What Food To Try in Bucaramanga and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Bucaramanga for 2024.
National currency: Colombian Peso, symbol — (international currency code COP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Bucaramanga cafes and restaurants
$2.9
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.52
$15
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $11.98
$4.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.31
What to Try in Bucaramanga
Must-try Dishes
Arepas de Huevo - Egg Arepas (fried goodness) - These arepas are stuffed with a whole egg and then deep-fried until crispy on the outside and warm on the inside. You can often find them being devoured for breakfast in street stalls around Bucaramanga, usually paired with a hot sauce for a spicy kick.Bocadillo de Tocineta - Bacon Sandwich (savory street food) - A delicious sandwich filled with crispy bacon and served in a soft bun, often drizzled with avocado sauce. Locals love grabbing this street food while on the go, and it’s common to see friends enjoying them at food carts after a night out.
Cabrito - Goat (tender delicacy) - This slow-cooked goat dish is fall-off-the-bone tender, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices. It’s a family favorite at lunch on Sundays; many will gather to celebrate and enjoy it together.
Changua - Breakfast Soup (herbal delight) - A warm soup of milk, eggs, and green onions, often served with day-old bread to soak up the flavors. This hearty breakfast is popular among locals, especially on chilly mornings, and is often accompanied by a festive chat over the first meal of the day.
Bandeja Paisa - Paisa Platter (hearty mix) - A hefty plate boasting rice, beans, pork belly, chorizo, plantains, avocado, and a fried egg. It’s often enjoyed as a dinner treat and is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience to share with friends or family.
Lechona - Stuffed Pig (celebration dish) - This mouthwatering dish features a whole pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices, slow-roasted until the skin is crispy. It's common at festive gatherings, and by the way, it’s typically served during family celebrations or holidays — worth planning your visit around.
Posta Cartagenera - Beef Brisket (savory staple) - A tender cut of beef braised in a rich sauce made with tomatoes and spices, served with rice and fried plantains. It's commonly enjoyed during lunch hours, and don’t be surprised if you find locals ordering extra rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Rocío - Seasonal Fish (catch of the day) - Freshly caught fish prepared with a blend of herbs and spices, often grilled or fried. Locals usually enjoy it during fishing seasons, and there's something special about sharing it right off the grill at the seaside during a sunny afternoon.
Desserts & Drinks
Agua de Panela - Agua de Panela (sweet sugarcane drink) - This refreshing drink is made from panela (unrefined cane sugar) dissolved in water, often spiced with lime or orange zest. You’ll find locals enjoying it in the hot afternoon sun, especially at family gatherings and on weekends. By the way, it's a common mistake to assume it’s just sugar water; the panela gives it a unique caramel flavor.Chocolate Santafereño - Chocolate Santafereño (hot chocolate) - A rich hot chocolate made with milk, dark chocolate, and sometimes spices like cinnamon, served with cheese or arepas for dipping. It's typically enjoyed in the morning or during chilly evenings, especially in the cooler months. Locals often chat over this drink at home, making for a cozy atmosphere, so don't forget to pair it with a slice of cheese!
Vino de Coco - Vino de Coco (coconut wine) - This fermented drink comes from the sap of coconut palms, offering a sweet yet tangy taste. It's commonly found at local fiestas or festivities, where it's served fresh from the coconut shell, creating a unique festive experience. Just be cautious, as it can sneak up on you; it’s deceptive how easy it is to drink!
Bocadillo - Bocadillo (guava paste dessert) - A chewy treat made from guava paste and sugar, often accompanied by a slice of cheese for that perfect sweet-salty combo. It’s a favorite during outdoor markets or as a midday snack, and it’s typically found wrapped in pretty paper, making it a delightful gift too. You might be surprised by how addictive it is—one bite and you’ll want another!
Mora con Leche - Mora con Leche (blackberry milk dessert) - A chilled dessert made with fresh blackberries blended with milk and sugar, served ice-cold. This is especially popular during hot days and seen frequently in street stalls; locals love to enjoy it while lounging in the plaza. It’s a perfect treat on a warm day, but watch out—it can get pretty messy with all those juicy bites!
