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What Food To Try in Barranquilla and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Barranquilla for 2024.

National currency: Colombian Peso, symbol — (international currency code COP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Barranquilla cafes and restaurants
$3.6 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.4
$19.2 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $16.78
$6 
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.99

What to Try in Barranquilla

Must-try Dishes
Arepas de Huevo - Egg Arepas (crispy and savory) - These arepas are deep-fried and stuffed with a whole egg, creating a deliciously crunchy outer layer. Locals often enjoy them for breakfast with a bit of ají sauce, usually from roadside stands.

Bandeja Paisa - Paisa Platter (hearty mixed plate) - A substantial dish featuring rice, beans, minced meat, chicharrón, plantains, and avocado, making for a filling meal. It's typically enjoyed for lunch in traditional eateries, with families sharing the large portions.

Patacones - Tostones (fried green plantains) - Thick slices of fried green plantains, smashed and fried again until crispy, usually served with a garlic sauce. Street vendors often sell them, and they’re perfect to snack on while strolling through the city.

Posta Negra - Black Beef (cooked in a sweet sauce) - This beef dish is marinated, slow-cooked, and coated in a unique sweet and slightly spicy sauce, served with rice and fried banana. Often found in family-run restaurants, it’s a meal that locals savor during special occasions.

Pescado Frito - Fried Fish (crispy whole fish) - Freshly caught fish fried until golden and typically served with coconut rice and salad, making for a satisfying dinner. Locals flock to seaside restaurants, especially on weekends to enjoy this dish while unwinding by the coast.

Buñuelos - Cheese Fritters (fried cheese balls) - These golden, lightly sweet cheese balls are crispy outside and soft inside, found at almost every family gathering during holidays. A common breakfast or snack, they’re best enjoyed piping hot from street vendors.

Yuca con Hogao - Yuca with Sauce (root vegetable dish) - Boiled yuca served with a rich hogao sauce made of tomatoes and onions, offering a comforting and filling vegetarian option. It’s popular during festive occasions, particularly in December, when it’s abundant and sharing is customary.

Desserts & Drinks
Agua de Panela - Agua de Panela (sweet drink) - This refreshing drink is made from panela (unrefined cane sugar) dissolved in hot water, often served with a slice of lime or lemon. Locals love to enjoy it during warm afternoons or when they're feeling under the weather, as it’s known for its soothing properties.

Arequipe - Arequipe (dulce de leche) - Creamy, caramel-like spread made from slowly cooked milk and sugar, typically enjoyed straight from the jar or as a layer in desserts. You’ll often find it at family gatherings or celebrations, and it pairs really well with breakfast pastries.

Club Colombia - Club Colombia (pale lager) - This smooth Colombian beer is made from malted barley and has a light citrusy flavor. It’s a favorite among locals when hanging out at a bar or during barbecues, especially on weekends—so be mindful of enjoying it during late afternoon when everyone is unwinding.

Postre de Natas - Postre de Natas (cream dessert) - A rich dessert made from layers of cream, sugar, and sometimes topped with aromatic cinnamon, served chilled. It’s a typical treat at family gatherings or special occasions, often bringing that nostalgic homemade touch to any celebration.

Raspao - Raspado (shaved ice) - This delightful cold dessert consists of finely shaved ice drizzled with fruity syrups, often topped with condensed milk. Street vendors sell it along the boardwalk, especially during hot summer days—just don’t forget to specify your favorite syrup or you might just get the default fruity mix!

Food and Groceries in Barranquilla

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $0.93
Bananas $1
Oranges $1.15
Potatoes $1.03
Apples $1.98
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.68
0.5L Local Beer $1.02
Imported Beer $1.48
Wine Rating >4.0 $7.79
Milk 1L $0.95

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $5.05
Chicken $3.54
Cigarettes $1.92
Rice $0.96
Local Cheese $4.12

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

The rhythm of Barranquilla's dining scene flows against the usual patterns, especially when it comes to lunch. Unlike the rushed lunchtime sprints you might find in cities like Bogotá or Medellín, here, folks really take their time to sit down and enjoy their comida. You’ll often see families gathering at noon, with long tables overflowing with fresh sancocho and arepas made to order, usually from around 12 PM to 2 PM. It’s like a daily fiesta that’s as much about connection as it is about eating.

When you think about dining prices, what 20,000 COP gets you in Barranquilla might surprise you. For that amount, I had a hearty lunch yesterday, featuring a generous serving of grilled tilapia, a side of coconut rice, and a big patacón that filled me up for the rest of the day! On the flip side, in swankier parts of the city, you could be looking at double that for a similar meal, though maybe with better plating (but does that really matter when you’re craving good food?). Neighborhoods like El Prado can be a bit pricier, while areas closer to the river serve up some great local finds at a fraction of the cost.

Oh, and before I forget, the payment customs here can catch newcomers off guard. You’ll notice many locals prefer to pay in cash—though lots of places have started accepting card payments, it’s always a good idea to have a little cash on hand (you don’t want to be that person fumbling at the counter). Tipping runs around 10%, especially if you’ve received exceptional service, but it’s not rigid; a little extra is always appreciated.

While dining, make sure to adapt to the local habit of sharing plates, which brings an element of community to every meal. That familiar feeling of camaraderie makes enjoying a meal with strangers feel like home. However, tourists often make the common mistake of not trying the planned street vendors. You’ll absolutely miss out if you stick exclusively to restaurants! Conveniently, the best times for street food are during the evening pre-dinner hours after 5 PM when vendors start assembling their stands.

With a little foray into the evening, some trends are emerging where younger locals are favoring fusion cuisines, creating a vibrant culinary scene that is both innovative and respectful of tradition. It’s a fascinating shift that’s not just about convenience but also about identity. And with new restaurants popping up in place of old favorites, it’s hard not to feel enthusiastic about where Barranquilla’s food culture is headed. Keep your eyes peeled and your appetite ready!