What to Eat in San Andrés: 5 Typical Dishes You Must Try
San Andrés is a small Caribbean island with a unique Raizal culinary culture.
Here are the essential dishes and ingredients you must try, presented through simple questions every traveler asks.
Breadfruit
Breadfruit is the most iconic ingredient of San Andrés. Soft, starchy and slightly sweet, it’s served fried, boiled or as a side for fish dishes. A true Raizal staple you won’t find anywhere else in Colombia.
📍Where to try it: Las Delicias De Nora
Arepa with Beef
A crispy corn arepa filled with seasoned beef — simple, filling and one of the island’s most common breakfasts. Perfect to grab before heading to the beach.
📍Where to try it: La Cordobesa
Fried Red Snapper
Whole fried red snapper served with coconut rice, plantain, salad and breadfruit. It’s the classic San Andrés lunch: fresh and bursting with Caribbean flavor.
📍Where to try it: Las Delicias De Nora
Coconut
Coconut is everywhere on the island — coconut rice, coconut lemonade, coconut sweets and beach cocktails. Fresh, tasty and refreshing… though not as sweet as in Thailand.
📍Where to try it: Johnny Cay
Chocolo Arepa
Soft and slightly sweet, the chocolo arepa is delicious with melted cheese and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
📍Where to try it: El Rey de las Arepas
San Andrés offers a unique mix of Caribbean flavors, from fresh seafood to Raizal classics like breadfruit and chocolo arepas. If you want to discover more and get the exact locations of our favorite spots,
FAQs
What typical ingredient can be found only in San Andrés?
▼
Breadfruit is San Andrés’ most iconic and unique ingredient. Its soft, slightly sweet texture makes it a staple of Raizal cuisine. It’s used in fried dishes, side servings and many homemade recipes.
What do people usually eat for breakfast in San Andrés?
▼
The most common local breakfast is the arepa with beef. It’s affordable, delicious and very popular among island residents. You can easily find it in small street stalls and family cafés.
What is the most commonly eaten fish in San Andrés?
▼
The most popular and widely eaten fish in San Andrés is fried red snapper. It’s served whole, crispy, and accompanied by coconut rice and plantains—an essential dish for anyone seeking authentic island flavor.
Are the coconuts from San Andrés good?
▼
Yes, coconuts in San Andrés are fresh and flavorful, perfect for Caribbean desserts and drinks. However, many travelers note that while they are very good, Thailand still holds the number one spot for coconut sweetness and variety.
What is the best sweet treat to try in San Andrés?
▼
The chocolo arepa is the most recommended sweet snack. Soft and slightly sweet, it’s usually served warm with melted cheese. A beloved classic among locals and visitors alike.
