Sabores Colombianos

If you think you know a lot about Latin American food – especially what certain dishes “should” taste or look like based on familiar names – it’s time to try Colombia’s disarmingly impressive cuisine, especially at a great place. If you’re in the area, say after visiting the San Diego Zoo, we’d recommend trying a bunch of items from San Diego’s Sabores Colombianos to get a sense of what’s different.

Prepare to be surprised by the bright yellow Colombian empanadas, which are deep-fried hot and crispy, rather than flaky, served with herbal aij sauce. Equally amazing are the bunuelos and pandebono, piping hot cheese corn breads that are fried or baked to perfection; we also really like Colombia’s version of arepas, cornmeal pancakes with cheese or meat centers.

The entrees overflow with extras: there are a dozen Latin variations on camarones de ajillo (garlic shrimp), but at Sabores Colombianos, the Colombian version arrives heavy on minced garlic and moderate in oil, while lacking any batter or char. A flattened fried plantain is included, along with a sliced avocado and salad.