The Afro-Caribbean Influence on Cali's Cuisine
If there's one thing that defines Cali beyond salsa and the weather, it's its cuisine with a soul from the Pacific. The city, being the gateway to the Colombian coastline, breathes the flavors of the sea, coconut, and plantain. But this is no coincidence: the migration of Afro-descendant communities from Chocó, Cauca, and Nariño has woven a network of flavors that today are the heart of local gastronomy. In May 2026, as you walk through the streets of the Obrero neighborhood or the Aguablanca district, the smell of encocado and arroz con coco follows you like a hug. This article is for those who want to go beyond the tourist menu and discover the dishes that tell stories of resistance, celebration, and tradition.
Here you won't find a generic list of restaurants. We will tour the places where local chefs honor grandmothers' recipes, where fried fish is served with patacón, and where viche —an artisanal liquor from the Pacific— becomes a toast. Get ready for an immersion that will make you understand why Cali is also the gastronomic capital of the Colombian Pacific.
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Top 5 Restaurants for Authentic Flavors
Here are five places that are not just restaurants, but temples of Afro-Caribbean culture. Each one has its own stamp, its story, and above all, dishes that will leave you wanting more.
1. El Encanto del Pacífico
Located in the San Fernando neighborhood, this restaurant has been an institution since 1995. Its specialty is the encocado de pescado (from $25,000 COP) and the arroz atollado with shrimp. The atmosphere is family-friendly, with marimba music playing in the background and walls decorated with photos of the Pacific. They are open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 9:00 pm. Don't leave without trying the jugo de borojó, an aphrodisiac fruit that is a tradition in the region.
2. La Casa de la Coco
In the heart of the Granada neighborhood, this spot is famous for its arroz con coco y langostinos (around $35,000 COP). The owner-chef, originally from Tumaco, uses hand-grated coconut and fresh coconut milk. The place is small, with wooden tables and a mural of the ocean. I recommend booking a day in advance, as it fills up quickly. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
3. Sabor del Chocó
In the Obrero neighborhood, this food stall is a well-kept secret. It's more of a fondita than a formal restaurant, but its sancocho de pescado (from $15,000 COP) is legendary. It is served with rice, patacón, and a cilantro chili that awakens your senses. They are open only on weekends, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Arrive early because it sells out fast.
4. Mar y Tierra Pacífico
Located on Avenida 3N, near Parque del Perro, this place combines Pacific dishes with a Caribbean touch. Its cazuela de mariscos (from $40,000 COP) is generous and comes with a side of tostadas de plátano. The chef, a Caleño of Afro descent, studied in Bogotá but returned to his roots. They are open every day, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
5. La Ruta del Viche
More than a restaurant, it's a cultural bar in the San Antonio neighborhood. Here you can try artisanal viche (from $8,000 COP per drink) accompanied by snacks like arepas de choclo con queso and fried fish bites. On Thursdays, there are live marimba nights. It's ideal for an authentic nighttime experience. They are open Wednesday to Sunday, 6:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Emblematic Dishes and Their Stories
Afro-Caribbean cuisine in Cali is not just food; it is memory. Each dish has a story that goes back to the communities that arrived from the Pacific, bringing with them techniques and flavors. Here I tell you about three classics you must try.
El Encocado
Encocado is the king of Pacific cuisine. It is prepared with fish, shrimp, or langoustines cooked in coconut milk, with onion, garlic, bell pepper, and cilantro. Legend has it that Afro-descendant women created it during the colonial era, using grated coconut as a thickener because they had no access to cream. In Cali, you'll find it in almost every restaurant in the area, but the best is at El Encanto del Pacífico.
El Sancocho de Pescado
This thick stew contains fresh fish (usually catfish or mackerel), yucca, plantain, corn on the cob, and potato. It is seasoned with cumin, garlic, and onion, and served with rice and patacón. It's the Sunday family dish. At Sabor del Chocó, they make it just like grandma's: with lots of love and a touch of homemade chili.
El Arroz con Coco y Langostinos
This dish combines rice cooked in coconut milk with langoustines sautéed in garlic and butter. It is a tribute to the Caribbean coast, but with a Pacific touch. At La Casa de la Coco, they use fresh grated coconut, which gives it a creamy texture and a sweet flavor that contrasts with the saltiness of the seafood.
Recommendations from Local Chefs
We spoke with two Caleño chefs who know this cuisine inside out. Their advice will help you choose better and understand the value of each dish.
María del Socorro, chef of "El Encanto del Pacífico"
"The secret of the encocado is in the coconut. Don't use canned coconut milk; grate it fresh and squeeze it with hot water. That gives it the creaminess. And don't be afraid of the chili: a touch of chopped cilantro and sweet chili makes all the difference." María recommends trying the fish encocado at her restaurant, but also suggests going to the Santa Elena market square on Saturdays, where there are stalls selling freshly grated coconut.
