Antioquia, Colombia, is a dream destination where food, culture, and landscapes collide in a spectacular fashion. Whether you’re tearing down a double track on your bike or cruising through a sleepy pueblo, one thing is constant: you’re going to eat, and you’re going to eat well. The food here is not just sustenance—it’s a celebration. And much like Antioquia’s riding, it’s full of surprises, challenges, and moments that leave you gasping (this time in delight, not for air).
Bandeja Paisa: The Perfect Post-Ride Feast
After a long day on the bike, the Bandeja Paisa is your reward. This dish isn’t messing around—it’s a culinary monument to indulgence. Picture a plate so loaded it practically groans under the weight of rice, beans, chicharrón (crispy pork belly), ground beef, sweet plantains, avocado, sausage, a fried egg, and an arepa. It’s like a carbo-loading session, a protein bar, and a hug from your abuela all rolled into one glorious platter.
Sure, you might feel like you need a crane to get up from the table afterward, but it’s worth it. And hey, think of it this way: every bite is fuel for tomorrow’s ride.
The Arepa: Your Trusty Trail Companion
Arepas in Antioquia are not just food—they’re life. Made of corn and as versatile as duct tape, these humble flatbreads are everywhere. Breakfast? Have an arepa. Midday snack? Arepa with cheese. Midnight craving? You guessed it—arepa!
But the real magic happens when you pair an arepa with hogao, a tomato and onion sauce that is basically Colombian ketchup but way tastier. It’s like putting a little love on your plate. And if you haven’t tried arepa de choclo—the sweet, cheesy cousin of the traditional arepa—are you even living? It’s dessert disguised as breakfast. Genius.
Menu del Día: The Cyclist’s Best Friend
After a morning of navigating through coffee farms and cobblestone streets, nothing beats the elegant simplicity of the menu del día. This multi-course lunchtime feast is a staple of Antioquian dining. For the price of a couple of inner tubes, you’ll get a soup or salad, a main dish (usually with rice, beans, plantains, and your choice of protein), a fresh juice, and sometimes even dessert.
The best part? No matter where you stop—be it a bustling Medellín eatery or a hidden gem in a mountain pueblo—you’re guaranteed a hearty, satisfying meal. Plus, you’ll probably end up sitting next to a local who’ll want to know all about your ride.
Fresh Fruit Juices: Nature’s Energy Drink
Antioquia is a fruit lover’s paradise, and its juices are as vibrant as the region itself. Whether you’re cooling down after a sweaty ride or just looking for an excuse to take a break, a glass of fresh juice is the answer.
You’ll find flavors you didn’t even know existed—lulo, guanábana, maracuyá (passionfruit), and zapote, just to name a few. These juices are so refreshing they might convince you to climb another hill. Or at least pretend you’re going to before lounging in the plaza for another round.
Buñuelos: Little Balls of Joy
Antioquia’s love affair with snacks reaches its peak with buñuelos. These golden, deep-fried balls of corn and yucca flour and a little bit of cheese are like little bursts of happiness in your mouth. They’re light enough to justify eating three but satisfying enough to keep you going for hours.
Perfect for a quick break, they pair beautifully with Antioquia’s real pride and joy: coffee.
Coffee: Liquid Courage for the Climb
Antioquia is in the heart of Colombia’s coffee-growing region, and trust me, you’ll want to sample the local brew. Smooth, aromatic, and packed with subtle flavors, it’s the kind of coffee that will make you wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
Whether you’re sipping a cup on a tranquil coffee farm or getting serious with a macchiato at a hip cafe, every sip is a reminder that caffeine is a cyclist’s best friend. (Well, maybe second to the Bandeja Paisa.)
Why Antioquian Food is the Ultimate Ride Fuel
Antioquia’s cuisine is as bold as its landscapes. From hearty meals that prepare you for the day’s adventures to sweet treats and refreshing juices that keep you going, every bite tells a story of tradition, hospitality, and a love of flavor.
So, whether you’re tackling the dirt roads around Jericó, cruising through the streets of Jardín, or just recovering from a hard day’s ride, one thing is clear: you’ll never go hungry in Antioquia. Just be prepared—like the climbs, the portions are no joke. But hey, you didn’t come here to take it easy, right?
