Drinks & Fried Food from Valle del Cauca

In Valle del Cauca, beverages and fried snacks are an essential part of daily life and celebrations. Traditional refreshments such as lulada, champús, and guarapo are enjoyed on hot days, while fried favorites like empanadas vallunas, aborrajados, and marranitas delight with their crunchy, authentic flavors. These recipes reflect the region’s culinary creativity, full of color, tradition, and taste.

Drinks

Lulada

Refreshing drink made with mashed lulo fruit, sugar, crushed ice, and sometimes a squeeze of lime. Very popular in Cali, perfect for the region’s warm weather.

Champús

Thick and festive drink made with corn, pineapple, lulo fruit, panela (cane sugar), and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Served cold and typical during celebrations and fairs.

Guarapo

Fresh juice extracted from sugarcane, served cold. In some areas, it is left to ferment, becoming a slightly alcoholic drink.

Masato de Arroz

Sweet, fermented drink made with rice, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Smooth and slightly tangy, very traditional in parties and gatherings.

Cholao

Cholao is one of the most iconic drinks from Cali and Valle del Cauca. It is made with crushed ice, fresh fruits (pineapple, banana, strawberry, papaya, grapes, among others), flavored syrup, condensed milk, and sometimes gummies or cherries on top. Refreshing, colorful, and very popular at parks and fairs.

Refajo

Refajo is a traditional drink at family gatherings and celebrations. It is a mix of beer with sweet soda (commonly Colombiana or Kola). Its smooth and refreshing taste makes it the perfect companion for barbecues and typical dishes.

Fried Food

Empanadas

Small corn dough empanadas stuffed with potato and beef or chicken, deep-fried until crispy. Served with homemade chili sauce, the perfect pairing.

Aborrajados

Ripe plantain stuffed with cheese, coated in a flour and egg batter, and fried until golden. The sweet and salty contrast makes them irresistible.

Marranitas

Fried green plantain balls stuffed with crispy pork belly. Crunchy on the outside and juicy inside, an icon of Valle’s street food.

Papa Rellena

Stuffed potato ball filled with ground beef, rice, and spices, then breaded and deep-fried until golden. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, very popular as street food.

Carimañola

Cassava dough stuffed with ground beef or chicken, deep-fried until crispy. Very popular as a breakfast or snack in Valle.

Papa Aborrajada

Papa aborrajada is a traditional fried snack from Valle del Cauca. It is made with cooked potatoes, cut into slices or left whole, then coated in a flour, egg, and seasoning batter before being deep-fried until golden and crispy.

Bofe

Bofe is made from beef lungs. They are first boiled to soften, then cut into pieces and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside. It is usually served with fried cassava, plantain, and homemade chili sauce.

Chorizo

Chorizo valluno is a traditional sausage made with pork, fat, garlic, onion, cumin, and other seasonings that give it a rich flavor. It is grilled or fried, resulting in a juicy inside and crispy outside. Commonly served with white arepa, fried cassava or salted potatoes.