Colombia
A Taste of Culture
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, home to nearly 10% of the planet’s biodiversity.
Its landscapes stretch from the peaks of the Andes to the Amazon rainforest, passing through the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. A country full of contrasts, colors, and sounds, where every region preserves its own identity.
Colombia is recognized worldwide for its high-quality Arabica coffee, its emeralds, and a culture deeply shaped by music, rhythm, and joy. It is also considered one of the great homes of salsa, a rhythm that perfectly reflects Colombian energy and expressiveness.
But beyond its landscapes and music, something that truly defines Colombia is its people. Colombians are known for their warmth, hospitality, and generosity, values deeply rooted in a culture that treasures respect, community, and shared moments.
And Colombia is not only discovered through its landscapes, music, or people. It is also discovered through its food.
A Cuisine of Diverse Roots
Colombian cuisine was shaped through the meeting of cultures, territories, and histories.
Over generations, different communities shared ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditions that today remain part of everyday life across the country.
Indigenous communities laid the foundations of many traditional foods through the use of corn, cassava, tubers, and other ingredients native to the land. Later, new influences enriched these preparations with additional ingredients and new ways of cooking and sharing food.
But if there is one ingredient that has accompanied Colombia since its earliest roots, it is corn.
Corn: The Heart of Colombian Cuisine
Long before Colombia existed as a country, indigenous communities were already cultivating and preparing food from corn.
For groups such as the Muisca, corn was far more than an ingredient. It was considered sacred, a gift from the gods, and an essential part of everyday life.
With it, communities prepared simple yet nourishing foods deeply connected to the land, including small corn breads cooked over fire or hot stones.
Over time, corn became woven into Colombian identity, culture, and daily life. From breakfast to dinner, it remains present on tables across the country.
In every region, corn transforms into memorable dishes such as tamales, hallacas, and one of the most beloved everyday foods in Colombia: the arepa.
Arepas
The arepa is one of Colombia’s most essential foods: simple, yet full of meaning.
Crispy on the outside and warm on the inside, it forms part of daily life like few other foods do. In fact, around 73% of Colombians start their day with an arepa.
Its name likely comes from the indigenous word erepa, meaning corn. And although new fillings and variations have appeared over time, corn remains at its heart.
Today, every region of Colombia has its own version. Researcher and chef José Luis Rivera has documented more than 200 different types of arepas throughout the country.
Some are thin and crispy, others thick and soft. Along the Caribbean coast, African heritage can still be seen in the famous arepa de huevo, a fried arepa filled with a whole egg.
Sometimes arepas are served simply with butter or cheese. Other times, they are generously filled with meat, beans, or different regional ingredients depending on the family or time of day.
The arepa represents balance: simple, yet deeply meaningful.
It is prepared at home, bought on the street, shared with family, and often eaten with the hands while still warm from the fire.
Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside a meal, the arepa is more than food. It is history, memory, and a small piece of home.
Today’s Dish: Arepas
Today we will prepare a simple version of Colombian arepas made from corn flour, lightly sweetened, and filled with cheese.
Their flavor is difficult to explain. It is something that has to be experienced.
Perfect for breakfast, but just as comforting at any time of day.
Recipe Overview
Dish: Arepas
Cuisine: Colombian
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Arepas
- 500 g pre-cooked corn flour (Harina PAN)
- 63 g butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- 650 ml water
- 100 ml milk (optional, for a softer texture)
- 300 g grated mozzarella cheese
Sauce (Optional)
- 3 tomatoes
- 1½ onions
- 1 bell pepper
- Pepper
- Salt
- Turmeric
- Paprika
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Preparation
Step 1. Prepare the Dough
- Melt the butter and warm the water.
- In a large bowl, combine the corn flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the melted butter and mix well.
- Slowly pour in the warm water and milk while kneading until the dough becomes soft and slightly moist, but no longer sticks heavily to your hands (see photo reference).
Step 2. Shape the Arepas
- Add a small handful of cheese directly into the dough and mix gently.
- Take a portion of dough and form a smooth ball using your hands.
- Once the surface has no cracks, create a hole in the center and fill it with cheese.
- Close the dough carefully and flatten gently into an arepa shape.
Step 3. Cook the Arepas
- Heat a pan with a little oil over medium-low heat.
- Cook the arepas slowly until they develop a crispy golden crust on one side.
- After about 7–10 minutes, flip them and cook the other side (Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the arepas).
Step 4. Prepare the Sauce (Optional)
- Grate the tomatoes and finely chop the onion and bell pepper.
- In a pan with olive oil, cook the onion until translucent, then add the bell pepper.
- Once softened, add the tomato and season to taste.
Serve the warm arepas together with the sofrito for an extra layer of flavor.
Want to see each step in action? Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for the full cooking process.
Where to Find the Ingredients?
For authentic Colombian arepas, the most important ingredient is Harina PAN, a pre-cooked corn flour traditionally used to prepare arepas.
In Switzerland, it can often be found in Latin American grocery stores or online.
Sources
Corn: The Heart of Colombian Cuisine
Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world
Continue the journey
From Colombia, our journey continues to a land of tradition…
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