La Fonda, Colombia on a plate
- hogarbrussels
- Mar 12
- 2 min read
It's a well-kept secret among Brussels' Colombian community. In the shadow of the tall buildings of the Place de Brouckère, in an alleyway, you'll find La Fonda, a restaurant offering the great classics of Colombian gastronomy.
Colombian cuisine is the result of numerous fusions and comes in a multitude of regional variations. La Fonda is rooted in the gastronomy of the Antioquia region, a traditional peasant cuisine. The hearty portions are made up of typical regional ingredients: plantains, beans, rice and avocado.
La Fonda's menu features all the great Medellin classics. We decide to take all the starters available: patacones (flattened and fried plantains), maduro con queso (cheese-filled banana), chorizo with arepas and delicious empanadas accompanied by a well-dosed hot sauce.
The main course is bandeja paisa, one of the most famous dishes in Colombian cuisine. Basically, bandeja paisa was a dish that gave the peasants of Antioquia enough energy to work in the fields all day. It's a dish that keeps you going, with all the classic ingredients on the plate: avocado, rice, fried egg, chicharrón (fried pork skin). Special mention goes to the well-seasoned frijoles, served on the side.
For drinks, we choose Colombiana soda and Pony, a sweet malt-based drink, before moving on to Club Colombia and Aguila Colombian beers.
La Fonda doesn't beat about the bush, offering food and atmosphere from... fonda, the popular canteens found throughout Latin America. The walls are covered in Colombian soccer jerseys, the cooking and service is a family business and the TV screens play YouTube cumbia playlists. The menu is designed to offer newcomers a sincere and generous insight into Colombian cuisine, as well as a comforting experience for the Colombian community in Brussels.
The bill is very reasonable, and you'll leave feeling full for just twenty euros per person (cash only). La Fonda is a one-way ticket to Medellin in the heart of Brussels. But be warned, this experience is only available three days a week, from Friday to Sunday.
La Fonda
Rue aux Fleurs 8, 1000 Bruxelles
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