Gastronomy The Ajiaco Santafereño is a typical Colombian dish, specifically from Bogota, and recognized worldwide for its characteristic flavor. Made with a variety of potatoes that grow in different regions and altitudes (from the moorland to the savannah) with the unique flavor of guascas (herbaceous plant used as an aromatic herb), it is a soup accompanied by chicken, corn on the cob, avocado, cream, and capers.
The recipe of the traditional Ajiaco Santafereño is based on the culinary knowledge that rescues the oral traditions, immaterial and beliefs (tells the history of the colonial era).
According to writers, the Muisca ancestors were the creators of this delicious recipe, and, during the years of the colony, the peasants of the Bogota savannah fed mostly on it; in those times the Ajiaco was a mixture of beef or sheep meat, they ate it with a wooden spoon, and it was served in totumas or vessels made of gourd.
Today's Ajiaco Santafereño tastes like chicken, guascas and family. It represents the flavor and culinary tradition of the region and has a place in the hearts of Colombians.
Every year since 2014, the IDT has awarded the best preparations of this dish in restaurants, academies, and marketplaces, without leaving aside the innovators and amateurs. Among the winners, kitchens such as Sopas de Mamá y Postres de la Abuela in 2014, Hotel de la Ópera in 2015, Fundación Escuela Taller de Bogotá in 2016, Plaza de Mercado La Perseverancia in 2017 and Santafé (Macarena) restaurant in 2018 stand out in its “tradition” category. In 2019 Rosita Restaurante won in the “professionals” category and in 2020 a new categorization was established. See all the winners at https://www.idt.gov.co/es/ganadores-dias-de-ajiaco
The venues of the event have covered different iconic scenarios of the city such as: Fundación Escuela Taller, Jardín Botánico, Parque Museo El Chicó, Plaza de Los Artesanos, Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo and Unicafam, among other spaces in Bogota.
This year comes the tenth version of Días de Ajiaco Santafereño with a Festival full of flavor. During a week from November 25 to December 3, 2023, restaurants in the city will sell Ajiaco Santafereño in their establishments for residents, tourists, and visitors to enjoy this delicious dish that exalts the tradition and culture of Bogota.
Check the list of participating restaurants on the Instituto Distrital de Turismo website: www.idt.gov.co and get ready to enjoy this delicious and traditional Bogota recipe.
If you are a restaurant and want to participate, you should be attentive to the registrations that will be open from November 1 to 8 through the Instituto Distrital de Turismo website: www.idt.gov.co and social networks of the entity.
Enjoy the Días de Ajiaco Santafereño from November 25 to December 3 and delight yourself in the feast of the most delicious and traditional dish of Bogota!
