Colombia
Corn, said to originate in the Andes, is indispensable to Colombian food. Its history predates Columbus: indigenous peoples regarded it as a gift from the gods and used it in many beloved dishes. Our Colombian breakfast plate at TASTE THE WORLD features a tamal, corn dough filled with meat and vegetables, wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed; changua, a milk, egg and cilantro soup; arepa corn bread; and salsa hogao, made with tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices. We also offered fried yuca, merengón meringue dessert, hot chocolate with fresh cheese, and juice made from coffee-fruit pulp, along with other Colombian sides, desserts and drinks.
Colombia is a gateway to Latin America. In Japan, it is often associated with coffee and lively music, but it also offers beautiful Caribbean shores, the natural beauty of the Andes and cities that continue to grow as travel destinations. People with roots in many parts of the world live together here, creating a country rich in ethnic and cultural diversity.
With thanks to
Embassy of Colombia in Japan