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UG

Ulrich Gall

408 discoveries

A Taste of the Antioquian Countryside

While this breakfast menu looks familiar in its layout, it offers a window into the hearty culinary identity of the Antioquia region, where breakfast is traditionally the most substantial meal of the day to fuel hard work in the mountains. The standout item here is the "Desayuno Campesino," or Country Breakfast. It features "Calentao," a beloved Colombian staple that literally means "heated up." Historically, this was a way to make sure no food went to waste by frying up last night’s beans and rice together the next morning. In this region, it is elevated with "hogao," a savory, slow-cooked Creole sauce made of tomatoes and green onions that forms the flavor base of almost all Colombian cooking. You might notice the prominent mention of the "Arepa de Chócolo." While many Westerners are familiar with the standard white corn arepa, the "chócolo" version is made from tender, sweet yellow corn. It has a much softer, almost pancake-like texture and a natural sweetness that creates a perfect contrast when stuffed with salty, melted mozzarella cheese. Another local specialty listed is "Quesito," a fresh, pressed curd cheese that is very soft and mild, often served in a thick slice alongside eggs. If the prices seem startling at first glance—such as 29,000 for a breakfast—it is important to remember that these are in Colombian Pesos (COP). In this context, that price is quite reasonable for a hearty meal including a drink. Speaking of drinks, the menu notes that all breakfasts come with a choice of "Café" or "Chocolate." In Colombia, hot chocolate is a breakfast cornerstone often prepared with water or milk and, traditionally, a piece of salty cheese is dropped into the mug to melt at the bottom. The "aliños" mentioned under the scrambled eggs refer to a seasoning mix of finely chopped vegetables, typically onions and peppers, which adds a savory depth to the dish.