overdo it sometimes!
If you want to try it for yourself, you can find it nearly everywhere. It’s commonly sold on the street and in supermarkets (though it’s much cheaper on the street). If you don’t feel like searching around for it, head over to La Galeria Alameda where you’ll definitely be able to find it.
2. Sancocho de Gallina
Although sancocho de gallina can be found in other areas of Colombia, it’s especially popular in Cali and the towns surrounding the city. It’s a full meal that begins with a soup made from hen.
The main course is a plate consisting of rice, hen, salad, and plantains.
It always tastes extra delicious when it’s chilly outside or after spending the day swimming.
For a sancocho de gallina that’s done right, head to the Pance River on the weekends. It’s located in the south of Cali and the restaurants there are known for their delicious and home-cooked food! If you want to make a day trip out of it, Lago Calima (Calima Lake) is just a few hours away and you’ll be able to find a variety of waterfront restaurants serving this dish.
3. Cholado
Cholado is my favorite sweet treat in Cali! It’s made with shaved ice mixed with a variety of flavored syrups, fruit, and condensed milk. It’s perfect for when you want something filled with sugar, but don’t want to feel too bad about it (I mean, it has fruit so it has to be somewhat healthy, right?).
Rumor has it that Jamundi, a small town located just a few minutes south of the city, has the best cholado around, but I’m personally a big fan of the cholado that can be found in the park next to the Boulevard del Rio. Just be warned that there will probably be a lot of bees around.
4. Raspado
A raspado is the simpler version of a cholado. It’s just shaved ice with raspberry-flavored syrup and condensed milk. It might seem simple, but trust me, it’s insanely delicious. It really goes to show you that sometimes less is more. Anywhere that you can find cholado, you’ll also be able to find raspado. Don’t be afraid to ask for more condensed milk, either!
5. Pizza
It should come as no surprise that pizza isn’t a Colombian food, but Caleños seem to have a special love for it. It’s not necessarily the pizza itself that’s so special in Cali (honestly, it’s pretty average), but the experience of eating it.
On the way to Cristo Rey, you’ll find a number of pizza restaurants lining the road.
The most popular is Pizzeria La Curva, but Pizzeria El Balcón is my personal favorite.
Both of these have amazing views of the city and, if you go at night, you’ll not only be rewarded with pizza but with a chilly atmosphere too—a nice break from Cali’s heat!
6. Lulo Juice
I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it again: lulo juice is the #1 way to quench your thirst in Cali’s heat. Lulo is a fruit that has a very specific flavor and it’s more commonly consumed as a juice than as a raw fruit. You can either drink it in water or milk. Personally, I think water is the way to go, but I’ll let you decide for yourself.
You can find it in nearly every restaurant you go to and the juice brand Hit even has a bottled variety for if you want to stock up.
7. Lulada
Lulada is perfect for if you want lulo juice, but you also want a snack. It’s lulo mixed with lime juice, sugar, and usually pieces of fruit. It’s absolutely delicious and, if you’re looking to turn it into a party, you can add vodka or rum to it.
You can find lulada in a variety of restaurants and street stands throughout the city. When in doubt, always head to La Galeria Alameda where you’ll be able to find just about anything you’re searching for.
8. Mango viche
There’s something about lime and salt that just makes mango so much tastier. Honestly, I’ve never been a huge fan of mango, but mango viche brought me over to the dark side. Now, I can’t get enough of it—especially on a hot day.
Like chontaduro, you can find mango viche on nearly every street in Cali. Simply look for cups with sliced mango in them and have the vendor add lime and salt to your liking. Some vendors also sell it with condensed milk.
9. Salpicón
Salpicón is a heavenly mixture of fruit and juice and it’s everywhere to be found in Cali. Whenever you need a refreshment on a hot day, salpicón is the way to go…and the fruit provides a nice snack as well!
10. Champús
Any drink that includes corn is a little suspicious at first, but champús is definitely worth a try. In addition to corn, it has a variety of fruits, like lulo or pineapple. It’s both refreshing and filling!
If you walk around San Antonio, you’ll be able to find some places that sell it. Occasionally, you can also buy it from street vendors. If all else fails, it’s definitely available at La Galeria Alameda.
11. Manjar Blanco
Typical from the region of Valle del Cauca, manjar blanco is another version of dulce the leche or arequipe. You’ll recognize these as they are most often sold in what looks like coconut shells.
If you’re a die hard fan of arequipe, manjar blanco is the white and grainy version of it.
It’s so popular, when Colombians from other regions travel to Cali, they don’t miss the chance to bring back a bagful of the sweet stuff.
12. Arroz Atollado
A heavy, meat-filled dish full of flavor, arroz atollado is a great dish that sums up the flavors of Colombia in a single plate. Arroz atollado consists of rice, different types of potatoes, pork, chicken and sometimes sausage and other pig parts seasoned with azafran, sweet pepper and other middle eastern inspired spices.
**Warning: Be ready to enter a food coma after eating this dish.
13. Marranitas
I love the name. Literally translating to ‘little piggies’, marranitas was the most talked about and recommended food to eat when visiting Cali. Yet, I found it quite hard to find! A crunchy, fried ball of plantain with a center of chicharron.
It’s said the best marranitas have a crunchy outside, a thin layer of plantain, and a crunchy chicharron.
I personally had them in the restaurante Ringlete.
14. Aborrajados
Fried foods is where it’s at in Colombia. And aborrajados are no exception. Aborrajados are fried pancakes of sweet, ripened plaintain stuffed with mozzarella. How does that sound?
Eaten as an appetizer or snack, it’s best to share this greasy bite! Loved them in El Zaguan restaurant.
15. Empanadas Vallunas
Likes arepas, there’s a local empanada for every region of the country. I feel like once I’ve tried one, I’ve tried them all, but Colombians would differ. The empanada valluna is stuffed with shredded meat and papa criolla, Colombia’s favorite potato. Accompanied by ají, Colombia’s very flavorful but watered down version of a hot sauce.
Have you ever been to Cali? What were your favorite foods?