Carlos Arturo, chef of "Mar y Tierra Pacífico"
"The seafood casserole is a dish that represents the mix of cultures. It has fish, shrimp, squid, and a thick broth with coconut milk and ripe plantain. If you want something more authentic, order the 'sudado de pescado' which is lighter and served with white rice. And don't forget the viche: it's the region's liquor, made from sugar cane and herbs. You'll find it at La Ruta del Viche."
How to Get There and Transportation
Most of these places are in central neighborhoods or accessible by public transport. Cali has a MIO system (articulated buses) that covers the entire city. To get to El Encanto del Pacífico (San Fernando), take the San Fernando MIO station and walk 5 minutes. La Casa de la Coco (Granada) is a 10-minute walk from the Granada station. Sabor del Chocó (Obrero) requires a taxi from the center (around $10,000 COP). Mar y Tierra Pacífico (Avenida 3N) is near the Parque del Perro station. La Ruta del Viche (San Antonio) is easy to reach by taxi or on foot from the historic center.
If you are coming from Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport, take a taxi or Uber to the center (around $50,000 COP). I recommend using transportation apps to avoid negotiating fares.
Local Tips
- Hours: Most Afro-Caribbean restaurants are open for lunch (12:00 pm to 3:00 pm) and dinner (6:00 pm to 9:00 pm). On weekends, stalls like Sabor del Chocó are only open in the morning. Arrive early to avoid lines.
- Prices: Dishes range from $15,000 COP at fonditas to $40,000 COP at more formal restaurants. Bring cash, as some places do not accept cards.
- Viche: It is a strong liquor (around 30% alcohol). Ask for the "viche de tomaseca" variety if you want something milder. Don't mix it with soda; drink it straight or with lemon.
- Language: Although most people speak basic Spanish, at fonditas like Sabor del Chocó you will find speakers of Afro-descendant languages. Smile and order confidently; kindness is key.
- Climate: Cali is hot (average 30°C). Wear light clothing and bring a water bottle. Restaurants usually have fans, but not air conditioning in the more economical ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is viche and where can I try it?
Viche is an artisanal liquor from the Colombian Pacific, made from fermented sugar cane macerated with herbs like tomaseca, cinnamon, or ginger. It is traditionally consumed in celebrations and rituals. In Cali, you can try it at La Ruta del Viche (San Antonio neighborhood) or at local liquor stores. The price of a drink starts from $8,000 COP.
What is the most representative dish of Afro-Caribbean cuisine in Cali?
Encocado de pescado is the star dish. It consists of fish (usually catfish or mackerel) cooked in a thick coconut milk sauce with onion, garlic, and cilantro. It is served with white rice and patacón. It is a dish that reflects the connection to the sea and the tradition of Afro-descendant communities.
Is it safe to visit the neighborhoods where these restaurants are located?
Yes, generally they are safe during the day. Neighborhoods like San Fernando, Granada, and San Antonio are touristy and have a police presence. Sabor del Chocó is in the Obrero neighborhood, which is popular but it is advisable to go in a group and avoid nighttime hours. Always use public transport or a taxi, and keep your belongings safe. As of May 2026, the city has improved security in gastronomic areas.
Conclusion: A Unique Gastronomic Experience
Afro-Caribbean gastronomy in Cali is not just a meal; it is a way to understand the city's culture. Every bite of an encocado or a sancocho de pescado connects you to the Pacific, to the history of the communities that built this region. Whether you are a gourmet or a cultural traveler, don't settle for the touristy stuff. Go out to the neighborhoods, talk to the cooks, try the viche, and let yourself be carried away by the flavors that make Cali a unique destination.
Ready to live this experience? Book your trip to Cali and discover more about these restaurants at malokal.com. There you will find reviews, photos, and direct contacts so your gastronomic immersion is unforgettable.
What to Do
La Casona del Sabor
This restaurant is a benchmark for Afro-Caribbean cuisine in Cali. Here you can enjoy dishes like sancocho de pescado and arroz con coco, prepared with traditional recipes. Additionally, the atmosphere is cozy and full of local art.
Insider Tip: Don't miss the live music nights they often organize, where you can enjoy Afro-Colombian rhythms while savoring your meal.
El Zaguán
Located in the San Antonio neighborhood, this place offers an authentic culinary experience with a focus on fresh ingredients from the Pacific. Try the ajiaco with avocado, which is a favorite among locals. El Zaguán also stands out for its attention to detail and warm hospitality.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the terrace, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset over the city.