Taste of Colombia: Journey with Famous Colombian Chefs

Following graduation 2 years ago and a short professional detour into the corporate world, these two ambitious ladies changed course to follow their hearts and created the first Best Restaurants Guide Colombia: A true passion project that has taken over these ladies’ lives in the best possible way!

Collaborating with top food journalists and professional photographers, they took to the streets of Colombia to collect data on over 120 restaurants to participate in the first edition of the guidebook. Through a printed book, website and even a smartphone app, the guide captures the key features a consumer may look for when choosing a dining experience including menu options, WIFI, parking services, budget and more.

What type of research did you put into the development of the Guidebook?
Katherine & Sophia: The goal is for our readers to discover the incredible culinary experiences of Colombia. For us this meant finding passionate chefs, creative eating spaces and of course delicious fare. We weren’t simply looking the most famous restaurants but for unique experiences no matter what the budget.

With this in mind, we met individually with every restaurant owner and chef. We shared conversations and learned the personal stories behind the restaurants and food. Through these interactions, it became clear that Colombia was undergoing a cultural revolution and it’s culinary scene revealed insights to this transformation.

Can you explain more about the culinary changes of Colombia?
Katherine & Sophia: In the past, restaurants typically served simple menus with basic ingredients. Then about 10 years ago following new opportunities to study abroad, many Colombians returned home to introduce international dishes including Italian, Japanese sushi and French cuisine. However more recently, it is becoming very clear that Colombians are no longer imitating the successes of others but finding their own culinary identity focusing on fresh ingredients and the tasting experience.

This is such a special time for Colombia and we are so proud to be a part of this movement. We want to use this Guide to honour the successes and tell the story of the cultural transformation in the Colombian restaurant and tourism industry.

What makes the Colombian dining experience so special?
Katherine & Sophia: Restaurants are absolutely beautiful in Colombia. There is a lot of focus on elaborate decorations in the restaurants but the food is generally simple recipes with a focus on quality and taste over presentation. And of course the ingredients are completely unique in Colombia with a huge variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat to choose from. For example did you know that there are 36 different varieties of fruit that you can only find in Colombia! The fresh fruit juice options you will find at restaurants are comparable to a wine list you would find in France. Having the Amazon in your backyard drives a big influence!

How have your different cultural backgrounds helped you succeed in Colombia?
Katherine: As a Colombian, I know the restaurant scene very well but I guess it’s sometimes hard to see how special it is since it’s something you’ve known your whole life. However having Sophia’s perspective as a foreigner is like being introduced to your own country all over again and I was able to see my own country through a different set of eyes. Once I learned to stop looking like a local I think we were able to expand our horizons even further.

What impact have you seen since the launch of your guidebook?
Katherine & Sophia: It has been amazing to see how positively the public received the guidebook. We’ve had lots of national press covered in newspapers and magazines across Colombia. The website is now in full swing and even bookstores are calling to stock our guidebook. We are a small team of 3 and its been challenging to keep up with the demand!

How did your studies at HIM contribute to your success?
Katherine & Sophia: Our time at HIM was unforgettable! A highlight would definitely be the opportunity to study in a true international community. Not only did we learn from our teachers but from each other’s cultures and understandings around the world. We all had common interests, but completely different life experiences and learning in this mixed environment made the experience so much richer.

What are your plans for the future?
Katherine & Sophia: The goal is to expand Best Restaurants across Latin America and to become the #1 Guidebook in the region while staying true to our community.