Colombia has been recognized for its exceptional cuisine by the renowned magazine National Geographic, earning a spot in its top five list of countries with the best food in the world. This achievement highlights the immense diversity and quality of Colombian gastronomy.
In an article titled “The World’s Best Culinary Destinations to Travel with Your Taste Buds,” Colombia stands proudly alongside culinary giants like Japan, Italy, and Spain. The article describes these destinations as “Spicy, flavorful, the product of the blending of diverse cultures, based on native ingredients… these are the best cuisines in the world to savor on any trip. All that’s left is to choose a flavor and buy a ticket.”
The top five countries with the best food in the world, according to National Geographic, are:
- Japan
- Argentina
- Peru
- Italy
- Colombia
What National Geographic Says About Colombian Food
National Geographic highlights 2024 as the year of Colombian gastronomy, emphasizing the country’s fertile land and diverse climate, which contribute to its rich culinary tapestry. The article describes Colombia as a culinary mosaic, where regional influences and migrations have shaped one of the most varied and flavorful cuisines in Latin America.
The magazine praises the abundance of native corn varieties, tropical and Amazonian fruits, freshwater and saltwater fish (including Amazonian species), coffee, cacao, bananas, cheeses, and more. It notes that “Everything here has a reason for being, and its roots lie deep in a history steeped in tradition.”
National Geographic goes beyond praising Colombian cuisine and also highlights some of the best places to experience it. The article features restaurants like Leo, led by Leo Espinosa (World’s Best Female Chef 2022) in Bogotá; El Chato by Álvaro Clavijo (Bogotá); Celele by Jaime Rodríguez (Cartagena de Indias); XO by Rob Pevitts, Mateo Ríos, and Sebastián Marín (Medellín); Oda by Jeferson García (Bogotá); Humo Negro by Jaime Torregrosa and Manuel Barbosa (Bogotá); Mesitas by Jennifer Rodríguez (Medellín); and Açaí by Andrew Arrieta (Bogotá).