There are some dishes you remember long after the last spoonful. For me, ajiaco colombiano is one of them. I still remember sitting in Bogotá on a cool afternoon, watching steam rise from a clay bowl filled with shredded chicken, creamy potatoes, sweet corn, capers, fresh cream, and the unmistakable aroma of guascas. Every bite felt comforting without being heavy, and it instantly made me understand why locals consider it more than just soup—it’s a tradition served in a bowl.
If you’ve been searching for the best ajiaco colombiano near me, chances are you’re craving an authentic taste rather than just another chicken soup. A proper ajiaco balances three different potatoes, slow-cooked chicken, and herbs that create a flavor unlike anything else in Latin American cuisine.
Whether you’re planning a visit to a Colombian restaurant, hoping to cook it yourself, or simply curious about one of South America’s most beloved comfort foods, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you find, enjoy, and understand ajiaco colombiano better than ever.
World’s Best Restaurants for Ajiaco Colombiano
La Puerta Falsa
Ask almost any Bogotá resident where visitors should try authentic ajiaco, and La Puerta Falsa usually tops the list. Operating since the early 1800s near Plaza Bolívar, this historic restaurant has become part of Colombia’s culinary identity.
Its signature Ajiaco Santafereño is prepared using traditional Andean potatoes, fresh guascas, chicken, corn on the cob, cream, capers, and avocado served on the side. The recipe stays remarkably faithful to Bogotá’s heritage, making it one of the most respected versions in the country.
Walking into its cozy dining room feels like stepping into Colombian history, where recipes have been preserved across generations.
Andrés Carne de Res
Although internationally famous for grilled meats and its lively atmosphere, Andrés Carne de Res also serves an excellent version of ajiaco that attracts both locals and international travelers.
The soup is rich without becoming overly thick, allowing each ingredient to shine. The generous portions and vibrant surroundings make it a memorable introduction to Colombian comfort food.
Many visitors recommend pairing the soup with freshly made arepas before exploring the restaurant’s colorful dining rooms.
Leo
Chef Leonor Espinosa has helped introduce Colombian gastronomy to the global fine-dining scene. While Leo focuses on modern Colombian cuisine, seasonal interpretations inspired by traditional dishes—including ajiaco—showcase native ingredients with contemporary techniques.
Rather than changing the soul of the dish, the kitchen elevates local produce and regional herbs while respecting its origins.
Food lovers interested in Colombia’s evolving culinary scene often place Leo high on their dining itinerary.
El Cielo
Bringing Colombian fine dining to the United States, El Cielo presents classic flavors through creative tasting menus.
When ajiaco-inspired dishes appear, they reflect the same comforting flavors while embracing modern presentation. Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos is known for celebrating Colombian ingredients on an international stage.
It’s a wonderful choice for diners who appreciate innovation without losing authenticity.
Maize Blaze
London’s Colombian food scene has grown steadily, and Maize Blaze has introduced many first-time visitors to traditional Colombian flavors.
Its homemade soups rotate seasonally, and authentic Colombian classics regularly appear alongside arepas, empanadas, and grilled specialties. The emphasis on fresh ingredients gives diners a genuine taste of Colombia in the heart of London.
La Bonga
South American cuisine continues gaining popularity across Asia, and La Bonga has become one of Tokyo’s recognized destinations for Colombian food.
Its traditional recipes appeal to both Colombian expatriates and curious Japanese diners looking for authentic Latin American cooking. The restaurant pays close attention to imported spices and traditional preparation methods whenever possible.
For travelers exploring international food scenes, it’s an unexpected but rewarding stop.
Best Restaurants in the USA for Ajiaco Colombiano
Finding authentic Colombian food in America has become much easier over the past decade. These restaurants consistently receive praise from both Colombian communities and adventurous food lovers.
La Caleñita
Queens is one of New York City’s most diverse food destinations, and La Caleñita serves a comforting, home-style ajiaco that reminds many Colombian customers of family meals.
The broth develops deep flavor from hours of slow simmering, while generous portions make it ideal for sharing.
Tip: Visit during lunchtime when the soup is often freshly prepared.
Los Arrieros
Popular with both locals and tourists, Los Arrieros offers several traditional Colombian specialties, with ajiaco remaining one of its standout dishes.
