Santiago de Cali, recognized as the world capital of salsa, has in recent years developed a culinary scene that captivates with its authenticity and diversity. Its cuisine reflects its indigenous, Afro-Colombian, and Spanish heritage, combined with the natural bounty of the Valle del Cauca.
Thanks to its privileged location between the Andes and the Pacific, the city offers a culinary experience where intense flavors, unique aromas, and fresh ingredients come together. Iconic dishes such as sancocho de gallina, arroz atollado, aborrajado, marranitas, and chuleta valluna stand out alongside traditional ingredients like plantains, cassava, corn, cilantro, coconut, and seafood.
© Cali Valle Bureau
The Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival is a flagship event designated as intangible cultural heritage. It brings together the traditions and cuisine of the Colombian Pacific region, featuring traditional dishes, encocados, seafood rice, and viche-based beverages, while promoting Afro-Colombian identity and the preservation of its culinary traditions.
© Cali Valle Bureau
Galería Alameda is a leading destination for Cali cuisine, renowned for its wide variety of products—especially fruits—allowing visitors to try a different one every day of the year. It offers an authentic experience featuring flavors from the Valle del Cauca and the Pacific Coast, including traditional dishes, fresh juices, and classic recipes.
© Cali Valle Bureau
The Parque del Chontaduro is an iconic landmark in Comuna 4 that celebrates the chontaduro as a symbol of the Colombian Pacific. Known as the “Embassy of the Pacific,” it offers authentic culinary experiences featuring both traditional and innovative dishes, bringing together local businesses and establishing itself as a cultural and culinary hub in Cali.
© Cali Valle Bureau
Cali is home to nine culinary districts that showcase its culinary and cultural diversity. From sophisticated dining experiences in Granada and Ciudad Jardín to traditional fare in San Antonio, Pance, and Galería Alameda. Neighborhoods like El Peñón and Parque del Perro offer contemporary dining options, while Parque del Chontaduro and Las Canchas Panamericanas highlight authentic, down-to-earth flavors.
In this episode, we take you to Cali, Colombia, a vibrant city filled with flavour, tradition, and culinary stories waiting to be discovered. We’re joined by Catalina García, Executive Director of the Cali Valle Bureau, who shares about the multicultural heritage that shapes the city's culinary identity and highlights how Cali promotes and protects the incredible biodiversity that makes this region so attractive.
Whether you’re a city leader or a food lover, pull up a chair, listen in and discover what makes Cali a Food Capital!
From 20–23 January, The Food Capitals by Délice Network took part in FITUR 2026 in Madrid, one of the world’s leading international tourism trade fairs. The event offered a valuable opportun1
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As we launch into many exciting projects and cooperations for 2026, The Food Capitals looks back on 2025 as a year marked by renewed connections, meaningful collaborations, inspiring events, and key milestones1
Learn moreThrough collaborative projects, annual gatherings, study tours, and continuous exchanges, our network fosters a dynamic community where cities learn from each other, share best practices, and co-create innovative solutions for the future of food and gastronomy.
We invite cities that share our commitment to food-driven urban transformation to join us in shaping a better food future.
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