A Brief Introduction To Colombia's Menu Del Dia

Menu del Día or Menu of the Day is a Spanish cultural lunch time offer of a set menu, at a cheap price. Menu del Día is not only popular in Spain, but Latin America too: many restaurants in Colombia, Peru and Argentina offer Menu del Día or ‘Ejecutivo’ menu (as it’s sometimes referred to in Colombia).

Menu del Día Origins

Originally a Spanish tradition and law, created by Spain’s fascist dictator Francisco Franco in 1965, this menu was created to offer an affordable, filling and nutritious lunch option for workers. This fixed price lunch option is very popular in Spain: even though it’s no longer a requirement by law, many Spanish restaurants still offer a one or two choice Menu del Día. It often includes a soup or salad for starters, a main meal, drink and sometimes, a dessert. The aim of this menu is to offer well priced meals for workers while still retaining good quality food.

Colombian Varieties

Colombian Menu del Dia © Joshua Heller / Flickr

Restaurants

There are a large number of restaurants offering this option throughout the cities. Many of these restaurants are family run and tend not to have websites, so just advertise to passers by; restaurants with Menu del Día can be identified by an advertisement outside, and popular places can be easily spotted as they will be full of locals between 12pm and 2pm. Small towns tend to offer this menu for a cheaper price than in the city districts.

1. Bogotá

Restaurant, South American, Central American

Marfalitos is a traditional Colombian restaurant offering a lunch time Menu del Día, with three options; chicken, beef or traditional paisa. Located in the La Candelaria neighbourhood this restaurant is unique in decor and atmosphere.

2. Medellín

Restaurant, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

Salud Pan is a unique take on Colombian cuisine, located in Laureles, this popular restaurant has a Menu del Día, with a choice of chicken, fish or vegetables.

3. Cartagena

Restaurant, South American

Restaurante Coroncoro is a perfect combination of Caribbean cuisine and traditional Colombian delicacies. The restaurants Menu del Día is unique and varies from the traditional Colombian with coconut rice and fish.

4. Cali

Restaurant, Fusion, Vegetarian, Vegan, Healthy

El Buen Alimento is a vegetarian restaurant with a Menu del Dia six days a week with six options (including Lasagna and Tamal) all set in a three course meal, ranging from 9,000COP to 14,500COP.

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