The combination of tender chicken, potatoes, corn, avocado, cream, and capers closely follows Bogotá’s classic preparation.
If you’re visiting Orlando’s attractions, this restaurant provides a welcome change from typical theme park dining.
La Fonda Antioqueña
Miami has one of America’s strongest Colombian communities, and La Fonda Antioqueña reflects that heritage beautifully.
Its ajiaco is hearty, balanced, and made using authentic ingredients whenever available. Many regulars recommend ordering it alongside fresh arepas and natural tropical fruit juice.
Tip: Weekends are especially busy, so arriving before noon usually means shorter waiting times.
Mecatos Bakery & Cafe
Known primarily for Colombian pastries and coffee, Mecatos also serves traditional hot meals, including seasonal bowls of ajiaco at selected locations.
It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting authentic Colombian flavors in a casual setting without committing to a formal dinner.
In my experience, restaurants where Colombian families regularly gather often serve the most authentic versions. Listening to the conversations around you can be just as reassuring as reading the menu.
Best Places in the UK for Ajiaco Colombiano
While Colombian cuisine is still a niche in the UK compared to Mexican or Brazilian food, several restaurants have earned loyal followings for serving authentic dishes. If you’re craving a warm bowl of ajiaco, these spots are among the best places to start.
Maize Blaze
Located in central London, Maize Blaze has become a favorite for anyone looking to experience authentic Colombian street food and home-style cooking. While its menu features arepas, empanadas, and grilled meats, seasonal soups—including ajiaco—are prepared with traditional ingredients whenever available.
Visitors often praise the restaurant for its friendly service and authentic flavors. Online reviews typically place it around 4.5/5 across major review platforms.
Los Andes
Los Andes offers a wider South American menu, but its Colombian specialties attract regular customers. The kitchen focuses on generous portions, homemade broths, and classic recipes inspired by family cooking.
The ajiaco is served with avocado, cream, and capers on the side, allowing diners to customize every spoonful just as it’s commonly enjoyed in Bogotá.
La Bodeguita
This cozy Colombian restaurant is known for creating a welcoming atmosphere where many Colombian expatriates gather for familiar comfort food.
Alongside bandeja paisa and grilled meats, the restaurant occasionally features a rich, slow-cooked ajiaco prepared using imported Colombian herbs whenever possible. Ratings on Google are generally above 4.4/5, reflecting both food quality and warm hospitality.
El Rancho De Lalo
A long-standing favorite within London’s Latin American community, El Rancho De Lalo serves hearty Colombian classics that remind many diners of home. The kitchen keeps traditional recipes simple, letting fresh ingredients do the work.
Their soups are especially popular during colder months, making it an excellent stop for anyone looking for authentic Colombian comfort food.
Tip for UK readers: If you’re searching on Google Maps, use terms like “Colombian restaurant near me” or “Ajiaco Santafereño London.” Since not every restaurant lists ajiaco on its online menu year-round, checking recent customer photos or calling ahead can save you a trip.
What Is Ajiaco Colombiano?
Ajiaco colombiano is a traditional chicken and potato soup that originated in Bogotá and the surrounding Andean region. Although several Latin American countries have their own versions of ajiaco, the Colombian recipe is unique thanks to its combination of three types of potatoes and the aromatic herb guascas, which gives the soup its signature flavor.
Historically, the dish developed from Indigenous cooking traditions before evolving through Spanish influence. Today, it’s considered one of Colombia’s national comfort foods and is commonly enjoyed during family gatherings, holidays, or chilly mountain afternoons.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken (usually breast or bone-in pieces)
- Three varieties of potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, and small waxy potatoes are common substitutes outside Colombia)
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Guascas (traditional Colombian herb)
- Chicken stock
- Garlic
- Onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Heavy cream
- Capers
- Avocado
- Salt and black pepper
A high-quality ajiaco has a naturally creamy broth created by the potatoes breaking down during cooking—not by adding flour or excessive cream. The chicken should remain tender, and the guascas should provide an earthy aroma without overpowering the soup. Poor versions often skip the guascas altogether, resulting in a soup that tastes more like ordinary chicken stew than authentic ajiaco.
