Introduction

Located in the central-eastern region of Colombia, Boyacá is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. However, for vegetarians and vegans, exploring the local food scene can be a bit daunting. With a strong focus on meat and dairy, many may wonder if there are any options for them in Boyacá’s traditional dishes. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the nuances of Boyacá’s cuisine and explore the vegetarian and vegan options available in this beautiful region of Colombia.

What is Boyacá’s cuisine known for?

Before we discuss vegetarian and vegan options, let’s first understand the essence of Boyacá’s cuisine. This region is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, influenced by its indigenous, Spanish, and African roots. Meat, potatoes, corn, and dairy are staples in the traditional dishes, and many of them are slow-cooked and served in large portions.

Vegetarian and vegan options in Boyacá’s cuisine

While meat and dairy are prominent in Boyacá’s cuisine, there are still plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans to enjoy. Here are some dishes to look out for:

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is a popular soup in Boyacá, made with chicken, corn, potatoes, and herbs. However, vegetarians can opt for a meatless version with vegetables and vegetable broth. The soup is typically topped with avocado, capers, and cream, but these can be omitted for a vegan option.

Vegetable and bean stews

Stews are a staple in Boyacá’s cuisine, and many of them can be made vegetarian by substituting meat with beans or vegetables. Look out for stews like cocido boyacense or olla de carne, which can be made without meat for vegetarians.

Arepas

Arepas are a popular dish in Colombia, and in Boyacá, they are often made with corn and cheese. However, there are also versions without cheese, making them suitable for vegetarians. For a vegan option, ask for the arepa sin queso (without cheese).

Patacones

Patacones are fried plantains that are a common side dish in Boyacá. They are typically served with meat, but vegetarians can enjoy them on their own or with a vegetarian topping like guacamole or pico de gallo.

Exploring vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Boyacá

If you’re looking for more variety and options, there are also vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Boyacá. Here are some places to check out:

La Huerta – Restaurante Vegetariano

Located in Tunja, La Huerta is a popular restaurant that serves delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. They use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients and have a wide range of options on their menu, including soups, salads, and main dishes.

El Hada Verde

El Hada Verde is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Villa de Leyva, offering a variety of dishes inspired by different cuisines, including Asian and Mediterranean. They also have a selection of fresh juices and smoothies.

El Papelón

In the town of Sogamoso, El Papelón is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that serves traditional Colombian dishes with a vegetarian twist. They have a set menu with a different dish every day, and they also offer a vegetarian version of their popular ajiaco soup.

Other ways people asked this question

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  • What are the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Boyacá?
  • Is it possible to follow a plant-based diet in Boyacá?