Translated by Andrés Martínez Forero
'Bogotá, My City, My Home' epitomizes multiculturalism and showcases a wide variety of culinary delights. Treat your taste buds to traditional dishes that embody Colombia’s rich flavors, as well as international cuisine. Discover the top five restaurants in the city according to Colombian chef Álvaro Clavijo.
Check out: Tourism in Bogotá, My City: Discover the Centro Internacional
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The Mayor's Office of Bogotá and the Bogotá Tourism Institute encourage both locals and visitors from across Colombia and around the world to explore the city as it ascends to become one of the top tourist destinations in Latin America and globally. ‘Bogotá, My City, My Home’ stands out as a vibrant center for gastronomy, culture, and entertainment.
Chef Álvaro Clavijo, the talent behind the acclaimed restaurant El Chato, shared his insights with BBC Mundo in London on the culinary offerings of 'Bogotá, My City, My Home'. He spotlights the capital of Colombia as a key location for innovative cuisine, offering a unique gastronomic experience led by young chefs and great masters.
“Bogotá is the culinary jewel of Colombia, gathering flavors from across the country: from arepas with cheese to barbecues from the Eastern Plains, seafood from the coasts, and riverine treasures from the Amazon. The city is also the epicenter of Colombia's most experimental cuisine,” stated Chef Clavijo.
Explore insights from this Colombian chef on Bogotá’s gastronomy via the District Tourism Institute (IDT) on their Instagram account:
For those seeking a true culinary adventure, Clavijo recommends the top five restaurants in our beautiful city:
Restaurante Tolú or Mamá Luz
Located at La Perseverancia City Market Square, in the Macarena sector at 30A Street # 4A-06, Restaurante Tolú or Mamá Luz is praised by Chef Clavijo for its traditional dishes from the Colombian Caribbean coast and other Andean regions. Highlights include shrimp ceviche, goat stew, and ajiaco.
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Restaurante Mini-Mal
Another culinary highlight is Mini-Mal, located at Transversal 4 Bis # 56a-52, Chapinero. This restaurant stands out for its focus on Colombian traditions, offering dishes that blend local ingredients with contemporary techniques. Specialties include ‘dog’s ear’ arepas and beef stew with tucupí, an Amazonian sauce.
Restaurante Prudencia
Another notable gastronomic spot recommended by Chef Clavijo is Restaurante Prudencia, situated in La Candelaria at Carrera 2a # 11-34. This place offers a seven-course menu that rotates or changes each month. Prudencia is located in one of the city center's most traditional mansions, specializing in national and international dishes prepared with wood-fired and rustic techniques.
Las Margaritas and Empanaditas de Pipián
Clavijo also recognizes the culinary potential of empanadas in the city. He recommends Empanaditas de Pipián, with several locations around the city, and Las Margaritas in Chapinero. Both kitchens specialize in finely-made corn dough empanadas filled with pipián or crispy dough with rice and shredded beef.
Also read: Bogotá's El Dorado Airport Ranked as the Best Connected LATAM and Global Top 20
Restaurante Açaí
Located at Carrera 24 # 22-23, Restaurante Açaí specializes in Amazonian cuisine. Chef Clavijo highlights its dishes and recipes featuring exotic ingredients like pirarucú and piranha fillet. This spot offers a deep dive into the riches of the Amazon in Bogotá.
Discover more in the following video, featuring some of the city’s most iconic places, its foods, cultural activities, attractions, and natural landscapes. Situated at 2,600 meters above sea level, get a taste of our city and make plans to visit 'Bogotá, My City, My Home':