How to Make Ajiaco Colombiano at Home — Step by Step
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Serves: 6 people
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Wash and peel the potatoes. Slice two varieties into chunks while leaving the smallest potatoes whole if possible. Cut the corn into large sections and finely chop the onion and garlic.
Pro Tip: If you can find dried guascas online or in a Latin American grocery store, use them. They’re the ingredient that gives authentic ajiaco its unmistakable character.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
Place the chicken in a large pot with chicken stock, onion, garlic, and a little salt. Simmer gently for about 35–40 minutes until the chicken becomes tender.
Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks.
Step 3: Build the soup
Add the potatoes and corn to the broth. Let everything simmer for around 40 minutes.
As some potatoes soften and dissolve, they’ll naturally thicken the broth while the remaining potatoes keep their shape.
Step 4: Add the guascas
Stir in the guascas during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking.
Avoid adding them too early because prolonged cooking reduces their delicate herbal aroma.
Step 5: Return the chicken
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and simmer gently for another 10 minutes.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 6: Serve the traditional way
Ladle the soup into warm bowls.
Serve each bowl with:
- Fresh avocado slices
- Heavy cream
- Capers
- White rice on the side
- Crusty bread or Colombian arepas
Each diner can add cream and capers according to personal taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using only one type of potato. The different textures create the soup’s creamy consistency.
- Skipping guascas. Without them, the flavor won’t be authentically Colombian.
- Boiling too aggressively. Gentle simmering keeps the chicken tender and allows the potatoes to cook evenly.
In my experience, homemade ajiaco tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Many Colombian families intentionally prepare extra for leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ajiaco Colombiano
What is the difference between ajiaco colombiano and regular chicken soup?
Although both are made with chicken, ajiaco colombiano has a completely different flavor profile. It uses three kinds of potatoes, the traditional herb guascas, and is served with cream, capers, and avocado. Those ingredients give it a rich, layered taste that standard chicken soup simply doesn’t have.
Where can I find the best ajiaco colombiano near me?
Start by searching for highly rated Colombian restaurants on Google Maps or review sites. Read recent customer reviews, browse photos of the dishes, and check the menu for Ajiaco Santafereño. Restaurants with a strong Colombian customer base often prepare the most authentic versions.
Can I make authentic ajiaco colombiano without guascas?
You can still make a delicious chicken and potato soup, but it won’t taste like traditional ajiaco. Guascas are the defining herb of the dish, adding a subtle earthy flavor that can’t be fully replicated. Many Latin American grocery stores and online specialty food shops carry dried guascas.
What should I serve with ajiaco colombiano?
The traditional accompaniments are white rice, sliced avocado, heavy cream, and capers served on the side. Colombian arepas or crusty bread also pair beautifully with the soup, making it a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.
Is ajiaco colombiano healthy?
Yes, it can be part of a balanced diet. The soup is packed with lean chicken, potatoes, and corn, providing protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If you prefer a lighter version, simply use less cream while keeping the other ingredients the same.
What makes an authentic Colombian ajiaco so special?
Authenticity comes down to quality ingredients and patience. Slow-simmered chicken broth, three varieties of potatoes, fresh corn, and guascas create the signature flavor, while serving the soup with avocado, cream, and capers allows each person to customize every bowl. Food lovers who’ve tried both homemade and restaurant versions often agree that the best ajiaco tastes comforting, balanced, and deeply satisfying rather than overly thick or salty.
Conclusion
Ajiaco colombiano is much more than a bowl of soup—it’s a reflection of Colombia’s history, culture, and love for sharing meals with family and friends. From the historic kitchens of Bogotá to Colombian restaurants in New York, Miami, London, and beyond, this classic dish continues to win over diners with its comforting flavors and timeless appeal.
If you’ve been searching for the best ajiaco colombiano near me, look for restaurants that stay true to the traditional recipe with guascas, three types of potatoes, fresh corn, and the classic accompaniments of avocado, cream, and capers. Those small details make all the difference.
Of course, you don’t have to book a flight to enjoy it. With the step-by-step recipe in this guide, you can recreate an authentic bowl in your own kitchen and experience one of Colombia’s most cherished comfort foods.
So the next time you’re craving something warm, hearty, and full of tradition, give ajiaco colombiano a try. One spoonful might just inspire your next culinary adventure—and that’s a delicious journey worth taking.
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