Buenaventura, the primary Pacific seaport of Colombia, is a lively center of Afro-Colombian heritage. Home to over 400,000 residents, it's where Pacific rhythms blend with city life. Its key position has made it a crucial trade hub, managing a large portion of Colombia's international commerce.

Situated between thick mangrove forests and the vast Pacific, Buenaventura boasts varied landscapes and people. While the city faces some development issues, its rich culture and natural surroundings make it an interesting spot for adventurous visitors.

• Buenaventura's food combines Afro-Colombian and Pacific coastal influences
• Local cuisine reflects the city's cultural background and regional ingredients
• The city works to maintain its food traditions despite various obstacles

What's on the menu in Buenaventura

Buenaventura's food showcases its Afro-Colombian background and coastal setting. The local fare is a mix of exciting tastes, with fish and seafood as key ingredients.

A favorite dish is sancocho de pescado, a filling fish soup ideal for the area's frequent rainy days. It's full of local fish, plantains, yuca, and a mix of herbs that create a memorable flavor.

You should also sample arroz con coco, a coconut rice dish often served alongside main courses but tasty enough to enjoy alone. The mix of sweet and savory is hard to resist.

Seafood fans shouldn't miss the ceviche. The Buenaventura version usually has fresh shrimp or fish prepared in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and sometimes coconut milk. It's cool, tangy, and absolutely delicious.

Best spots to eat

To really experience Buenaventura's food culture, visit the José Hilario López market square. This busy market is being updated, but it remains the top place to try authentic local dishes.

Here are some places to check out:

• Café Pacifico: Great for traditional Colombian food with a Pacific twist
• Escuela Taller de Buenaventura Restaurant: Run by local culinary students, offering tasty meals at good prices
• Market stalls: Don't overlook the small food stands in the market - they often have the most genuine and affordable meals

Food on the go

Buenaventura has great street food options. As you walk around, look for these tasty snacks:

• Chontaduro: A small, orange fruit usually eaten with salt and honey
• Aborrajados: Fried plantains filled with cheese - crispy outside, gooey inside
• Empanadas: Pastries filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes, perfect for a quick bite

Pacific fruit selection

The Pacific region is known for its wide variety of fruits, many unique to the area. Try these:

• Borojó: A green fruit with a strong, earthy taste
• Naidí: Like açaí, this small purple fruit is rich in antioxidants
• Guayaba: A local guava variety with a special flavor

Local drinks to try

To go with your food, try some of these local drinks:

• Lulada: A cool drink made from lulo fruit, water, and sugar
• Jugo de chontaduro: A thick, creamy drink from chontaduro fruit
• Aguardiente: Colombia's national liquor, often enjoyed after meals

Cook like a local

Want to make a local dish? Here's an easy recipe for arroz con coco:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups rice
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a pot
2. Heat until boiling, then lower heat and simmer
3. Cook until rice is soft and the liquid is gone
4. Rest for 5 minutes, then stir with a fork

Food and local culture

In Buenaventura, food is central to daily life. The city became a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017, showing how important its food traditions are.

Many local recipes have African roots, brought by enslaved people during colonial times. Over time, these dishes changed, using local ingredients and methods to create something unique to Buenaventura.

Women are key in keeping these food traditions alive. Many of the city's best cooks learned from their mothers and grandmothers.

Food events and festivals

If you visit during a festival, you're in luck. The city hosts several food-related events each year:

• Cocinando Desde la Raíz (Cooking from our Roots) Festival
• Encounter of Traditional Cuisines of the South Pacific
• Carnival of Buenaventura

These events show off the best local food and are great ways to really experience the food culture.

Eating responsibly

Buenaventura's traditional food is naturally sustainable, using mostly local, seasonal ingredients. Many dishes use fish caught by local fishermen and vegetables grown nearby.

The city is also working to promote responsible fishing to protect its sea life. When eating out, try to choose restaurants that support these efforts.

More than just food

While food is a big attraction, Buenaventura has other things to offer. Take a break from eating to try:

• Whale watching (June to October)
• Mangrove forest tours
• Piangüita Beach
• La Bocana, a nearby fishing village

Advice for food tourists

1. Try new things - order dishes you've never heard of before
2. Learn some basic Spanish to help with menus
3. Carry cash - many small eateries don't take cards
4. Drink plenty of water - the tropical weather can be hot

FAQs

Is street food in Buenaventura safe to eat?

Usually, yes. Pick busy stalls where food sells quickly and locals are eating. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with small amounts and avoid raw foods.

Can I find vegetarian food in Buenaventura?

While seafood is common, vegetarian options exist. Arroz con coco, patacones (fried plantains), and many fruit dishes are naturally vegetarian. Just ask for "sin carne" (without meat) when ordering.

When should food lovers visit Buenaventura?

Any time works for good food, but visiting during a food festival will give you the fullest food experience. The weather stays pretty much the same all year, so that shouldn't affect your plans much.