Traditional Colombian Breakfast

Traditional Colombian Breakfast

They say breakfast is the most important meal, and that is especially true in Colombia! Colombians start their day with a hearty breakfast shared among friends and family, and breakfast is more than just a start-of-the-day meal; it is a time to congregate, connect, and be among loved ones. The day starts with a bold tinto and features yummy favorites like arepas, tamales, aguapanelas and many more. Look at some of our favorite Colombian breakfast recipes below and try a traditional approach to your day’s first meal! 

A South American favorite, arepas are flatbreads made with cornmeal or maize. Colombian arepas come with a delicious twist – Colombians stuff them with cheese for a bolder flavor! Easy to make, so try them at home!

Scrambled eggs! Popular almost everywhere, the Colombian version features tomatoes, onions, and spices for maximum flavor. Start scrambling! 

Tinto is Traditional Colombian Black Coffee, and it is an integral part of the daily routine for many Colombians.

A classic, refreshing drink made from sugarcane, aguapanela is a solid Colombian staple and can be customized in any number of ways.

Another favorite across Latin America is tamales, which are popular in the US. They typically use corn husks as wrappers, but Colombian tamales are distinctively wrapped in banana leaves. Find some banana leaves and start filling these delicious pockets of goodness. 

Calentado literally means “heated” – it’s the Colombian version of reheated leftovers. This satisfying breakfast typically combines rice, beans, eggs and whatever remains from yesterday’s meals. Try this calentado recipe and reheat what’s sitting in your fridge!