Living in the US does not mean you cannot experience other countries cuisines. You can start your exploration by trying out food from different countries. Colombia has a good food market representation globally, especially in the US.
Therefore, it is not difficult to find good Colombian food in the street of Queens, NY. Most restaurants are owned by Colombians, which means you can expect to experience what Indigenous Colombian food tastes like.
With their food, you can reflect on the country’s diversity, including the different geographies, social cultures, and flavors that vary from one part to another.
The most common Colombian foods in Queens
Most of Colombian dishes are full of flavors and flair. They draw their inspiration from many parts of the world, mainly Africa and Spain. Colombian food in Queens is no different, and here are the top-rated ones.
Empanadas
Empanadas are very common in Colombia. The flavors also depend on the region, which reflects the different varieties you can get from restaurants across Queens.
The filling used on empanadas varies from meat, vegetables, chicken, and rice. Some chefs also use potatoes, cheese, and mushrooms, meaning that both meat lovers and vegans can freely enjoy their empanadas.
In a restaurant, you can get an order of empanadas with a slice of lemon or with aji Picante sauce, which consists of fresh coriander, chopped tomatoes, and mildly spicy chili.
In Queens, you can get empanadas from resturants of local street food vendors. Empanadas café, the Empanada Spot, El Palacio de Las Empanadas are excellent spots for true Colombian empanadas.
Arepa
Arepas are arguably the most common dish in Colombia. You can find them in every corner of the country. That is why they are also among the most famous Colombian food to travel outside the country’s borders.
Additionally, arepas are common because they are full-course meals. You can have them as appetizers, dinners, side dishes, or snacks. For breakfast, arepas are also an excellent go-to dish if you want something hearty.
You can find good quality arepas in Colombian restaurants across Queens or from street food stalls on the streets. They vary in flavor, color, and taste, depending on where the chef comes from. Some make arepas with sweet corn flour (arepa-de-chocolo).
In some places, you can find arepas served with minced and seasoned pork sausages (chorizo con arepa). Arepas could also be dough filled with eggs, then fried in hot oil (Arepa de Heuvo).
In Queens, you can enjoy your serving of Arepas from Que Arepa, Arepa Lady, Arepas To Go and Mis Tierras Colombianas.
Picada
If you enjoy fried food, then a Colombian picada is what you need. The dish includes patacones, arepas, cassava, morcilla, pork, Colombian potatoes, sausages, and chicharron. Some recipes include beef, chicken, and plantain.
All these ingredients are fried, which makes them full of cholesterol. You can order the dish for your party.
In Queens, you can get your Colombian picada from Arepa Lady, J & C delicias, Super Pollo, La Pequena Colombia or La Vecina.
Bandeja Paiso
Bandeja paiso is the most represantitive dish of Colombia. Usually, it is served in a tray, meaning the quantity is generous. The ingredients are also diverse, giving you the truth of the Antioquia gastronomy.
A bandeja paiso serving comprises red beans, Colombian sausages, ground beef, fried pork rind (chicharron), arepa, a slice of avocado, rice, plantain, and a fried egg on top. You can also get a variety with morcilla.
La Paquena Colombia, La Ruana Paisa Bar Restaurant, Los Arrieros and Bogota Latin Bistro are among the most famous places you can find an authentic serviing of bandeja paiso.
Arroz con coco
Colombian coconut rice is another delicacy straight out of Colombia. The recipe uses coconut milk without any stabilizers, long or medium-grained rice, sugar, kosher salt, water, and raisins. The dish is commonly served with fish.
Despite Arroz con coco being coconut rice, it is not cooked in coconut milk. Instead, chefs start by reducing the milk to coconut oil and solids. The oil then fries the solids to create a sweet, toasty coconut flavor in the rice.
In Queens, you can enjoy delicious and savoury arroz con coco at Raices Colombianas, El Fogon Costeno, La Choza Del Gordo or La Pequena Colombia.
Ajiaco
You cannot complete your Colombian food experience without eating ajiaco, or what you may know as potato and chicken soup. The dish uses Colombian ingredients, which include 3 types of potatoes, cream milk, corn kernels, and capers.
The servings are generous. In a bowl, you get to enjoy 3 types of potatoes. There are hard, white, and thinly sliced potatoes. Another type is the soft potato which thickens the soup and gives it its signature texture. Finally, there are yellow potatoes that add to the dish’s taste.
Most restaurants will serve the ajiaco alongside rice, with avocado on the side.
If you are craving or want to try some authentic ajiaco, Bogota Latin Bistro, Pollos A La Brassa Mario, and La Vecina in Steinway Street are excellent places to start.
Final Thoughts
Colombia is full of diversity and heritage. This variation shows in their food, which sources many ingredients from the farms in the nation. Due to Colombia’s flavorful, delicious, and intriguing recipes, the food became wildly popular in North America. Now, you need not travel far to enjoy a plate of savory, mouth-watering Colombian dishes. In Queens, a walk through the streets will lead you to one of the few Colombian restaurants in the area, and you can enjoy your share of Colombia while in New York.
