Latest News

Monserrate with Christmas lights

Christmas in Colombia: Nine Nights of Novenas, a Thousand Lights

By The City Paper Staff - December 16, 2025

Christmas in Colombia does not arrive quietly. It announces itself early, with the scent of cinnamon and panela simmering in kitchens, the crackle of fireworks in neighborhood streets, and the steady murmur of voices gathering night after night for the novenas. Long before December 24, the country has already slipped into celebration, moving to a […]

Seeds of Memory: MAMU tributes Colombia’s Biodiversity and Food Sovereignty

By The City Paper Staff - April 22, 2025

The Banco de la República’s Semana de las Semillas (Seed Week), held April 21–26 at MAMU in Bogotá, highlights seed preservation as biocultural heritage. Events in Santa Marta, Quibdó, and Buenaventura celebrate ancestral food traditions, agroecological knowledge, and community resistance to industrial agriculture.

Cali’s iconic Pan de Bono takes top honors as World’s Best Bread

By The City Paper Staff - May 16, 2024

Cali’s Pan de Bono has been crowned as the World’s Best Bread, according to the Taste Atlas rankings, and elevating an iconic dough of Colombia’s culinary excellence to global audiences.

Nelson Freitas wins S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award 2023

By Richard Emblin - October 7, 2023

Portuguese chef Nelson Freitas captured the hearts of the Grand Jury, securing the prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy 2023 Award in Milan, Italy.

Caña Aguardientería: Savoring Colombia’s liquid legacy

By Richard Emblin - September 28, 2023

Bogotá has a new speakeasy and bar dedicated to artisanal, vintage and ancestral liquors, many crafted from sugarcane and the rich tapestry of the county’s liquid heritage.

Travel- Road Food

Touring the Colombian road with food on the go

By The City Paper Staff - August 26, 2023

If you’re leaving town and know your curves, then there are plenty of surprises to be had on the open road. Check cholesterol levels before planning a Colombian road trip.

Chef Alejandro Gutiérrez's "mambe tartlet" at Libre. Photo: Richard Emblin

Libre elevates Colombian gastronomy to art form and beyond

By Richard Emblin - May 24, 2023

Bogotá’s Libre restores faith in Colombian gastronomy, and this is truly liberating. The experimental venue of Chef Alejandro Gutiérrez, the restaurant is a newcomer to the capital’s lauded culinary scene.

The end of Colombia’s Dijon age

By The City Paper Staff - May 8, 2023

France’s Dijon mustard has disappeared from supermarket shelves across Colombia after a resolution by the Ministry of Health to limit the sale of “ultra-processed” foods.

The Almojábana’s journey from Caliphate to Colombia

By Claudia Mahedy - October 27, 2022

One of Colombia’s most favorite sweet breads, enjoyed any time of day, is the almojábana, and food that can trace its history to the moorish kitchen.

The stone portal of El Portico.

El Portico: A half century of Colombian countryside dining

By Richard Emblin - October 25, 2022

During its 46 years, El Portico’s village setting has grown to become a landmark of traditional cooking.

Mexico’s Erick Bautista takes S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy regional finals

By The City Paper Staff - September 22, 2022

After rounds of competition and showcasing regional dishes from across Latin America, San Pellegrino awarded Mexico’s Erick Bautista its Young Chef Academy award .

Leonor Espinosa named World’s Best Female Chef 2022

By The City Paper Staff - May 17, 2022

One of Colombia’s most celebrated culinary figures and owner of Leo restaurant in Bogotá, Leonor Espinosa, achieved the prestigious title voted on by experts as World’s Best Female Chef 2022.

Refugees showcase Latin American recipes in new cookbook by UNHCR

By The City Paper Staff - February 4, 2022

The UN Refugee agency has released a new cookbook with recipes by migrants and refugees across Latin America, and showcase of authentic dishes.

More than a three potato soup: Ajiaco is a festive dish in Colombian households.

Ajiaco: A classic Colombian soup for all seasons

By Taylor Lennox - December 20, 2021

More than a bowl of carbs, Ajiaco plays a starring role in Bogotá’s gastronomy line-up and soup served for all seasons, even Navidad.

Bien-Estar Yo!: Health and wellness festival comes to Bogotá’s 93 Park

By The City Paper Staff - August 6, 2019

Looking for solutions to deal with the stressful Bogotá lifestyle? During two days (August 10- 11), Bogotá’s Parque 93 will host the first health and wellness festival – Bien-Estar Yo!

Colombian Easter: Sizing up your fish

By Amanda Pryce - March 27, 2018

Fish is the most celebrated meal in Colombia during Easter. As fish stocks become depleted, know which species can be eaten and the importance of size.