How to Order Like a Pro at a Colombian Restaurant: No More Awkward Moments!

Colombian cuisine is rich, vibrant, and steeped in cultural tradition. Whether you’re dining at a Colombian restaurant for the first time or you’re a seasoned foodie exploring new tastes, knowing how to navigate the menu and dining customs can make your experience more enjoyable. From hearty arepas to fragrant bandeja paisa, Colombian restaurants offer a diverse menu that might feel overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with the cuisine. This guide will help you confidently order like a pro, ensuring your visit is delicious and culturally enriching.

Why Colombian Food Stands Out

Colombian cuisine is a delightful fusion of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, resulting in dishes that cater to a variety of palates. Its hallmark is the balance of flavors: savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy (but not overwhelmingly so). Staples like plantains, rice, beans, and meats are often complemented by tropical fruits and freshly made sauces, ensuring every dish offers something special.

Colombian meals are as much about community and tradition as they are about flavor. Sharing food with loved ones is a central part of the culture, and the cuisine reflects that warmth and conviviality. Understanding this cultural backdrop can elevate your dining experience and encourage you to savor not just the food, but also the atmosphere and camaraderie it fosters.

Step 1: Get Familiar with the Menu Basics

The first step to ordering like a pro is familiarizing yourself with common Colombian dishes. Here’s a quick guide to help you identify some staples:

Appetizers (Entradas)

• Empanadas: These savory pastries are typically filled with beef, chicken, or cheese and served with a side of ají (a tangy, spicy sauce).

• Pandebono: A classic cheese bread crafted from yuca flour, cherished in traditional cuisine. Perfect for starting your meal.

• Aborrajados: Fried plantains stuffed with cheese, sometimes with a touch of guava paste for sweetness.

Main Dishes (Platos Fuertes)

• Bandeja Paisa: Considered Colombia’s national dish, this hearty platter includes rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, fried pork rind, avocado, fried egg, and a sweet plantain.

• Sancocho: A savory stew made with chicken, beef, or fish, and packed with vegetables like yuca, plantain, and corn.

• Ajiaco: A comforting soup featuring shredded chicken, potatoes, corn, and guasca leaves, often served with capers and avocado.

Sides and Snacks (Acompañamientos y Pasabocas)

• Arepas: Versatile cornmeal cakes that can be prepared by grilling, baking, or frying.They may be served plain or stuffed with cheese or meats.

• Patacones: Fried green plantains often topped with cheese, guacamole, or shredded meat.

Drinks (Bebidas)

• Aguapanela: A refreshing drink made from unrefined cane sugar, often served with lemon.

• Colombian Coffee: Renowned worldwide, a must-try for coffee enthusiasts.

• Lulo Juice (Lulada): A tangy, tropical fruit juice that’s as vibrant as it is flavorful.

Desserts (Postres)

• Flan de Arequipa: A creamy caramel flan with a Colombian twist.

• Brevas con Arequipe: Figs stuffed with dulce de leche, offering a perfectly sweet finish to your meal.

• Obleas: Thin wafers sandwiched with arequipe, jams, or cheese.

Step 2: Understand Dining Etiquette

Dining at a Colombian restaurant is as much about respecting the culture as it is about enjoying the food. Here are a few tips to help you blend in effortlessly:

1. Take Your Time: Meals are meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Don’t rush; savor the experience.

2. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your server about unfamiliar dishes. Colombians take great pride in their cuisine and are always eager to share its story.
3. Share Dishes: Ordering multiple dishes to share is common and enhances the communal dining experience.

4. Pair with Drinks: Colombian meals are best enjoyed with traditional beverages like aguapanela or fruit juices.

Step 3: Master Key Phrases

Learning a few key Spanish phrases can greatly enhance your dining experience.Here are some basics:

• “¿Qué me recomienda?” (What do you recommend?)

• “¿Esto es picante?” (Is this spicy?)

• “Me gustaría probar algo tradicional.” (I’d like to try something traditional.)

• “Gracias, todo estuvo exquisito.” (Thank you, everything was exquisite.)
  Even if the restaurant staff speaks English, using a few Spanish words shows respect for the culture and often earns you a warm smile.

Step 4: Customize Your Order to Suit Your Preferences

If you’re new to Colombian food, start with versatile dishes like arepas or empanadas, which are universally loved. For adventurous eaters, dishes like sancocho or bandeja paisa provide a fuller taste of Colombian cuisine. Don’t forget to explore the dessert menuColombian sweets are unforgettable!

Step 5: Don’t Skip the Bakery Section

Be sure to visit the restaurant’s bakery if it has one it’s a must. Colombian bakeries offer a treasure trove of treats like buñuelos (cheese fritters), almojábanas (cheese bread), and milhojas (layered puff pastry with cream and Arequipa). These can be enjoyed as a post-meal indulgence or a snack to take home.

Why Choose Mecatos Bakery & Café

If you’re in Orlando and looking for an authentic Colombian dining experience at a Colombian restaurant, you’re in luck. Mecatos Bakery & Café stands out as a well-known Colombian bakery and café that captures the essence of traditional flavors. Their restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for enjoying a casual meal or indulging in Colombian treats.

Located conveniently in Orlando, the Mecatos Colonial Drive Orlando Menu features a wide array of authentic dishes, from hearty breakfasts to delightful desserts. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, Mecatos delivers an experience that feels like a warm embrace from Colombia itself.

By following these tips, you’ll not only avoid awkward moments at a Colombian restaurant but also deepen your appreciation for this vibrant cuisine. The next time you dine out, channel your inner foodie, order like a pro, and immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Colombia. Bon appétit or as Colombians say, ¡Buen provecho!