Culinary Journey Through Colombia’s Atlantico Department: Typical Dishes

The gastronomy of the Atlantico Department, in Colombia, is a rich blend of Caribbean flavors with a wide variety of typical dishes. In Barranquilla, the capital of the department, two flagship dishes stand out: the famous guandu stew and lisa rice. Additionally, throughout the department, there are other typical dishes in various municipalities, such as the “arepa de huevo” (egg arepa), “chicharrones” (pork rinds), and “pastel de arroz” (rice cake).

Guandu stew is a soup that combines meats, vegetables, and some tubers, enriched with guandu beans, the star ingredient that gives it its name. On the other hand, lisa rice is a traditional dish prepared with lisa fish, characteristic of the region. This rice is cooked with spices and accompanied by fried ripe plantains, which give it a unique and distinctive flavor.

Three culinary destinations in Colombia’s Atlantico department

Luruaco, capital of egg arepas (arepa de huevo)

Luruaco is a municipality located 1 hour and 50 minutes from Barranquilla. This place is known for making the best egg arepas in the Atlantico department. When passing through this municipality, numerous arepa stands can be found along the roadside.

The dough for these arepas is made 100% from corn, which gives them a unique flavor. There are two main types of egg arepas: traditional ones, which contain only egg, and those that include egg and ground meat. Both are highly appreciated by locals and visitors alike, who cannot resist their delicious crispy texture and flavor.

Luruaco has become a gastronomic destination for those who want to try this traditional delight, and it is common to see people stopping at the stands to enjoy an authentic egg arepa. Since 1988, the Arepa Festival has been celebrated annually in Luruaco. The date of the event varies each year, and the celebration for this year has not yet been confirmed.

Baranoa’s pork cracklings (chicharrones)

Baranoa, located 50 minutes from Barranquilla, is a municipality known for its delicious pork cracklings. Upon arriving in the municipality, visitors are greeted by the famous “pork crackling corridor,” a series of restaurants that offer this product of the highest quality.

Pork cracklings in Baranoa are traditionally served accompanied by “Bollo de Yuca”, although it is also possible to add blood sausage and chorizo as additional options. This combination of flavors and textures makes Baranoa pork cracklings considered the best in the Atlantic region.

Rice cake (pastel de arroz) in Pital de Megua

Pital de Megua, located 22 kilometers from the city of Barranquilla, is known for its exquisite rice cakes. These cakes, wrapped in banana leaves, contain various meats such as chicken, pork, and mixed options.

Although it is traditional to consume these cakes during the Christmas season, they are actually sold throughout the year. Residents of the Atlantic region often enjoy this dish for both breakfast and lunch, due to its versatility and flavor.

In addition to rice cakes, Pital de Megua offers a culinary experience rich in Caribbean traditions. Careful preparation and fresh ingredients make each cake a true gastronomic delight.