Food and Groceries in Bucaramanga
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.6 |
| Bananas | $0.52 |
| Oranges | $0.46 |
| Potatoes | $0.37 |
| Apples | $1.17 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.67 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.72 |
| Imported Beer | $1.17 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.99 |
| Milk 1L | $0.84 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $5.2 |
| Chicken | $3.62 |
| Cigarettes | $2.16 |
| Rice | $0.89 |
| Local Cheese | $2.6 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Strolling through Bucaramanga during lunch hour reveals a vivid tapestry of communal dining. Small eateries, known as "fondas," spill onto sidewalks, filled with locals savoring typical dishes like arepas and bandeja paisa. Lunchtime here kicks off around 12:30 PM and can stretch out until 2:30 PM. It's the best time to relish a hearty meal, as the bustle of the office crowd adds a lively atmosphere to these dining spots.
In terms of pricing, a typical meal at these fondas can range from $8,000 to $20,000 COP, depending on the dish and location. In contrast, fancier restaurants in areas like Cabecera might charge anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000 COP for similar meals, but the experience and ambiance can be quite different. I once paid $15,000 COP for a filling lunch of sancocho in one of the fondas, while a comparable dish in a designed dining area cost me $45,000 COP.
One quirk I’ve noticed is how locals tend to pay in cash; many smaller establishments don’t accept cards, keeping service quick and efficient. However, in more upscale areas, using a card is common. Cash payments are straightforward but come with a typical habit of rounding up. Tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving an extra $2,000 COP is a nice gesture.
On weekends, especially Sunday after church, families flock to the city’s popular dining areas in neighborhoods like La Provincia and Parque San Pío. Expect long waits if you're there post 1 PM. For dinner, locals often eat quite late, around 8 PM or 9 PM, making for a lively night atmosphere, particularly near bars and restaurants that serve food.
One local custom to be mindful of is ordering in a group—many fondas will serve meals intended to share, which can be both delicious and very communal. However, a common tourist mistake is overlooking the smaller, tucked-away eateries in favor of only larger, well-known restaurants.
Considering the changing landscape of Bucaramanga, new dining trends are emerging, with younger locals increasingly embracing international cuisines while keeping our traditional norms intact. This shift is exciting and reflects an evolving food culture in the city, making it a fascinating place to explore culinary options that merge the old with the new.
In terms of pricing, a typical meal at these fondas can range from $8,000 to $20,000 COP, depending on the dish and location. In contrast, fancier restaurants in areas like Cabecera might charge anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000 COP for similar meals, but the experience and ambiance can be quite different. I once paid $15,000 COP for a filling lunch of sancocho in one of the fondas, while a comparable dish in a designed dining area cost me $45,000 COP.
One quirk I’ve noticed is how locals tend to pay in cash; many smaller establishments don’t accept cards, keeping service quick and efficient. However, in more upscale areas, using a card is common. Cash payments are straightforward but come with a typical habit of rounding up. Tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving an extra $2,000 COP is a nice gesture.
On weekends, especially Sunday after church, families flock to the city’s popular dining areas in neighborhoods like La Provincia and Parque San Pío. Expect long waits if you're there post 1 PM. For dinner, locals often eat quite late, around 8 PM or 9 PM, making for a lively night atmosphere, particularly near bars and restaurants that serve food.
One local custom to be mindful of is ordering in a group—many fondas will serve meals intended to share, which can be both delicious and very communal. However, a common tourist mistake is overlooking the smaller, tucked-away eateries in favor of only larger, well-known restaurants.
Considering the changing landscape of Bucaramanga, new dining trends are emerging, with younger locals increasingly embracing international cuisines while keeping our traditional norms intact. This shift is exciting and reflects an evolving food culture in the city, making it a fascinating place to explore culinary options that merge the old with the new.