ECONOMICAL RESTAURANTS CALI COLOMBIA
Food Culture Is Alive and Well in Cali, Colombia
On a balmy night in Cali, the streets are abuzz with Caleños linking arms on their way out for dinner.
The food scene here has grown rapidly and there is no shortage of hotspots. It is not the first Colombian city to garner attention for its gastronomy, but the energy and edge set it apart. Cali is the salsa capital of the world and aided by the tropical heat and party vibe, makes for a memorable experience.
Known for its rich culture, vibrant music, delicious cuisine and when it comes to traditional food, Cali has a lot to offer, with a range of mouth-watering dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Colombian cuisine combines the Indigenous, African and Spanish traditions into a vast Creole gastronomy
Cali is Colombia’s most underrated city in that it provides an unfiltered raw, off-the-beaten-path experience of Colombia, yet you can get the five-star experience here so reasonably.
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Here now are some affordable restaurants in Cali where you can experience these and other fine dishes:
El Pargo Rojo
Carrera 9 # 2 – 09, Barrio San Antonio, Cali
San Antonio is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Cali offering a tremendous variety of cafés, hostels, restaurants and shops. Here you will find this remarkable restaurant which is absolutely excellent for its superb seafood and Pacific coast inspired dishes. With less than 20 seats, this is a great place to go for a super affordable meal. The menu consists entirely of seafood, prepared by women from the Pacific Coast. Do not be fooled by the primitive looks of the kitchen and the decor. These women can seriously cook and the food is delicious.
El Pargo Rojo is only open for lunch, but they make up for their limited hours by serving excellent lunch specials. For a very reasonable price, you receive fresh juice, soup and the choice of a main course from a revolving list of lunch specials. El Pargo Rojo does become very busy, so be sure to arrive if possible outside the optimal luncheon hours.
El Zaguan de San Antonio
Carrera 12 # 1-29, Cali
Located in the San Antonio neighborhood of Cali, it is well known for offering a good selection of Latin and Colombian dishes, with traditional recipes that reflect the authentic cuisine of the Valle del Cauca.
For those who enjoy dining al fresco, El Zaguan de San Antonio offers charming outdoor seating, providing a unique dining experience enclosed by delightful surroundings.
With a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, this makes it a perfect place to meet up with friends to enjoy a delicious meal. Service is good, ensuring that diners receive personalized and quality attention from the restaurant staff.
Zaguan de San Antonio’s signature dishes include atollado, a delicious local specialty rice and chicken dish. Also recommended are the yuca pie, marranitas and empanadas, which are tasty options for experiencing authentic Colombian food.
One of the great advantages of this restaurant is its location in the picturesque San Antonio barrio in Cali. Diners can enjoy a stroll through its historic streets before or after their meal, which adds charm to the dining experience.
El Zaguan de San Antonio offers an interesting selection of Latin and Colombian dishes in a delightful atmosphere at very reasonable prices.
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Restaurante Ringlete
Calle 15a Norte, # 9N-31, Granada, Cali
Located in the upmarket Granada barrio, Restaurante Ringlete is known for its fantastic Vallecaucano food. Established in 2003, they take pride in using traditional recipes passed down through the generations, honoring the legacy of their ancestors.
Ringlete celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Colombia’s Valle del Cauca region, with the menu featuring regional specialties, including marranitas, aborrajado and bofe. For main courses consider sancocho de cola, rabo encendido, chuleta caleña and sancocho de gallina, which is the house special.
Service is excellent and the atmosphere absolutely charming. For good food, at a very competitive price, this is the place to come and taste the great offerings in Cali.
Vegetariano El Buen Alimento Alquimia Vegetariana
Carrera 70 # 13 A 45, Bosoues Del Limonar, Cali
This restaurant is a great find and is located in the beautiful, hip and safe barrio of San Antonio. Quite a big restaurant with an extensive menu, serving good, fresh, healthy lunches. It opens early so you can enjoy the quiet, warm feeling before it gets too busy. The menu has all the classics and there are plenty of vegan options too, so you will not be missing out on anything. This excellent vegetarian restaurant is perfect for anyone who wants to try something different.
Vegetariano El Buen Alimento offers a delightful dining experience with good flavors, generous portions and a pleasant atmosphere. The menu del día (menu of the day) is outstanding for its value and quality, highlighting dishes like tofu nuggets with mushroom sauce and well-seasoned soups. Not only do they do the menu del día, but they also have hamburgers, pastas and other local specialties They make plenty of vegan options too, so non-vegetarians should also enjoy this place. The amazingly delicious smoothies are a standout.
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These are some of the more popular traditional foods from Cali
Chontaduro – Also known as Cachipay, this is a palm fruit that is typically served as a snack. It can be boiled or roasted and is usually served with salt, honey and lime juice.
Sancocho de Gallina – This is a hearty soup made with chicken, yuca (cassava), plantain, corn and other vegetables. It is usually served with rice and avocado and is a popular dish for special occasions.
Arroz Atollado – a rice dish that is cooked with chicken, pork, or beef and seasoned with spices, vegetables and cilantro. Plantains and avocado on the side compliment the flavors brilliantly.
Pandebono – a delicious cheese bread made with corn flour, cheese, eggs and butter. Absolutely perfect with coffee.
Aborrajado – a sweet plantain that is stuffed with cheese, battered and then fried. It is typically served as a light meal or dessert.
Champús – a refreshing drink made with maize, pineapple, lulo, cinnamon and cloves. It is typically served very cold and is perfect for hot summer days.
Lulada – a refreshing drink made from the lulo fruit, sugar and water. Served well chilled and is perfect for the tropical environment.
These are just a few examples of the delicious traditional foods that you can find in Cali. Whether you are a gourmet diner looking for a new culinary adventure, or just looking to experience the local culture, be sure to try some of these dishes during your visit to Cali.
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