Bogotá Reflections — Leslie On The Go

The Second Half of My Colombian Adventure

My second half in Bogota was truly a feast for the senses. From indulging in local delicacies to forming new friendships, every day presented an opportunity to explore and enjoy. The city’s vibrant culinary landscape welcomed me with open arms. Each meal was a revelation, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Colombian cuisine. Beyond the food, the connections I made with locals added a personal touch to my adventure, making my time in Bogota even more special. Every encounter, whether at a bustling market or a quiet café, enriched my understanding of the city and its people, turning routine days into unforgettable experiences.

National Pizza Day Treat

February 9

Despite having a humble homemade lunch of lentils and rice, I decided to celebrate National Pizza Day U.S. style! The pizza in the building where I’m staying was delicious, and later the carrot cake (sin pasas, which means without raisins) and fancy coffee at a nearby cafe was the perfect sweet treat to end the meal.

A Day with New Friends

February 16

I had a fantastic day with some new Colombian friends I met while watching the Super Bowl. We started with lunch near the university-empanadas with quinoa and mint dipped in a sweet passion fruit sauce. A taste of Pablo’s plantain with cheese and tomato sauce and a few spoonfuls of bean soup made the meal even more delightful.

We spent several hours at the Museo del Oro, learning that it’s about much more than just gold. Afterward, we stopped for coffee and treats to cap off the day.

Budget-Friendly Eats

February 19

For approximately $3, I enjoyed a lovely lunch at a small restaurant just outside my building. Though I wasn’t sure what type of fish or sauce it was, everything tasted great. In Bogota, you sometimes just have to roll with it and that is what I did. It was so delicious, authentic, and plentiful.

Food Tour Fun

February 21
I was joined for a few days by another food fan, and we set out to taste as much as possible in a short period. First, Peruvian food for dinner after drinks and a stroll around beautiful Parque 93. The next day, we had our own mini self-created food tour that included Tolú, a stall featured on Netflix’s street food show and several of the stops on my official food tour earlier in my stay.

Everyday Moments and Culinary Experiments

Grocery Shopping

February 22
Some days are more mundane than others. On this day, it was time to stock up on groceries. I found a great store where they had all of the essentials and also an assortment of pre-made Colombian foods. I bought some very good tamales. I also bought ingredients to make a delicious vegetable soup as well as tropical fruit and some yogurt for breakfast.

Zona G Delights

February 23
I enjoyed a little break and took a walk to Zona G, known for its top-notch restaurants, which led to some helado (ice cream) and café. This zone within Chapinero is a must-visit for any foodie. There are so many wonderful restaurants to explore in this area of Bogotá.

Chocolate and Cheese

February 24
I gave Colombian hot chocolate with cheese a try. While the cheese cut the sweetness plus enhanced the chocolate flavor by adding a touch of salt, the non-melting cheese pieces were quite unusual. It wasn’t awful, but I think I’ll stick to keeping my hot chocolate and cheese separate from now on.

Originally published at https://leslieonthego.com.